Texas Tech University

Course Descriptions

Year 3 | Semester 5

DVM 7130 Theriogenology 2 (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab). This course provides foundational knowledge and develops clinical competence in managing the reproductive health of economically important livestock species, horses, and companion animals. Reproductive diseases and pathologies will be discussed. Students will integrate knowledge from various disciplines to diagnose and manage clinical issues pertaining to the reproductive health of animals on an individual-animal or herd basis.

DVM 7140 Business and Workforce Preparation (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab). This course introduces students to the personal and business financial skills necessary for a successful career. Models of business practice employed in veterinary medicine will be discussed. Strategies for successfully applying for employment, managing the challenges of entering the workforce, and the principles of clinic management will be discussed. The principles of self- management introduced in year one will be reviewed, particularly as they apply to the fourth year and first years after graduation.

DVM 7150 Small Animal Dentistry (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab). The diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of dental diseases of the dog, cat, and exotic pets will be discussed. Students will draw upon foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and radiology to integrate and apply the knowledge they gain in lecture to clinical situations they may encounter in general veterinary practice, and to prepare them for future clinical training.

DVM 7160 Anesthesia and Analgesia Applications (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab). Introduces the student to the principals and practice of veterinary anesthesiology and analgesia in commonly encountered large, small, and exotic animal species. It will focus on local and general anesthesia for low risk animals, with an overall goal of reducing the risk of mortality. Students' knowledge of analgesia and basic critical care will be enhanced.

DVM 7170 Elective: Small Ruminant (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab). Building on the previous semesters, this course prepares the student for small ruminant practice by providing the supplementary knowledge and skills to be a successful small ruminant practitioner. A series of lectures and hands on laboratories will be combined to provide the most successful learning experience.

DVM 7174 Advanced Equine Imaging & Anesthesia (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab). This course will provide students with more in-depth understanding of equine imaging and equine anesthesia. Students will learn the principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positive emission tomography (PET) scan. They will also develop skills to enable prepurchase radiographic examination and interpretation of radiographs as well as ultrasound of specific anatomy of the horse. The principles and technique of performing inhalant general anesthesia in the horse will be covered in the course. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, and case studies, students will develop the skills necessary to perform and interpret imaging studies and safely anesthetize a horse and will learn how to collaborate with other veterinary professionals to share images and diagnostic reports.

DVM 7176 Comparing Pathology and Diagnostic Images (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab). This class is designed to provide students with an opportunity to review and contrast diagnostic images and lesions associated with pathology of domestic animals. The course builds upon foundational knowledge gained in previous courses, and covers topics such as gross pathology, histopathology, ultrasonography, radiography, MRI, and CT scans. Case studies, images, and diagnostic challenges are used to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. By the end of the course, students will acquire skills and knowledge that will improve their antemortem diagnostic abilities. This class is an excellent choice for those that would like to hone their diagnostic skills.

DVM 7178 Advanced Small Animal Imaging (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab).

This course is aimed at veterinary students who are interested in gaining advanced skills in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging including Radiology and Ultrasound.

Part one of the course covers advanced principles and techniques of ultrasound imaging, including echocardiography, abdominal sonography, and Doppler imaging. Students will learn about interpreting ultrasound images, recognizing different tissue and organ structures, and identifying abnormalities. They will also gain practical experience in performing advanced ultrasound procedures and interpreting images using the latest ultrasound equipment.

Part two of the course covers advanced principles and techniques of Radiology including positioning, enhancement of images and the use of contrast mediums on different organs, specifically the GI tract and the urinary system.

The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, and hands-on practical sessions with live animals under the guidance of experienced DVM's, veterinary radiologists, veterinary cardiologists and sonographers.

DVM 7220 Integrated Clinical Reasoning 5 (2 credits, 0 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, 2 hours active learning). A problem-based course where students will develop their problem- solving, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making skills by exploring a series of clinical presentations. Presentations will cover clinical problems, health protection problems, public health/public practice and research problems. Skills will include problem identification, information gathering and assessment, clinical reasoning and problem solving. Students are expected to integrate foundational knowledge from biomedical sciences with clinical sciences, population health science and technical skills to explore and resolve problems. The focus in CP III is on clinical-decision making, including interventions and prognostication. Students synthesize comprehensive treatment or health management plans that take into account therapeutic approaches, outcomes, feasibility, economics, client expectations, compliance, public health, regulations and the environment.

DVM 7300 Equine Medicine and Surgery 2 (3 credits, 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab). Building on the previous semester, this course prepares the student for equine practice by providing the foundational knowledge needed for diagnosing and treating the most common diseases and surgical conditions encountered in horses and related species.

DVM 7310 Clinical and Professional Skills 5 (3 credits, 1 hour lecture, 7 hours lab). Building on Clinical and Professional Skills I and II, students gain experience in clinical evaluations, routine anesthesia, and surgery. Students will perform their first live animal surgery, serve as anesthesiologist, and serve as assistant surgeon. Diagnostic and therapeutic skills, therapeutic interventions, record keeping, case management, and disease prevention knowledge and skills are further developed. Students will be introduced to more complexities related to client communication, conflict management, financial literacy, veterinary team dynamics and engagement, euthanasia conversations, and medical ethics. Students will demonstrate continued development in communication, leadership, and professional skills related to the increasing complexities of the profession.

DVM 7480 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery 2 (4 credits, 4 hours lecture, 0 hours lab). Building on the previous semester, this course prepares the student for small animal practice by providing the foundational knowledge needed for diagnosing and treating the most common diseases and surgical conditions encountered in cats, dogs, and common exotic animals. Principles of emergency medicine will be discussed.

DVM 7392 Food Animal Medicine and Surgery 2 (3 credits, 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab). Building on the previous semester, this course prepares the student for production animal practice by providing the foundational knowledge needed for diagnosing and treating the most common diseases and surgical conditions encountered in cattle, small ruminants, camelids, poultry and swine health.