District of Columbia Veterinary Tech Continuing Education

• Identify bacterial antimicrobial resistance mechanisms for resisting antimicrobial agents
• Discuss the molecular basis for bacterial antimicrobial resistance
• Explain laboratory methods for detecting and measuring antimicrobial resistance

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed from Antimicrobial Resistance in Veterinary Medicine 210 through Antimicrobial Resistance in Veterinary Medicine 213

Parts 1-3

• Demonstrate understanding of how preconditioning and other preventive management procedures can reduce the frequency of antibiotic treatments for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD).
• Describe the components of a good preconditioning program and how BRD can be prevented in the feedlot.
• Describe how preventing BRD tends to cost less than clinical treatments with antibiotics.

• Describe medicated milk replacer and how it is regulated under the Veterinary Feed Directive.
• Identify antibiotics that historically were most commonly added to medicated milk replacer.
• List the disadvantages associated with using medicated milk replacer.
• Describe proper management and preventive medicine that are critical to long-term calf health.
• Describe a good colostrum management program for dairy calves.

• Describe the management practices that can prevent scours in calves, such as high quality colostrum management, sanitation and proper isolation procedures.
• Explain the proper role of antimicrobial agents in treating calves with scours.

• Discuss the general guidelines for the judicious use of antibiotics in the treatment of mastitis.
• Describe the factors to consider in the selection of an antimicrobial drug for mastitis treatment.
• Outline the preventive measures that may be taken on a dairy farm with regards to mastitis.
• Discuss proper indications for the use of antimicrobials for contagious mastitis in dairy cattle.
• Demonstrate understanding of the need to follow proper treatment protocols when using an antibiotic to treat individual cows for contagious udder pathogens.
• Explain how somatic cell counts and culture results are used to formulate a herd antibiotic treatment plan for contagious udder pathogens.
• Describe how antimicrobial treatment of contagious udder pathogens can be greatly reduced in herds by using effective mastitis prevention and control programs.
• Recognize the futility of using antibiotics to treat cases of contagious mastitis if the cow is to be returned to a herd where she will quickly become reinfected.

• Identify the frequency of antimicrobial use in small animal practice
• Summarize the classes and types of antimicrobials commonly used in small animal practice

• Describe the association between antimicrobial use and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance
• Demonstrate understanding of the use of bacterial culture with antimicrobial susceptibility testing as an important diagnostic tool to support antimicrobial therapy

• Identify how antibiotics are frequently used in the pocket pet industry and how the use of antibiotics in pocket pets may select for antimicrobial resistance
• Discuss how animal and human health may both be impacted by antimicrobial resistance
• Describe how veterinarians in agriculture departments work with veterinarians and other health professionals in local, state, and federal health departments to investigate and control zoonotic disease
• Summarize how the use of antibiotics may select for the dissemination of gene cassettes conveying resistance to multiple antibiotics

• Discuss how antibiotics are frequently used in treatment of canine pyoderma
• List the factors to be considered when choosing antibiotic therapy
• Identify the underlying causes of canine pyoderma and possible diagnostic and treatment options
• Describe the importance of bacterial culture and susceptibility testing, and effective communication with the client
• Demonstrate understanding of how animal and human health can both be affected by antibiotic resistance

• Discuss the use antibiotics to treat feline lower urinary tract disease
• List factors that need to be considered when using antibiotic therapy in cases of feline lower urinary tract disease
• Identify the importance of bacterial culture results in the selection of an antibiotic

• Be aware of the guidelines for feline upper respiratory infections set by the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID)
• Name the underlying causes of feline upper respiratory infections
• Determine the appropriate diagnostic tests and interpretations for cases of feline upper respiratory infection
• Explain when the use of antibiotics is appropriate for cases of feline upper respiratory infections and which 2 antibiotics would be appropriate to use empirically
• Identify 3 alternative treatment options for antibiotics in cases of feline upper respiratory infection and describe when these treatment options are appropriate

• Outline how antibiotics were discovered and what drives the discovery of new antimicrobial drugs.
• Define and differentiate the following related terms: antibiotic, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antiparasitic, and antifungal.
• Describe the different mechanisms of action for antimicrobial drugs, and associate these mechanisms with the common classes of antimicrobial drugs.
• Explain pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic factors that affect dose and duration of treatment needed to provide effective therapy for bacterial infections.
• Describe some important considerations in prescribing antimicrobial drugs to successfully treat infections in animals without promoting microbial drug resistance.

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system.
• Explain to clients how cardiovascular disease affects the patient.
• Explain diagnostic and treatment plans to clients.
• Answer clients’ questions concerning the medications needed by the patient.
• Explain the basic anatomic arrangement of the mammalian digestive system.
• Relate changes in the digestive system to the development of disease symptoms.
• Explain to owners why their pet is ill and how the problem is best treated.
• Explain the interrelationship between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
• Understand the clinical pathologic changes that occur with each endocrine disease.
• Describe how the absence of a specific hormone can have clinical effects on the animal.
• Explain to owners the treatment regime necessary for their pets.
• Explain the structures of the eye and the purpose of each.
• Describe how changes from normal result in clinical disease.
• Discuss and demonstrate the proper treatments for common eye problems in small animals.
• Describe the cellular components of blood.
• Relate changes in blood components to common blood diseases seen in dogs and cats.
• Discuss with owners treatment options for specific blood dyscrasias seen in dogs and cats.
• Describe the arrangement and importance of the skin as an organ.
• List common ectoparasites that produce skin disease in companion animals.
• Demonstrate the ability to explain parasite control for the most common ectoparasites.
• Relate diagnosis and treatment of skin lumps and bumps, for example,tumors,abscesses, and cysts.

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system.
• Explain to clients how cardiovascular disease affects the patient.
• Explain diagnostic and treatment plans to clients.
• Answer clients’ questions concerning the medications needed by the patient.
• Explain the basic anatomic arrangement of the mammalian digestive system.
• Relate changes in the digestive system to the development of disease symptoms.
• Explain to owners why their pet is ill and how the problem is best treated.
• Explain the interrelationship between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
• Understand the clinical pathologic changes that occur with each endocrine disease.
• Describe how the absence of a specific hormone can have clinical effects on the animal.
• Explain to owners the treatment regime necessary for their pets.
• Explain the structures of the eye and the purpose of each.
• Describe how changes from normal result in clinical disease.
• Discuss and demonstrate the proper treatments for common eye problems in small animals.
• Describe the cellular components of blood.
• Relate changes in blood components to common blood diseases seen in dogs and cats.
• Discuss with owners treatment options for specific blood dyscrasias seen in dogs and cats.
• Describe the arrangement and importance of the skin as an organ.
• List common ectoparasites that produce skin disease in companion animals.
• Demonstrate the ability to explain parasite control for the most common ectoparasites.
• Relate diagnosis and treatment of skin lumps and bumps, for example,tumors,abscesses, and cysts.
• Describe how muscles and bones act together to result in purposeful movement.
• List various musculoskeletal problems with respect to bone, muscle, joint, or combinations of each as the cause.
• Discuss various musculoskeletal problems, treatments, therapy with clients.
• Know what diagnostic tests are needed for the diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases.
• Describe the arrangement of the nervous system.
• Relate the dysfunctions of various portions of the nervous system to diseases seen in companion animals.
• Discuss symptoms and treatments of neuronal disease with clients.
• Relate the specific cause of disease with the pansystemic clinical signs seen in dogs and cats.
• Initiate the proper safety methods to prevent spread of these transmissible or infectious dis-eases within the clinic.
• Discuss with clients the necessity of an effective vaccination program.
• Explain how environment and husbandry conditions affect the health of the young or immunosuppressed older pet.
• Explain to clients the health reasons for ovariohysterectomy or castration of their pets.
• Recognize the problem areas in the reproductive system of the male and female and relate them to the clinical symptoms.
• Advise clients on pregnancy-related problems.
• Review the anatomy of the respiratory system.
• Recognize the difference between the upper and lower respiratory diseases.
• Discuss with owners the prescribed medications and treatments commonly used for respiratory diseases in the small-animal clinic.
• Recommend vaccination to owners as a way to prevent some of the viral and bacterial respiratory diseases.
• Explain the anatomy of the urinary system and the functions it performs.
• Describe how bacterial and viral infections can occur and how these may lead to the formation of stones.
• Identify the most commonly seen canine bladder stones.
• Explain the benefits of castration as it relates to prostate disease in the male dog.
• Discuss the cause of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs.

• Describe how muscles and bones act together to result in purposeful movement.
• List various musculoskeletal problems with respect to bone, muscle, joint, or combinations of each as the cause.
• Discuss various musculoskeletal problems, treatments, therapy with clients.
• Know what diagnostic tests are needed for the diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases.
• Describe the arrangement of the nervous system.
• Relate the dysfunctions of various portions of the nervous system to diseases seen in companion animals.
• Discuss symptoms and treatments of neuronal disease with clients.
• Relate the specific cause of disease with the pansystemic clinical signs seen in dogs and cats.
• Initiate the proper safety methods to prevent spread of these transmissible or infectious dis-eases within the clinic.
• Discuss with clients the necessity of an effective vaccination program.
• Explain how environment and husbandry conditions affect the health of the young or immunosuppressed older pet.
• Explain to clients the health reasons for ovariohysterectomy or castration of their pets.
• Recognize the problem areas in the reproductive system of the male and female and relate them to the clinical symptoms.
• Advise clients on pregnancy-related problems.
• Review the anatomy of the respiratory system.
• Recognize the difference between the upper and lower respiratory diseases.
• Discuss with owners the prescribed medications and treatments commonly used for respiratory diseases in the small-animal clinic.
• Recommend vaccination to owners as a way to prevent some of the viral and bacterial respiratory diseases.
• Explain the anatomy of the urinary system and the functions it performs.
• Describe how bacterial and viral infections can occur and how these may lead to the formation of stones.
• Identify the most commonly seen canine bladder stones.
• Explain the benefits of castration as it relates to prostate disease in the male dog.
• Discuss the cause of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs.

• Discuss the epidemiology of 53 conditions (Abortions to Burns) affecting the horse
• Recognize the clinical presentation of 53 conditions (Abortions to Burns) affecting the horse
• Differentially diagnose 53 conditions (Abortions to Burns) affecting the horse
• Apply therapeutic goals and treatments of 53 conditions (Abortions to Burns) affecting the horse
• Discuss prognosis and outcomes of 53 conditions (Abortions to Burns) affecting the horse
• Educate clients about conditions (Abortions to Burns) affecting their horse

• Discuss the epidemiology of 51 conditions (Candidiasis to Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate) affecting the horse
• Recognize the clinical presentation of 51 conditions (Candidiasis to Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate) affecting the horse
• Differentially diagnose 51 conditions (Candidiasis to Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate) affecting the horse
• Apply therapeutic goals and treatments of 51 conditions (Candidiasis to Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate) affecting the horse
• Discuss prognosis and outcomes of 51 conditions (Candidiasis to Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate) affecting the horse
• Educate clients about conditions (Candidiasis to Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate) affecting their horse

• Discuss the epidemiology of 42 conditions (Early Embryonic Loss to Fumonisin Toxicosis) affecting the horse
• Recognize the clinical presentation of 42 conditions (Early Embryonic Loss to Fumonisin Toxicosis) affecting the horse
• Differentially diagnose 42 conditions (Early Embryonic Loss to Fumonisin Toxicosis) affecting the horse
• Apply therapeutic goals and treatments of 42 conditions (Early Embryonic Loss to Fumonisin Toxicosis) affecting the horse
• Discuss prognosis and outcomes of 42 conditions (Early Embryonic Loss to Fumonisin Toxicosis) affecting the horse
• Educate clients about conditions (Early Embryonic Loss to Fumonisin Toxicosis) affecting their horse

• Discuss the epidemiology of 49 conditions (Gasterophilus to Hypoxemia) affecting the horse
• Recognize the clinical presentation of 49 conditions (Gasterophilus to Hypoxemia) affecting the horse
• Differentially diagnose 49 conditions (Gasterophilus to Hypoxemia) affecting the horse
• Apply therapeutic goals and treatments of 49 conditions (Gasterophilus to Hypoxemia) affecting the horse
• Discuss prognosis and outcomes of 49 conditions (Gasterophilus to Hypoxemia) affecting the horse
• Educate clients about conditions (Gasterophilus to Hypoxemia) affecting their horse

• Discuss the epidemiology of 64 conditions (Ileus to Myonecrosis) affecting the horse
• Recognize the clinical presentation of 64 conditions (Ileus to Myonecrosis) affecting the horse
• Differentially diagnose 64 conditions (Ileus to Myonecrosis) affecting the horse
• Apply therapeutic goals and treatments of 64 conditions (Ileus to Myonecrosis) affecting the horse
• Discuss prognosis and outcomes of 64 conditions (Ileus to Myonecrosis) affecting the horse
• Educate clients about conditions (Ileus to Myonecrosis) affecting their horse

• Discuss the epidemiology of 87 conditions (Nasal Polyps to Pythiosis) affecting the horse
• Recognize the clinical presentation of 87 conditions (Nasal Polyps to Pythiosis) affecting the horse
• Differentially diagnose 87 conditions (Nasal Polyps to Pythiosis) affecting the horse
• Apply therapeutic goals and treatments of 87 conditions (Nasal Polyps to Pythiosis) affecting the horse
• Discuss prognosis and outcomes of 87 conditions (Nasal Polyps to Pythiosis) affecting the horse
• Educate clients about conditions (Nasal Polyps to Pythiosis) affecting their horse

• Discuss the epidemiology of 61 conditions (Rabies to Spinal Injury) affecting the horse
• Recognize the clinical presentation of 61 conditions (Rabies to Spinal Injury) affecting the horse
• Differentially diagnose 61 conditions (Rabies to Spinal Injury) affecting the horse
• Apply therapeutic goals and treatments of 61 conditions (Rabies to Spinal Injury) affecting the horse
• Discuss prognosis and outcomes of 61 conditions (Rabies to Spinal Injury) affecting the horse
• Educate clients about conditions (Rabies to Spinal Injury) affecting their horse

• Discuss the epidemiology of 63 conditions (Splenic Abscess to Zygomycosis) affecting the horse
• Recognize the clinical presentation of 63 conditions (Splenic Abscess to Zygomycosis) affecting the horse
• Differentially diagnose 63 conditions (Splenic Abscess to Zygomycosis) affecting the horse
• Apply therapeutic goals and treatments of 63 conditions (Splenic Abscess to Zygomycosis) affecting the horse
• Discuss prognosis and outcomes of 63 conditions (Splenic Abscess to Zygomycosis) affecting the horse
• Educate clients about conditions (Splenic Abscess to Zygomycosis) affecting their horse

• Briefly discuss the importance of veterinarians in public health
• Briefly discuss the importance of veterinary parasitology
• Describe the important types of symbiotic relationships
• Become fluent in the language of veterinary parasitology
• Utilize the Linnaean classification scheme within the discipline of veterinary parasitology
• Define and describe terms associated with veterinary parasitology and give examples of parasites that exemplify these terms
• Understand that many types of living “creatures” are capable of parasitizing domesticated, wild, exotic, and laboratory animals
• Understand that the Linnaean classification scheme is an important tool for studying veterinary parasitology

• Briefly discuss the importance of nematodes in veterinary practice
• Describe the important external morphologic features for identifying nematodes
• Name the important parts of the male nematode’s reproductive system
• Name the important parts of the female nematode’s reproductive system
• Determine which reproductive system (male or female) is more important in veterinary parasitology (diagnostically speaking)
• Describe the four types of nematode eggs
• Determine the difference among these reproductive terms: oviparous, ovoviviparous, and larviparous
• Describe the “typical life cycle” of a representative nematode
• Explain the difference between a direct life cycle and an indirect life cycle
• Remember scientific names and corresponding common names for major parasites affecting domestic and laboratory animals
• Recognize pathology produced by nematodes of domesticated and laboratory animals
• Recognize ova and distinctive larval stages of major parasites affecting domestic and laboratory animals
• Understand the life cycles of: Canine roundworm (Toxocara canis), Canine hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), Canine whipworm (Trichuris vulpis), Canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis),  Feline heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis),  Ruminant lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus), Equine roundworm (Parascaris equorum), Equine large and small strongyles (Strongylus vulgaris)

• Describe the appropriate steps to take in addressing an injured animal
• Recognize common bandaging and splinting techniques
• Explain the indications for and the procedures involved in blood component therapy 
• Outline the diagnosis and treatment of intracellular fluid deficit and electrolyte imbalance
• List vascular access techniques and central venous catheters and explain indwelling catheter maintenance
• Describe signs of acute pain and methods of assessment, management and prevention
• Compare and contrast common pharmacological agents used to control pain
• Outline the emergency management of the abdomen
• Explain the potential causes of anaphylactic shock and complications of anesthetics use and their treatment

• Recognize the common causes of burn injuries and initial interventions
• Tabulate abnormalities of cardiac rhythm, physiology and structure in feline and canine patients
• Describe common disorders of the male and female genitalia and reproductive tract
• Identify the signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal emergencies
• Describe the treatment and management of acute gastrointestinal disorders
• Identify the etiology, signs and symptoms of systemic metabolic emergencies
• Outline common medical emergencies of the central and peripheral nervous system
• List ocular emergencies requiring immediate treatment

• Recognize the clinical signs of neoplastic disease
• Describe an organized response to poison and toxin ingestion
• Plan the physical examination when poisoning or toxin ingestion is suspected
• Identify the clinical signs and treatment for common agents that are poisonous to dogs and cats
• Summarize the differential diagnosis of respiratory emergencies
• Outline the emergency care of respiratory diseases
• List the classification and care of superficial wounds
• Describe the clinical signs and management of shock

• Define glaucoma
• List the risk factors to developing glaucoma
• Describe the classification scheme for glaucoma
• Differentiate congenital, primary and secondary glaucoma
• Explain the theories for the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of primary glaucoma

• Define primary glaucoma
• Recognize the signs of primary angle closure glaucoma
• Describe methods for diagnosing primary angle closure glaucoma
• Summarize the benefits and disadvantages to the various methods used to evaluate the iridocorneal angle
• List the common techniques used to evaluate the optic disc and the retinal nerve fiber layer

• Summarize the incidence of feline glaucoma
• Outline the etiology of secondary glaucoma
• Describe the clinical signs of feline glaucoma
• Explain the medical management of feline glaucoma
• Compare and contrast the surgical management of feline glaucoma

• Describe aqueous humor production
• Outline the anterior/trabecular or conventional outflow pathway
• Differentiate the structures of the trabecular meshwork
• Identify factors that influence outflow through the trabecular meshwork
• Explain the uveoscleral or unconventional outflow pathway
• Summarize factors that can create resistance to outflow through the uveoscleral pathway

• Describe the mechanism of action of parasympathomimetic drugs
• Summarize the clinical use and contraindications to the use of adrenoreceptor medications
• Outline the approaches to prophylactic therapy
• Explain how common glaucoma medications have a neuroprotective effect
• Identify some emerging therapies and delivery systems to treat glaucoma in dogs

• Describe the mechanisms of aqueous outflow
• Describe the morphology observed in goniodysgenesis
• Explain the concurrent histological findings associated with primary glaucoma
• List factors that can lead to the misinterpretation of the histological findings in primary glaucoma
• Summarize the changes observed in the posterior segment

• List the surgical treatments for treating canine glaucoma
• Describe the most common surgical approach for decreasing aqueous humor production
• Explain how diode laser energy is applied in treating glaucoma
• Summarize the advantages to performing endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation
• List the postsurgical complications observed in cyclophotocoagulation therapy

• List the surgical procedures aimed at controlling intraocular pressure
• Describe how gonioimplants are used to decrease intraocular pressure by diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber
• Explain how medical treatments are required in the long-term management of surgical filtering procedures
• Recognize common complications that can lead to gonioimplant failure
• Describe the role of wound healing modulation in the successful management of postoperative filtering devices
• Identify surgical procedures for the nonvisual eye

• Associate the traditional Chinese medicine metaphors to the corresponding Western physiology and anatomy concepts
• Compare and contrast the concepts of Qi, Yin, Yang, Zang and Fu
• Recognize the relationship between Zang and Fu organs and their association with the Cooking Pot Analogy
• Relate how a deficiency of a particular source of Qi may produces multiple manifestations and health effects
• Describe the concept of pulse diagnosis
• Summarize the similarities and differences in taking the History of Present Illness
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of behavioral disorders
• Identify the correspondence of modern Western therapeutic herbal supplements to traditional Chinese medicine remedies.
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm, the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of behavioral and emotional disorders
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approachs to dermatological disorders based on the theory of excess or deficiency

• Identify the correspondence of modern Western nutritional approaches and therapeutic herbal supplements to traditional Chinese medicine remedies
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of Digestive Disorders
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm, the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of Digestive Disorders
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approaches to Digestive Disorders based on the theory of excess or deficiency
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of Ear Disorders
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm, the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of Ear Disorders
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approaches to Ear Disorders based on the theory of excess or deficiency
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of Endocrine, Hematological and Immunological Disorders
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm, the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of Endocrine, Hematological and Immunological Disorders
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approaches to Endocrine, Hematological and Immunological Disorders based on the theory of excess or deficiency

• Identify the correspondence of modern Western nutritional approaches and therapeutic herbal supplements to traditional Chinese medicine remedies
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of Infectious Diseases
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm and the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of Infectious Diseases
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approaches to Infectious Disease based on the theory of excess or deficiency
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of Liver and Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm and the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of Liver and Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approaches to Liver and Musculoskeletal Disorders based on the theory of excess or deficiency
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of Neoplastic Disorders
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm and the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of Neoplastic Disorders
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approaches to Neoplastic Disorders based on the theory of excess or deficiency

• Identify the correspondence of modern Western nutritional approaches and therapeutic herbal supplements to traditional Chinese medicine remedies
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of Neurological and Ophthalmologic Disorders
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm and the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of Neurological and Ophthalmologic Disorders
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approaches to Neurological and Ophthalmologic Disorders based on the theory of excess or deficiency
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of Liver and Respiratory Disorders
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm and the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of Liver and Respiratory Disorders
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approaches to Liver and Respiratory Disorders based on the theory of excess or deficiency
• Compare the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm to the modern Western medicine theories in the etiology of Reproductive and Urological Disorders
• Recognize in the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm and the similarity of etiology for a wide variety of Reproductive and Urological Disorders
• Differentiate the traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic approaches to Reproductive and Urological Disorders based on the theory of excess or deficiency

• Assess the history of traditional acupuncture and its application to veterinary medicine
• Describe the anatomy of acupoints
• Relate the classification of acupoints to organ systems
• Explain the neurophysiological basis of acupuncture
• Analyze the current research on acupuncture as it relates to veterinary practice
• Outline the Eastern concepts of acupuncture
• Describe the traditional Eastern approached to diagnosis and treatment
• Use the methods of classification by The Five Elements, The Eight Conditions and Zang – fu theory to develop a treatment formula
• Recognize the various techniques of acupuncture and the types of instrumentation employed
• Summarize the principles of Point Selection

• Identify the canine acupuncture points
• Correlate the canine acupuncture points to the associated cutaneous nerve
• Differentiate disease causations in dogs based on Western and traditional Chinese medicine approaches
• Describe the components of the canine examination in traditional Chinese medicine
• Explain the diagnosis and treatment of specific canine musculoskeletal disorders using traditional Chinese medicine
• Outline the use of acupuncture for canine neurological disorders
• Describe the implementation of acupuncture for the treatment of thoracolumbar and cervical disk disease in small mammals
• Explain trigger point treatment in dogs
• Summarize the efficacy of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disorders and heart disease in small animals
• Outline the approaches used in traditional Chinese medicine to critical care situations in dogs

• Compare and contrast the study and treatment of gastrointestinal, reproductive, immunological and dermatological disorders from Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives
• Explain the theory and evidence for the effects of acupuncture on gastrointestinal, reproductive, immunological and dermatological function
• Identify the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal, reproductive, immunological and dermatological disorders according to the patterns of the Eight Principles, vital substances, Zang-fu organs, pathogenic factors, channels and the four level theory on heat-induced disease
• Describe the recommended acupuncture treatment for gastrointestinal, reproductive, immunological and dermatological disorders
• Assess the evidence for the the use of acupuncture in surgical and postoperative analgesia
• Identify the acupuncture points used to induce analgesia in specific anatomical locations
• Explain the technique of gold bead implantation
• Summarize the differences and similarities in applying acupuncture to avian and mammalian patients
• Outline the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal remedies in treating the avian patient
• Describe the theory and principles of auricular therapy in animals

• Explain the similarities and difference in the traditional versus the transpositional approach to equine acupuncture
• Compare and contrast the location and function of the traditional Chinese back Shu points with the transpositioanl Shu points
• Identify the location and function of the traditional Chinese acupuncture points in horses
• Define the traditional Chinese medicine approaches of the Eight Principles, the Zang-fu Organs and the Five Elements
• Identify the location and function of the transpositional acupuncture points in horses
• Contrast the principles of diagnosis from a Western and traditional Chinese medicine perspective
• Outline the components of the traditional Chinese acupuncture examination
• Integrate the various approaches in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese acupuncture in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and chronic back pain in horses
• Describe the etiology and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders of horses within the traditional Chinese medicine paradigm
• Develop traditional Chinese medicine treatment formulas for general conditions in the horse using the Eight Principles
• Explain the theory of Ting point therapy and Thoresen coronary band therapy
• Describe the methods of palpation for and the treatment of Ting points and Thoresen coronary band therapy points
• Diagnose conditions using the Eight Principles based on inspection, hearing and smelling, inquiry and palpation
• Critique the Whole-Horse approach to acupuncture in performance horses
• Explain proper saddle fitting and how improper fitting can result in low back pain
• Describe the application of traditional Chinese medicine to equine sports medicine
• List the muscles of the horse, their associated meridians and their Zang-fu organ relationships
• Outline the basic principles of force, motion and material strength in biological tissues and apply them to the biomechanics of the horse
• Summarize the application of traditional Chinese acupuncture to cattle
• Identify the acupuncture points in the pig