- Catalog Home >
- College of Veterinary Medicine >
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences
This is an archived copy of the 2024-2025 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.
Professional Program of Study
For the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine leading to the degree doctor of veterinary medicine, see Veterinary Medicine, Curriculum.
The curriculum of veterinary clinical sciences explores the preventive health care, and diagnosis and treatment of diseases of companion and competitive athletic animals. Veterinary specialists lead didactic and laboratory based learning in the clinical sciences. Experiential based courses conducted through the Veterinary Medical Center during the fourth year provide the student an opportunity to participate in the application of clinical skills and knowledge.
Graduate Study
The department offers work for the degree master of science with major in veterinary clinical science, and minor work for students majoring in other departments. Within the veterinary clinical sciences major, the student may specialize in veterinary medicine, surgery, or theriogenology. The D.V.M. degree or equivalent is prerequisite to a major graduate work.
Both thesis and nonthesis options are available and require the completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits and a final examination.
World languages and cultures requirements may be established by the student’s program of study committee.
Courses
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Special topics in Ophthalmology.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 1-12. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
International Preceptorships and Study Abroad Group programs. Provides opportunities for students to be involved in applied clinical, production, and/or research experiences in international locations. The course consists of 40 hour per week experiential learning opportunities.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Courses for graduate students:
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Repeatable.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Detailed principles of clinical radiology with particular reference to radiographic interpretation.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Principles of general medicine. A study in depth of factors that contribute to the development of clinical signs as related to the pathogenesis of disease.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
An advanced study of metabolic diseases.
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Graduate Level Research.
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Graduate Level Research.
Courses primarily for professional curriculum students:
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
An elective course designed to educate the veterinary student about issues of relevance to companion animal population and shelter medicine and welfare. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: Required. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Introduction to the veterinary profession and the various career opportunities available. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
A continuation of the Veterinarian in Society series. The course covers selected topics on moral and ethical issues affecting the practice of veterinary medicine. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
A continuation of the Veterinarian in Society series. This course will focus on helping students develop their communication, leadership, team building and conflict resolution skills. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
A continuation of the Veterinarian in Society series. This course will emphasize veterinary law. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1.
Provide advanced instruction in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. General learning objectives include demonstrating the ability to utilize information from the physical exam and historical findings to direct appropriate diagnostics and staging based on a specific cancer diagnosis. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Allows students to gain veterinary experience through military service. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 0. Repeatable.
Educational experiences for veterinary students to supplement traditional didactic and clinical training at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with BMS 7339).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Laboratory 2.
Canine physical examination; basic behavior, animal handling and restraint; medical record keeping. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: Required. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Repeatable.
Seminars and case presentations on selected clinical subjects by fourth-year students of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Attendance is required for a passing grade. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Evaluation of morphologic anatomy of the dog and cat utilizing clinical imaging methods - radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear imaging. Emphasis will be placed on normal radiographic anatomy. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.5, Laboratory 1.
General principles of surgery of companion animals. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Laboratory 3.
General principles of surgery of companion animals. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Small animal surgery. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
This elective course is an introduction and overview of the clinical aspects of common conditions in horses and related conditions, including pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. It is not designed to teach the student how to perform specific procedures, but rather to improve knowledge base of students interested in equine or mixed animal practice. Class will include lecture, photos, video presentations, and other formats. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Anesthetic equipment, agents and procedures, including pain management for core species. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Principles and techniques of medical and surgical ophthalmology. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Elective course in diagnosis and management of cardiac diseases. Emphasis on interpretation of electrocardiography. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 0.5, Discussion 0.5.
Elective course in clinical cardiology. Emphasis on common congenital and acquired cardiac diseases of companion animals. Builds on foundation of basic clinical cardiac knowledge obtained in VCS 7444; expands to cover additional diseases in greater depth (e.g. infective endocarditis, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, heartworm disease, feline arterial thromboembolism, bradyarrhythmias and cardiac pacing, congenital heart diseases and interventional correction). Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Introduction of common topics in emergency and critical care in companion animals. General learning goals for students in this course include developing the ability to utilize physical exam skills and historical findings to triage patients and assess stability. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Laboratory 3.
Elective course in management and diseases of pet birds and exotic species. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Topics covering the health and welfare of non-domestic animals in captivity. Regulations specific to exotic animal ownership and exhibition will be covered. Students will discuss diseases which affect multiple taxon groups, and learn about interface diseases. Specific topics regarding the veterinary care of exotic canids, felids, ungulates, primates, Old-World Camelids, exotic equids and avian species will be discussed. Laboratories will introduce remote-delivery and restraint devices, dangerous animal handling techniques (including venomous snake handling techniques), contraception for non-domestic animals, and extra-label use of medications and vaccines in non-domestic species. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Elective course in feline internal medicine. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Elective clinical assignment in oncology.
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Elective course in small animal and equine nutrition. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Laboratory 2.
Elective course in dermatology. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 2-6. Contact Hours: Laboratory 6.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Elective course in veterinary practice under the guidance of veterinarians in approved practice settings. Maximum of 6 credits in 2 credit increments. Instructor Permission needed if not a VM4 classification. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: Required. Repeatable.
External practical experiences in the fourth year curriculum for additional professional development of the veterinary student. Instructor Permission needed if not a WM4 classification. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Credits: 2-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Elective course in veterinary practice under the guidance of trained zoo veterinarians in approved practice settings. Maximum of 12 credits. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 2.
Opportunity for 4th year veterinary students to learn appropriate restraint techniques, radiographic positioning and interpretation, emergency triage, physical examination, and surgical skills for exotic companion animals (birds, rodents, rabbits, ferrets and pet reptiles) and wildlife. The course will also include rabbit dentistry techniques. The purpose of this course is to give students the tools to be more comfortable in the handling, diagnostics, and treatment of exotic animals and native wildlife species. (Typically Offered: Summer)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases of small animals. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Repeatable.
A 2-week elective rotation at an animal shelter/humane society that works with the public to place pets in homes. This rotation will encompass population medicine (medicine, surgery, intake, adoption, behavior and temperament, neglect and cruelty) that animal shelters deal with on a daily basis. The selected animal shelter/humane society must have a veterinarian(s) on staff and be approved by the course coordinator. More than one VCS 7437 may be taken upon approval of the course coordinator.
Credits: Required. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Rotating assignments through multiple sections within the Veterinary Medical Center. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2.
Elective clinical assignment in rehabilitation.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Laboratory 2.
Orthopedic diseases of the equine. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 4. Contact Hours: Lecture 4.
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases of small animals. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases of equine. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 2. Repeatable.
Clinical rotation in neurology with an emphasis on neurolocalization, disease processes, use of diagnostics in medical and surgical neurology and treatment options. Exposure to neurosurgical techniques.
Credits: 2. Repeatable.
Hands on experience with equine veterinary diagnostic skills related to theriogenology, medicine, surgery, radiology, and ophthalmology. Preference to equine track student. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 2, Laboratory 2.
Essentials of diagnostic image interpretation. Essentials of radiobiology, radiation therapy and protection from radiation. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Laboratory 6.
Repeatable.
This laboratory introduces the student to anesthetic and surgical principles and techniques that can be applied to all animal species. Provides a broader range of surgical experiences throughout the laboratory. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Laboratory 6.
Repeatable.
8 weeks. Continuation of surgical laboratory experience. Techniques and advanced principles learned are applicable to all animal species. Exposure to more advanced surgical techniques with most surgical principles. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Laboratory 6.
Repeatable.
8 weeks. Continuation of surgical laboratory experience. Techniques and advanced principles learned are applicable to all animal species. A second repeat for students with a special interest in small animal surgery. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Repeatable.
Study of clinical dermatological problems via computer-aided instruction, case simulations, and/or lectures. Clinical management of cases presented to Veterinary Medical Center. Instructor Permission needed if not a VM4 classification.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 6.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Clinical assignment in small animal medicine.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 6.
Repeatable.
Clinical assignment in soft tissue surgery.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 6.
Repeatable.
Clinical assignment in orthopedic surgery.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Repeatable.
Clinical assignment in equine medicine.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Repeatable.
Clinical assignment in equine surgery.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Small Animal Overpopulation Medicine and Surgery: Capital City Humane Society, Lincoln NE.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 6.
Repeatable.
Clinical assignment in veterinary radiology.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 6.
Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Clinical experience in hospital based general practice.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Repeatable.
Clinical assignment in equine ambulatory practice.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Elective clinical assignment on the principles and practices of normal and therapeutic horseshoeing and equine foot care.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 6.
Repeatable.
Clinical assignment in small animal and large animal anesthesiology.
Credits: 4. Contact Hours: Laboratory 12.
Repeatable.
Clinical assignment to provide supervision of hospital cases requiring intensive care and including emergency cases.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 6.
Repeatable.
Clinical assignment in ophthalmology.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Repeatable.
Elective clinical assignment in cardiology.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Repeatable.
Assignments in equine, small animal, and large animal anesthesiology. Experience includes case work-up, management and recovery. Understanding of the unique physiology and potential complications of anesthetized patients. Pharmacology of commonly used drugs. Specific protocols and management for both field and general anesthesia.
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Repeatable.
Assignments in equine, small animal, and large animal anesthesiology. Experience includes case work-up, management and recovery. Understanding of the unique physiology and potential complications of anesthetized patients. Pharmacology of commonly used drugs. Specific protocols and management for both field and general anesthesia.
Credits: 2-4.
The general teaching objective of the equine emergency rotation is to provide the opportunity to apply basic medical and surgical knowledge in emergency clinical situations. This clinical rotation is supplemented with hands-on and case-based rounds to provide the opportunity to develop clinical integrative reasoning and technical skills that are essential in emergency practice. .
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Elective clinical assignment in intensive care. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
All aspects of veterinary dentistry, prophylaxis, endodontics, and orthodontics. This course is an on-line course. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 4.
Clinical rotation in equine dentistry with an emphasis on routine equine dental examinations, specialized equipment, and corrective procedures. Offered only offered for one 2-week rotation. Enrollment is limited. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2.
Two week rotation for fourth year veterinary students working with equine patients both in the hospital and field settings. This rotation includes a community service component, which will include lecture time on relevant topics and a veterinary service trip to the Crow Creek Tribal Reservation in Fort Thompson, SD. Five-day trip, providing experience in preparing, setting up, and running an equine and small animal veterinary clinic to serve the tribal community.
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Independent Study in veterinary medicine focusing on basic / translational research or learning issues. Enrollment in this course is not appropriate for clinical experiences in the Veterinary Medical Center or extramural experiences in clinical veterinary practice (i.e., preceptorships).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Repeatable.
8 weeks. Predeparture orientation for group study abroad. Cultural considerations for the study abroad experience and a conversational language introduction. Out of class work may be assigned. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: Required. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Seminars and case presentations on selected subjects by fourth year students of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Completion of a seminar presentation is required for graduation. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
International Preceptorships and Study Abroad Group programs. Opportunities for students to be involved in applied clinical, production, and/or research experiences in international locations. The course consists of 40 hour per week experiential learning opportunities.