TECH160-0808 : Large Animal Parasitology

INSTRUCTOR:
Shelley Shopsowitz-Durand, RVT, BA

DATES:
August 26-October 3, 2008
Real Time Sessions: Tuesday evenings, September 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2008; 9:00pm-10:30pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Internal and external parasites have important significance in veterinary medicine. In farm animals they may have devastating economic effects including causing serious illness and even death in animals. Familiarity with the various parasites that affect large animals and an understanding of how they are transmitted is important to the implementation of a good control program. Knowledge of the various testing methods available for diagnosing parasites and being able to perform those tests accurately and reliably is essential for those involved in diagnostic testing. Veterinary technicians and assistants can help clients understand potential parasite events, how they affect the animals and can assist clients in keeping animal parasite loads under control. This course will cover parasitology as it affects horses, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

The course will be presented in four (4) 90 minute real time interactive live sessions and will include online handouts, quizzes, and message board discussion interaction with both the instructor and other course participants. Ms. Shopsowitz-Durand has taught several courses online for VSPN CE and adds this essential component for all veterinary staff in proper collection, sample handling, and diagnostic testing specific to an equine practice.

Upon completion of this course, participants should

• recognize the various internal and external parasites that commonly affect farm animals.
• be familiar with the various testing methods available to diagnose parasites including fecal examination and skin scrapings.
• be able to differentiate ova from the various parasites commonly affecting farm animals.
• recognize common ectoparasites such as mites, ticks and various species of flies.
• be familiar with a number of disease conditions that are caused and transmitted by parasites and understand how to achieve an effective control program to minimize parasite infestations thereby reducing the risks of related pathologies.

TEXTBOOKS: There are no required texts for this course.
The instructor recommends the following texts for adjunctive reading:

• Hendrix, C. M. & Robinson, E. (2006). Diagnostic Parasitology for Veterinary Technicians, 3rd ed. Elsevier Health. VIN Store: https://store.vin.com/custom/edit.asp?p=82172
• Hendrix, C. M. & Sirois, M. (2007). Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians, 5th ed. Elsevier Health. VIN Store: https://store.vin.com/custom/edit.asp?p=82284
• Zajac, A. M. & Conboy, G. A. (2005). Veterinary Clinical Parasitology. 7th ed. Blackwell Publishing. VIN Store: https://store.vin.com/custom/edit.asp?p=99687

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: Endoparasites
Content: We will look at the different types of endoparasites that can potentially affect large animals. We will review representative life cycles with the intent of increasing the students' understanding of how parasites are transmitted in order to enhance their ability to comprehend and communicate effective control programs

Week 2: Ectoparasites
Content: We will look at the various types of ectoparasites that may affect large animals. We will include in our study mites, ticks, lice and various species of winged insects

Week 3: Pathology of disease as it relates to endo- and ectoparasites
Content: Disease conditions related to parasite infestations - both ecto and endoparasites will be considered. Colic in horses, warbles in cattle as well as serious diseases such as West Nile disease are examples of pathologies to be covered

Week 4: Laboratory diagnostics
Content: Testing for parasites. Fecal examinations for endoparasites, skin scrapings and visual identification of ecto and endoparasites will be included. Implementing a control program including deworming and management procedures will be discussed.

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: 6

TUITION:
$117 ($105.00 early bird special if registered before August 12, 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

** Click on "How To's of Online CE" and "Polices & Procedures" for more on how our online CE works

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 submitted for approval for 6 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 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
VSPN CE Services
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-297-4950

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