Bergen Community College Veterinary Technology Program Course Title: Veterinary Pharmacology Course Number: Vet 112 Program Affiliation: Veterinary Technology Credits: 3 Lecture Hours: 2 Recitation Hours: 1 Prerequisites: Admission into the professional segment of the Veterinary Technology Program; Proficiency in mathematics, as evidenced by a satisfactory score on the College Placement Test or completion of remediation Course Description A study of pharmacology and its practical applications, this course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of drugs and other substances used in the treatment of diseases and medical conditions. Emphasis is on classification of drugs based on their effects and therapeutic usage, potential side effects with use, sources of drugs, standards and regulations, weights and measures, conversions, labeling, and pharmacy maintenance. In addition, the student will review selected pharmacologic toxicities. Course Goals To introduce the student to the prudent use of therapeutic agents and sources of drug information To familiarize the student with the terminology used in describing therapeutic agents, drug names and dosage forms To define the veterinary technician s role in proper preparation, packaging, labeling and dispensing of medications To teach the student pharmaceutical calculations To explain appropriate routes and methods of drug administration To teach the student the safe and proper handling and storage of drugs in the pharmacy To introduce the student to the guidelines for drug compounding
To provide the student with an understanding of drug pharmacokinetics and the principles of pharmacology, including drug absorption, distribution within the body, biotransformation, and elimination To teach the student to recognize general types and groups of drugs including those that affect the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, endocrine organs, nervous system, reproductive system, as well as antiparasitics, antimicrobials, antiinflammatories, and topical agents To teach the student to differentiate between normal and abnormal responses to medication To enable the student to differentiate prescription drugs from over-the-counter drugs Performance Objectives Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to: List the types of drug names and dosage forms Describe the sources of drug information Use and understand the terminology of pharmacology Describe the information listed on drug package inserts and in drug references List the items that should be on a drug label List the government agencies involved in the regulation of animal health products and understand the DEA requirements for storing and dispensing controlled drugs Understand pharmacy orders as well as prepare medications; label and package dispensed drugs as prescribed by law; and properly record in the medical record Accurately convert measured weights, volumes and lengths within (and between) the metric, household and apothecary systems Perform pharmaceutical math calculations: oral and parenteral dosing, solutions, dilutions, dehydration deficits, fluid requirements, and IV fluid drip rates Relay drug information to clients, including handling, storage, administration, side effects, drug interactions, safety, reasons for use of drug List and describe the various routes of drug administration Understand the techniques for administering medications, the common routes, and how to document the administration Explain the procedures for handling and storage of drugs List common sources of drugs used in veterinary medicine Define the difference between prescription and over-the-counter drugs Discuss in basic terms, the mechanisms by which drugs produce their effects in the body Describe the way in which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted
Review the general physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, and how its function can be altered by drugs Discuss the mechanics of vomiting and how it can be pharmacologically induced or alleviated Describe the pathophysiology of diarrhea and how it can be controlled List drugs associated with the gastrointestinal system and understand their action Describe the pathophysiology of heart disease Discuss the actions and potential side effects of antiarrhythmics, positive inotropes, vasodilators and diuretics and how they exert their effects on the heart List the protective mechanisms of the respiratory system and the way in which antitussives, mucolytics, expectorants, and decongestants work, as well as the potential uses of bronchodilators, respiratory stimulants, and other drugs associated with the respiratory system Understand the physiology of the nervous system and how drugs affect this system List the different types of analgesics, tranquilizers, sedatives, and anesthetics and explain how they exert their effects Discuss the different types of anticonvulsant medications and precautions for use Describe the characteristics of a good euthanasia agent Describe the types and classes of antimicrobials and strategies for their use Understand the action of antimicrobials, the development of bacterial resistance, and their potential side effects Describe various antiparasitics, their clinical applications and precautions for use Understand how inflammation is mediated Describe the types of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, their clinical applications and precautions for use Discuss the endocrine glands and understand drugs associated with various endocrine diseases, including thyroid diseases and diabetes mellitus Discuss the drugs that regulate the estrus cycle and pregnancy Identify the different classes of topical ophthalmic and otic preparations and the possible adverse reactions and contraindications of each List the categories of antineoplastic drugs and discuss the safety precautions involved in their use Discuss the use of various drugs used in dermatologic conditions, including antipruritics, antiseptics, fatty acid supplements, and medicated shampoos
Course Materials Primary: Bill, Robert L: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics for the Veterinary Technician, 3rd ed; St. Louis, 2006, Mosby Inc. Bill, Robert L: Medical Mathematics and Dosage Calculations, 1 st ed; Ames, Iowa, 2000, Iowa State University Press Supplemental: McCurnin, Dennis, Bassert, Joanna: Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 7 th edition; Philadelphia, 2010, Elsevier Saunders Plumb, D: Veterinary Drug Handbook, 4 th edition; Ames, Iowa, 2002, Iowa University Press Wanamaker B, Pettes, CL: Applied Pharmacology for the Veterinary Technician, 3 rd edition; Philadelphia, 2004, Elsevier-Saunders Teaching Methodologies Classroom activities will include lecture with power point slides, audiovisual aids, questions, and active clinical case discussions. Recitation will include active case-based pharmaceutical math problem solving as appropriate to the subject matter. Course Website Vet 112 is a "web-enhanced" class. The class has its own website, and each member of the class has an account for the website. The BCC online course management system is known as "Moodle." To enter go to: www.bergen.edu and use the quick links dropdown box in the upper right and select Moodle. Enter your username and password. You must log into your course using the following guidelines for your username and password. This is the only way you can enter your course do not change your username or password or you will not be able to log in. Your username is the same username as your Webadvisor username. If you are uncertain of your username, go to http://go.bergen.edu, click on Webadvisor for Students, then click on What s my ID? and follow the prompts. Your password will be up to the first 8 letters of your last name and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number up to 12 characters - (no hyphens, capital letters, spaces or apostrophes) Example: John O'Shaughnessy & SS# 107-35-1234 = oshaughn1234
Unless you are on campus, you are responsible for providing your own Internet access and email account throughout the course. Please refer to the Technical Requirements at: http://www.bergen.edu/pages/482.asp. Important Troubleshooting Information 1. If you are unable to access some parts of your course, check your Browser from the Check Browser link on the login page and follow the instructions. 2. A frequently reported issue with login to Moodle is the use of pop-up blockers and firewalls. You must adjust both of these to trust content from our Moodle website: http://dl.bergen.edu for a step-by-step document on how to adjust your Internet Explorer pop-up blocker options, please go to the Student Support Page, linked on the Moodle login page. If you need assistance with adjusting your firewall, please contact either your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the provider of your firewall software/hardware. If you still cannot login to Moodle, please call the 24/7 Helpdesk, toll free at 1-877-612-5381. Lecture & Math Recitation Grading Criteria There will be three unit exams and a comprehensive final examination given at times selected and announced in advance by the instructor. Students are expected to take exams as scheduled. Failure to attend a scheduled examination requires the student to contact the instructor within 3 days of the scheduled exam date AND provide a written bona fide excuse for the absence. In the case of a verifiable excused absence (e.g. medical), the instructor will provide a make-up exam which will be administered in the testing center on a date provided by the instructor. Format for a make-up exam may be different from the classroom exam. Failure to contact the instructor within this given time frame and provide documentation will result in a grade of 0 for that exam. The final grade for the course will be determined as follows: LECTURE: 65% of final grade Quizzes & Assignments 15% Exam #1 10% Exam #2 10% Exam #3 10% Comprehensive Final Exam 20% IMPORTANT NOTE: Students must achieve an overall minimum of 76% in lecture to achieve a passing grade for the course. Failure to accomplish this goal will result in a failure for the course, regardless of the recitation grade. RECITATION: 35% of final grade
IMPORTANT NOTE: A comprehensive examination will be administered on pharmaceutical mathematics, which will be announced in advance. If a minimum grade of 81% is not attained, the student will be referred for remedial assistance. Two additional opportunities to pass an equivalent exam with a grade of 81 or above will be permitted. Failure to accomplish this goal will result in a failure for the course, regardless of the lecture grade. Veterinary Program Grading Policy: 91-100 = A 88-90 = B+ 83-87 = B 80-82 = C+ 78-79 = C <78 = F Clinical Competency Evaluations In addition to the regular coursework required, students will complete clinical competencies for a list of essential skills associated with the course topic, as dictated by the AVMA accrediting body. Students will work individually (or in groups where indicated) to achieve a satisfactory competence level necessary for each required skill. All skills performed during the semester will be evaluated by the instructor, who will provide a signature after the successful completion of a task. A list of skill sets will be available in the Veterinary Technology building for ongoing review. Students must perform ALL the essential skills required in this course. If any essential task is not completed satisfactorily, the student must meet with the instructor and make arrangements to complete a skill/task. If a course skill remains unsatisfactory by the semester s end, a failure will be administered, and the course will need to be repeated. You will also be required to meet with the program director to determine your progression through the program. Exams Unit exams will cover lecture material (including readings, related articles where applicable, clinical case related discussions, any handouts and related media). Exams will be given in a combination multiple choice and short answer clinical case formats. Lecture Outlines Outlines are designed to supplement the lecture series and are not meant to serve as a replacement for attending class. Use of the outlines is recommended to follow the power point presentations.
Assignments/quizzes Assignments and/or quizzes will be given throughout the semester with notification of due date they are posted on Moodle with corresponding opening and closing dates. You should check Moodle frequently, as LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE & TIME. Study Tips There are study questions located on the web course site that may assist you in obtaining the learning objectives. In addition, there are self-assessment questions at the end of each chapter of the required readings. Although I recommend that you complete the questions, they will not be handed in for a grade. There is a list of drugs at the end of each chapter as well I will highlight some of these drugs in lecture. You may wish to make a drug chart for each drug listed the nonproprietary and trade name; drug class; common administration routes; therapeutic (major) use along with its general mechanism of action; warnings, contraindications, common side effects, and any important drug interactions or special handling. You should approach the drug chart from the standpoint of a client receiving a medication for their pet (i.e. not too technical) the technician plays a role in fielding client questions regarding medications. The charts will be for your study use (they will not be handed in for a grade). These drugs may appear in some form during a lecture discussion and/or written examination. It may also provide you with a nice study review for the board examination. Veterinary pharmacology is an expansive and ever-changing branch of medicine. We will cover many systems throughout the semester. To assist you in your study, I recommend you form study groups. You are welcome to meet in the library (check availability of study rooms) or in the veterinary technology building (check hours posted at the building). Articles related to veterinary pharmacology will be placed on Moodle (Readings & Resources) throughout the semester and recommended to enhance your learning experience in a particular topic. If you have any concerns, comments for discussion, or need assistance, please feel free to contact me (see hours under contact information). Attendance Policy Attendance and classroom participation are of utmost importance. Students are expected to be present and on time for all classes. Attendance will be taken in lecture and in recitation. Whether you are late or absent for a particular class, you are responsible for all material covered in your absence. This material should be obtained from a classmate. Greater than 3 absences (lateness > 20 minutes will count as ½ absence) will result in a failing grade for the course, regardless of your final grades. You will also be required to
meet with the program director in the event this should happen. If you are late, I expect you to enter the classroom quietly and without interruptions. You can contact me at the break for any handouts or announcements you may have missed. Student Accommodations Students who require accommodations by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can request support services from the Office of Specialized Services of Bergen Community College, Room L-116, Pitkin Education Center, 201-612-5270 or www.oss@bergen.edu. Deadline for accommodations is posted at this site. Rules and Regulations Governing Conduct Each student is expected to obtain a copy of the Bergen Community Student Handbook and is responsible for knowing the information included in the Handbook. Copies are available in the Office of Student Life, the Welcome Center, evening office, and on the Bergen Web site. In addition, each student accepted in the Veterinary Technology Program is expected to obtain a copy of the Veterinary Technology Student Handbook and is responsible for knowing the information included in this Handbook. Copies are available through the program director. All students and faculty are governed by college rules and regulations. Please refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding codes of conduct. Academic Integrity Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity. Please refer to the current Student Handbooks for details related to academic integrity/discipline. Lecture Topical Outline* WEEK 1 Introduction to Pharmacology o Terminology o Drug names, labels, and dosage forms o Federal Laws regarding the dispensing of drugs o Toxicities WEEK 2 Principles of Pharmacology o Dosing Regimen & Therapeutic range o Routes of Drug Administration o Prescriptions o Controlled Drugs, OTC, & Compounding WEEK 3 Pharmacokinetics o Drug absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion WEEK 4 Drugs affecting the Cardiovascular System o Antiarrhythmics, positive inotropes, negative chronotropes, vasodilators o Diuretics
o Miscellaneous WEEK 5 Unit Exam WEEK6 Drugs affecting the Respiratory System o Antitussives, mucolytics expectorants, decongestants o Bronchodilators o Miscellaneous WEEK 7 Drugs affecting the Gastrointestinal Tract o Emetics, anti-emetics, antidiarrheals, laxatives o Antacids and antiulcer drugs o Ruminatorics and antibloat medications WEEK 8 Antimicrobials o Classes and mechanisms of action o Goals of therapy, resistance, residues WEEK 9 Unit Exam WEEK 10 Drugs affecting the Nervous System o Tranquilizers, sedatives, analgesics, anesthetics overview o Anticonvulsants o CNS stimulants o Behavior Modifying Drugs WEEK 11 Antiparasitics o Therapies for endoparasites o Therapies for ectoparasites WEEK 12 Antiinflammatory Drugs o Glucocorticoids o NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) o Nutraceuticals o Miscellaneous WEEK 13 Unit Exam; Antineoplastic Drugs WEEK 14 Endocrine and Reproductive Drugs o Endocrine and reproductive hormones o Endocrine diseases & therapies o Growth promoting hormones o Anabolic steroids WEEK 15 Final comprehensive examination *subject to change *a detailed course outline is also provided including reading assignments on Moodle Recitation Topical Outline Working in the pharmacy: correctly interpreting drug orders; packaging and labeling medications Metric, apothecary and household measures and conversions Drug dosages & administration o Oral
o Parenteral Solutions Dilutions Fluid requirements and IV drip rates Client education: discharge instructions; drug administration; safety, and proper handling Drug inventory Medical record: correct reporting of medications administered or dispensed Lecture Contact Information Dr. Cynthia Rockafellow Associate Professor Program Veterinarian Office #S-336A Office phone: 201-493-5016 E mail: crockafellow@bergen.edu Relevant addresses and additional contact information: Health Professions Division Veterinary Technology Program 400 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652-1595 Health Professions Fax#: 201-612-3876 Veterinary Technology office (program director): 201-612-5389 Veterinary Technology lab room: 201-493-3764 Office Hours: Room S-336A Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 12:30-1:30 pm or by appointment (please call in advance to set up an appointment) Math Recitation Contact Information Instructor Lisa Picht, CVT Office: Veterinary Technology Building Office phone: 201-493-3765 E mail: lpicht@bergen.edu Office hours TBA Last revised 1/13