TECH155-1009 : Reptile Hematology

INSTRUCTOR:
Jenni Jenkins-Perez, LVT, CVT

DATES:
October 14-November 6, 2009
Real Time Sessions: Tuesday evenings, October 20 and 27, 2009; 9:00pm-10:30pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to help the veterinary technician understand the basics of reptilian hematology. Topics covered include sample collection locations from snake, lizard, and chelonian species and how to perform smear and stain techniques. Students will also learn the basics of performing manual erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, and differential evaluation. This course will focus on reptilian blood cell identification and students are encouraged to bring their own images of reptilian blood cells to post on the message boards for discussion and/or identification. Common hemoparasites seen in various species of reptiles will also be covered briefly; abnormal blood cells will not be covered other than to identify they are not normal.

Jenni Jenkins-Perez, LVT, CVT has years of experience both in practice and personally with reptiles and amphibians. The course will have two (2) 90-minute online sessions covering reptile hematology, online quizzes and suggested reading. All veterinary technicians and assistants interested in reptile hematology are welcome to take this course and join in on the online discussions. Having a basic knowledge of avian hematology is helpful, but not required. Space is limited so enroll early.

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

• identify the different locations for blood collection in reptiles.
• understand why certain anticoagulants are preferred over others in reptile species.
• describe and explain the smear and stain techniques needed for successful blood cell identification.
• distinguish basic erythrocyte and leukocyte counts using manual methods and which method is most accurate for reptile species.
• identify the various blood cells and be able to perform a differential evaluation.

TEXTBOOKS: There are no required texts for this course; however, the instructor will supply a list of suggested references in the course area library:

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: Sample collection, preparation, staining, and blood cell counting techniques.
Content: This session will include blood collection sites commonly used with snakes, lizard, and chelonian species. Other topics covered this week include how to make blood smears adequate enough for differential evaluation and which stains are most effective for staining reptilian blood. The basics of how to perform the Natt-Herrick's method of blood cell counting and why it is preferred in the reptile over the Leukopet method are also discussed. How to perform white blood cell estimates will also be covered.

Week 2: Cell identification, differential Evaluation, and hemoparasite identification.
Content: A continuation of the blood cell counting methods will be covered from Week 1.
This week's session will focus on identification of the reptilian blood cells and how they differ in structure and function from both mammalian and avian blood cells. The various hemoparasites seen in reptiles will be discussed briefly.

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: 3

TUITION:
$60 ($54 early bird special if registered before September 30, 2009).
*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: Enrollment will be closed when the maximum number of participants is reached or at 5pm ET the day of the first real time session.

**The Participant's Resource Center includes all you need to know about online CE with VIN and VSPN.

TO REGISTER:

1. Each person must individually be a registered member of VSPN (www.vspn.org). Membership in VSPN is free.
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 approved for continuing education credits 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 VSPN or 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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** For More Information on VSPN's upcoming CE Courses, check out http://www.VSPN.org/CE

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
Darci Palmer (Darci@vspn.org); ext 179
Debbie Bess (DBess@vspn.org); ext 178
VSPN CE Services
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-297-4950

[ CE MAIN | COURSE CATALOG | RACE/GETTING CREDITS | ONLINE CE HOW TO | SUGGEST A COURSE | VIN MAIN ]

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