TECH154-0208: Equine Anatomy and Physiology

INSTRUCTOR:
Cindy Ann Shower, DVM

DATES:
February 12-April 23, 2008
Real Time Sessions: Sunday evenings, February 17, 24, March 2, 9, 16, 30, April 6 and 13 (no class March 23), 2008; 9:00pm-10:30pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to give the basic understanding of equine anatomy and normal physiology. Special attention will be given to understanding form versus function when discussing each lesson. Each lesson will be designed around a system approach with discussion of the anatomy of a body system and then the physiology of the system presented.

Ann Shower, DVM is a solo mixed species practitioner in Franklin, North Carolina. From alpacas to wallabies, her practice, Leap of Faith Mobile Veterinary Services provides veterinary care for 4 counties in Western North Carolina. She has a special interest in equine medicine and surgery and raises Ponies of the Americas when off duty.

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to

• use correct terminology to describe an anatomical location.
• identify major anatomical landmarks on the equine skeletal system and the physiological function of the skeletal system.
• describe the equine gastrointestinal system and its function.
• describe the equine cardiopulmonary system and its function.
• identify the normal anatomy of the equine eye and its physiological function.
• describe normal equine neural anatomy and understand normal neurological function.
• describe normal equine endocrine anatomy, its physiology, and its purpose.
• describe the equine immune system, its components, and its function in the equine.
• identify the differences in male and female reproductive organs and functions.

TEXTBOOK: There is a required PDF for this course.

• Online PDF library for Equine Anatomy and Physiology found at TheHorse.com: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=7317 (middle of the page; download in 12 parts or the entire PDF. This PDF download is free - sponsored by the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians)

The instructor also recommends the following:

• Pasquini, C., Reddy, V. K., Ratslaff, M. (1991). Atlas of Equine Anatomy, 3rd ed. SUDZ Publishing. Purchase through any bookstore.
• Kainer, R. A. & McCracken, T.O. (1998). Horse Anatomy, A Coloring Atlas, 2nd ed. Alpine Publications: Denver. Purchase through any bookstore.
• Either a veterinary physiology text or human physiology text will be a great asset in understanding function of major body systems. Clinical Anatomy & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians by Colville and Bassert is an excellent text and can be purchased through the VIN store at: https://store.vin.com/custom/edit.asp?p=82133
• The Glass Horse - DVDs available through by contacting Jane Tyrie: jetto2jr@aol.com. The distal limb and the digestive system are recommended.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: Overview of anatomical Terms and the Integument
Our first lecture will include an overview and review of basic anatomical terms. We will also cover the integument (skin) of the horse, its structure and function.

Week 2: Musculoskeletal System Part 1
The first half of musculoskeletal system will focus on the overall skeleton of the horse with emphasis on major landmarks. The major muscle groups of the back, neck, head, shoulder and pelvis will be discussed.

Week 3: Musculoskeletal System Part 2
The second half of musculoskeletal system will finish up on part 1 and then proceed to a deeper discussion of the structure and function of the equine limb.

Week 4: Cardiopulmonary System
These lectures will emphasis the anatomy and physiology of the heart, lungs, and vasculature system of the horse. The lymphatic system will also be covered during this section. Special emphasis will be placed on the cardio respiratory adaptations of the equine during exercise. (time permitting)

Week 5: Gastrointestinal System
The gastrointestinal system anatomy, its function, and its limitations will be discussed. Although not a disease oriented course colic will be discussed.

Week 6: Ophthalmology/Neurology
Anatomy of the nervous system and the equine eye will be discussed. Special adaptations of the equine eye will be mentioned. Basic normal physiology of both systems will be covered.

Week 7: Endocrine/Immunology:
The endocrine system, its purpose and its physiology will be covered. The immune system, its structure, purpose and physiology will be covered.

Week 8: Reproduction
Anatomy of the male and female equine reproductive systems will be described. Physiology of both systems along with emphasis on the estrus cycle, spermatogenesis, and fetal development will be covered.

LIBRARY MATERIALS:
Library materials will be made available prior to the topic week so participants will have plenty of time to prepare for the real time sessions and discussion.

MESSAGE BOARD DISCUSSIONS:
Message board discussions regarding the topic presented will begin on the day the course opens and continue for one week following the last real time session. These discussions will be held in the VSPN CE course area.

CE HOURS: 12

TUITION:
$234 ($211.00 early bird special if registered before Jamuary 29, 2008).
*Students currently enrolled in and taking at least 2 classes or 5 units at an AVMA accredited or CAAHT approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status). You must include the following information in the comments section of the CE enrollment form in order to be eligible for this discount: your program director's name and contact information (email/phone) and school name.

** NOTE: Registration will be closed when the maximum number of participants is reached or at 5pm ET the day of the first real time session.

** Minimal computer requirements for participating in VSPN and VPSNCE: http://www.vspn.org/CE/MinReqs.htm

**For More Information on how our online CE courses work please read the following:
How to's of online CE: http://www.vspn.org/CE/VSPN_M02233.htm
Policies and Procedures: https://www.vin.com/Members/VSPN/Library/Misc/VSPN_M06292.htm

TO REGISTER:

1. Each enrollee must individually be a registered member of VSPN or VIN (www.vspn.org). Membership in VSPN is free; VIN membership includes VSPN membership.
2. To enroll in any VSPN CE course click on the ENROLL NOW link below the course title on the right side of the page at www.vspn.org/CE
3. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. This is our major form of communication with participants. It is highly recommended that course participants use their own, personal emails rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
4. VIN Member veterinarians SHOULD NOT register for their staff. Please have the staff member register through VSPN. Please email VSPNCE@vspn.org if you have questions.

Note: "This course has been submitted (but not yet approved) for 12 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education. Call VSPN CE at 1-800-700-4636 for further information." (Attendees are encouraged to check with their licensing jurisdiction(s) for information regarding recognition by their board).

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COURSE WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY: Withdrawal prior to the listed start date of a course entitles the registrant to a complete refund or a credit toward a future VIN CE course, whichever is preferred. Withdrawal within 1 week after the listed start date (i.e. including no more than one real-time session) entitles the registrant to a credit toward any future VIN CE course. (Does not apply to courses with only one real-time session.) After the first real-time session, a registrant may withdraw due to special circumstances and receive prorated credit towards a future VIN course. These requests will be handled on an individual basis. The amount of the prorated credit will be determined based on 65% of the time remaining in the course at the time of withdrawal. It is not possible to withdraw retroactively.
Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you call the VIN office at 1-800-700-INFO (4636).

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Nanette R. Walker Smith, M.Ed., RVT, CVT, LVT
VSPN Content Director & CE Coordinator
VSPNCE@vspn.org
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-297-4950, ext 187

Charlotte Waack (Charlotte@vspn.org), ext 193
Chris Upchurch (Chris@vspn.org), ext 197 VSPN CE Services
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-756-4881

**For More Information on VSPN's upcoming CE Courses, check out http://www.VSPN.org/CE

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