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Mar 24, 2026
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VETN 255 - Vet Emergency & Critical Care
PREREQUISITES: Program Chair Approval
PROGRAM: Veterinary Science
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 2
LAB HOURS MIN: 2
TOTAL CONTACT HOURS MIN: 64
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall 2025
This course introduces veterinary nursing students to the principles and practices of emergency and critical care medicine. Students will gain practical and theoretical competence in triage, stabilization, and ongoing nursing management of critically ill or injured patients across species, including small animal, avian, and exotic patients. Emphasis will be placed on pathophysiology, patient assessment, fluid therapy, oxygen delivery, monitoring techniques, and communication with the veterinary team and clients during crisis situations.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:
- Perform primary and secondary triage using evidence-based prioritization systems.
- Provide effective monitoring and supportive care to critically ill or injured patients.
- Administer and calculate fluid therapy plans and blood transfusions.
- Demonstrate safe use of oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.
- Implement isolation and infection-control procedures.
- Recognize and manage patients in various states of shock.
- Assist in and perform CPR following RECOVER guidelines.
- Identify and provide nursing interventions for major categories of emergency presentations.
- Communicate effectively with clients and veterinary professionals during emergent situations.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -
- Introduction to ECC nursing principles
- Roles of the veterinary nurse in emergency care
- Triage systems (Primary vs. Secondary)
- Initial patient assessment (TPR, MM/CRT, perfusion parameters)
- Critical patient monitoring parameters (ECG, BP, SpO₂, EtCO₂, temperature)
- Nursing care plans for ICU patients
- Fluid therapy principles and IV catheterization techniques
- Types of shock (hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, obstructive)
- Recognition and management of shock states
- Blood collection, crossmatching, and transfusion procedures
- Oxygen delivery systems (flow-by, mask, oxygen cage, nasal cannula)
- Indications for and monitoring of mechanical ventilation
- CPR and RECOVER review (BLS/ALS algorithms)
- Cardiovascular emergencies (arrhythmias, cardiac tamponade, CHF)
- Respiratory emergencies (upper vs. lower airway, pleural effusion, pneumothorax)
- Hematologic emergencies (IMHA, coagulopathies)
- GDV, parvovirus, foreign bodies
- Urethral obstruction, acute kidney injury
- DKA, Addisonian crisis, insulin overdose
- Seizures, head trauma, spinal injury
- Dystocia, pyometra, eclampsia
- Ocular trauma and proptosis management
- Common toxins (xylitol, rodenticides, lilies, chocolate, antifreeze)
- Avian and small-mammal triage and stabilization
- Isolation protocols and biosecurity
- Client communication and compassion fatigue
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GRADING POLICY
A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = <60
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