Download AHT EQUIVALENCY ASSESSMENT SERVICES GENERAL

AHT EQUIVALENCY ASSESSMENT SERVICES
GENERAL VETERINARY KNOWLEDGE EXAM
Below are outcomes and objectives that will serve as a framework for a written examination.
The exam is multiple choice and computer based.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
• Describe and compare the basic anatomy and physiology of cells and tissues
• Describe and explain the normal and pathological structure and function of the circulatory
system
• Describe and explain the normal and pathological structure and function of the lymphatic
system
• Describe and explain the normal and pathological features of the respiratory tract of
domestic animals
• compare and contrast the features of normal and abnormal skeletal anatomy and
physiology
• Describe and explain the normal and pathological structure and function of the different
joints
• Identify and describe the important normal and pathological features of the equine and
bovine limbs
• Identify and describe the major muscles, their physiological structure and function, and the
common muscle diseases of cattle and horses
• Describe the normal anatomy of skin, the diagnostic tests used in dermatology, the process
of wound healing, and the principles of treatment of wounds
• Describe and explain the normal anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive tract in
domestic animals and the veterinary procedures related to prepare to assist with same
procedures
• Describe and explain the normal anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive tract
in domestic animals and the veterinary procedures related to it in preparation to assist with
said procedures.
• Explain the normal workings of the endocrine system, as well as provide client education
and veterinary assistance concerning common pathologic conditions affecting it.
• Describe the normal anatomy and function of the digestive systems of the domestic
animals, and locate each major component of each at necropsy
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Describe the normal anatomy and function of the urinary systems of the domestic animals,
and locate each major component at necropsy
Describe the normal anatomy and function of the CNS & PNS (Voluntary & Involuntary
Branches; Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Aspects).
Understand the effects of common diseases upon cells, tissues, and the following body
systems in ruminant and non-ruminant animals: skeletal, muscular, nervous,
cardiovascular, central vascular, digestive, lymphatic, respiratory (including avian),
excretory, reproductive, endocrine, integumentary and senses.
Normal physiology rates (respirator rate, heart rate, blood pressure etc. ) with focus on
canine, feline, bovine and equine species, may also include caprine, ovine, porcine, cervids
and avian
ANIMAL DISEASES
• Summarize each of the 8 feline infectious diseases including: Respiratory Disease,
Panleukopenia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline
Immunodeficiency Virus, Hemobartonellosis, Toxoplasmosis and Feline Plague.
• Summarize each of the 9 equine diseases and vaccines presented including: Respiratory
Diseases Rhinopneumonitis and Influenza, Pneumonia in Foals, Strangles, Tetanus,
Western and Eastern Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, Equine Viral Arteritis, Equine
Infectious Anemia, Potomac Horse Fever, Vesicular Stomatitis.
• Summarize each of the following diseases: Cat Scratch Fever, Hantavirus Infection,
Cryptosporidium and other zoonotic diseases found in AB.
• Summarize each of the Bovine Respiratory Diseases including Undifferentiated Bovine
Respiratory Disease, Shipping Fever Pneumonia (Pneumonic Pasteurellosis),
Hemophilosis, Infectious Bovine rhinotracheteitis (IBR), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD),
Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), Mycoplasm Pneumonia and Enzootic Calf
Pneumonia
• Summarize the following bovine diseases Clostridial Disease, Scours, Footrot, Infectious
Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK; aka Pinkeye), Campylobacteriosis (Vibriosis) and
Neosporosis, Johne’s Disease, Woody Tongue and Lumpy Jaw
• Summarize the following reportable bovine diseases Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
(BSE, aka Mad Cow Disease), Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Anthrax, Anaplasmosis and
Bluetongue
• Describe and explain bovine mastitis disease process and treatment.
ANAESTHESIA
• Understand the indications, advantages, and disadvantages, effects on the body and the
associated adverse side effects of the commonly used pre-anaesthetics and inhalant and
injectable anaesthetic agents.
• Describe the stages and planes of general anaesthesia
• Describe monitoring parameters used for monitoring during anaesthesia
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Be familiar with the parts of anaesthetic machine and how to use it including the
advantages and disadvantages of rebreathing and non re-breathing systems, and precision
and non-precision vaporizers. Understand the important concepts of analgesics, muscle
relaxants, assisted and controlled ventilation, fluid therapy and monitoring acid-base
balance and proper oxygenation.
Use injectable or inhalation agents to induce a premedicated patient into general
anaesthesia, install an endotracheal tube, monitor, maintain and adjust depth of anaesthesia
to a level appropriate to the surgical stimulus, and recover animals from anaesthesia.
Safely operate and maintain the anaesthetic equipment that is part of a veterinary surgery
suite; namely: endotracheal tubes, gas anaesthetic machines, rebreathe and non-rebreathe
gas delivery systems, and precision and non-precision vaporizers.
Use sedatives and general anaesthetics appropriately in cattle, sheep and goats.
Explain common local anaesthetic blocks in cattle, horses, sheep/goats and hogs.
Pain Management Techniques
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE
• Know the chronological order of behavioural development and social behaviour.
• Understand methods of preventing, eliminating or modifying behaviour problems.
• Identify common behaviour problems.
• Animal welfare and ethical issues pertaining to the housing and care of domesticated
species as well as understand the positions of animal health care groups.
• recognize and discuss normal canine behaviour and development
• Recognize and discuss behaviour problems in dogs and describe various methods of
treatment.
• Recognize and discuss the behavioural development and house training of the cat as well as
recognize behavioural problems and discuss various treatments.
• Recognize and discuss normal equine and bovine behaviours and problem equine and
bovine behaviour.
BREEDING, REPRODUCTION, AND NEONATAL CARE
• Define the basic reproductive characteristics and neonatal requirements in the bovine,
canine, caprine, equine, feline, ovine and porcine. This includes puberty onset, estrus
cycles, semen evaluation, gestation/parturition, pregnancy diagnosis and neonatal care.
• Explain the estrous cycle and breeding behavior of common farm species and how the
estrous cycle can be managed to improve reproductive performance.
• Explain the estrous cycle and breeding behavior of dogs and cats.
• Explain the concepts of heredity, and describe fertilization, placentation and pregnancy
diagnosis in domestic animals.
• Describe and explain the normal events of parturition in a cow and the procedures used to
relieve complications arising from abnormal parturition.
• Describe and explain the normal events of late gestation and parturition of other farm
species and the procedures used to relieve complications arising from abnormal parturition.
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explain the procedure for a breeding soundness examination in the bull, and assist a
veterinarian in performing the exam
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
• Understand and perform common laboratory tests
• Discuss the biological functions of protein, glucose, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, cholesterol,
enzymes, electrolytes, and minerals. Additionally, the application of measurements of each
are used to establish normal function or, conversely, abnormal function or organic disease
in humans. The AHT must accurately interpret the results of these tests
• Report the significance of abnormal results of tests used to evaluate kidney, pancreatic,
liver function, electrolytes and minerals in small and large animals.
• Perform daily, weekly or other routine scheduled maintenance and quality assurance and
control procedures
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
• Describe the physical properties and generation of radiation and minimize the hazards of
ionizing radiation by applying safe radiation practices
• Operate basic x-ray generating equipment.
• Describe radiology safety procedures
• Describe and demonstrate radiographic positioning and restraint in a safe manner
• Discuss and use technique charts
• Identify and manipulate image quality.
• Discuss and use contrast media
• Use a portable radiology machine, prepare a hoof and restrain a horse for the purposes of
obtaining a quality radiograph.
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control Testing
• Understand the basic physics of ultrasound, the ultrasound machine, the concepts of the
final image and artifacts.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID
• Describe triage
• How to monitor respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and neurological status of the emergency
patient
• Describe the clinical signs, treatment and monitoring of the patient with respiratory,
cardiovascular, central nervous system, renal, reproductive system and ingestion of toxic
substance emergencies.
• Perform CPR with an endotracheal tube and oxygen source
EXOTIC ANIMAL MEDICINE
• Understand the anatomical and physiological differences of avians and reptiles as
compared to mammals.
• Understand and apply optimum housing and husbandry and nutritional requirements.
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Describe non-infectious, infectious diseases and parasites of various exotic species.
Discuss zoonotic risks
Demonstrate species appropriate restraint
Perform basic clinical procedures on rabbits, rats, mice, birds and other companion animal
pets
Discuss and summarize basic laboratory animal heredity, genetics, and breeding protocols
IMMUNOLOGY
• Describe how the immune system defends the body against infection including innate and
acquired immunity, and how the body responds to a viral invasion.
• Identify and describe the function of the lymphoid organs and the lymphatic vessels.
• List and describe antibody classes and their roles in the immune response, types of adaptive
responses, and hypersensitivities, cell-mediated and humoral immunodeficiencies.
• Distinguish between passive and active immunity
• Describe the types of production and use of vaccines.
• Explain the purpose of vaccination, distinguish between different types of vaccines and
describe principles contributing to successful vaccination.
• Distinguish between the different hypersensitivities, describe causes and consequences of
immune deficiency and autoimmune disease
LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE
• Understand the practical and theoretical aspects of research uses and characteristics;
• Demonstrate the handling of common laboratory animals
• Describe signs of pain and distress, health and housing conditions; sites and volumes for
injections and samples of: mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits and guinea pigs.
LARGE ANIMAL PROCEDURES AND NURSING
• Demonstrate safety and effectiveness in moving, handling and restraining cattle of various
sizes and ages
• Explain to a client the estrous cycle and breeding behaviour of common farm species and
how the estrous cycle can be managed to improve reproductive performance.
• Understand the practical and theoretical aspects of physical examination and normal
values, common diseases and illness and the technicians’ role.
• Discuss and demonstrate Pre and post-operative care, techniques and routes of drug
administration • Describe and explain the normal events of parturition in a cow and the procedures used to
relieve complications arising from abnormal parturition.
• Describe and explain the normal events of late gestation and parturition of other farm
species and the procedures used to relieve complications arising from abnormal parturition.
• Explain to a client the procedure for a breeding soundness examination in the bull, and
assist a veterinarian in performing the exam
LARGE ANIMAL NUTRITION
• Understand the importance of nutrients in feeding large animals
• Describe the basic requirements in various life stages
• Describe the effects that environment has on nutritional requirements.
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
• Define pertinent medical terms for all curriculum subjects.
• Use medical terminology
MICROBIOLOGY AND MYCOLOGY
• Understand the practical and theoretical aspects of microscopic organisms including:
equipment needed, various bacterial and fungal media, collection of specimens,
identification of gram positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungal identification,
• Perform diagnostic tests to identify specific bacteria and fungi.
PARASITOLOGY
• List the parasites scientific and common names, life cycles, clinical signs, laboratory
techniques for identification of parasites, treatment and control and zoonotic potential of
internal and external parasite infestations. Species including feline, canine, equine and
bovine.
• Perform laboratory techniques and identify parasites.
PHARMACEUTICAL MATH
• Perform conversion of numbers to different metric units.
• Calculate dosages, dilutions, concentrations of solutions, drip rates and constant rate
infusions.
PHARMACOLOGY
• Understand pharmacological terminology, pharmacokinetics, and the basic classifications
of drugs and general characteristics of each.
• Discuss the importance of proper drug administration including withdrawal times and
problems with incorrect administration
• Be aware of legal requirements with regards to handling, storage and record keeping of
narcotic drugs.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of common drugs used their effects and
contraindications.
RESTRAINT AND ANIMAL HANDLING
• Understand common behavioural characteristics and the danger potential of each species so
that the most successful method of restraint is used and the safety of animal, handler and
public are kept in mind.
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Species including feline, canine, equine, bovine, avian, rodents. May extend to porcine,
ovine, caprine and cervids
SANITATION, STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION
• Understand the principles and different methods of sanitation, sterilization and disinfection;
• Know how and where to use the different methods.
• Discuss biosecurity protocols
• Discuss isolation protocols
SMALL ANIMAL NURSING
• Perform a variety of routine medical procedures on cats and dogs.
• Understand and perform the practical and theoretical aspects of physical examination and
normal values, fluid therapy, routes of drug administration, blood collection and
transfusion, ECG, anal sac expression, enemas, bandaging, animal husbandry, euthanasia
and necropsy techniques.
SMALL ANIMAL NUTRITION
• Discuss the role of the many components of food in dietary management of cats and dogs
• Explain the six basic nutrients and their role in supporting life
• Understand and calculate a companion animals maintenance energy requirements base on
its particular life stage,
• Discuss why different nutrient levels change with each life stage and what effects excesses
or deficiencies may have.
• Assist in the management of prevention of obese, critically ill and FLUTD patient.
• Understand the components of a pet food label and help pet owners make an educated
decision on which food to feed.
SURGICAL PREPARATION AND INSTRUMENT CARE
• Recognize common surgical instruments, needles, suture material, and their intended use.
• Perform proper instrument care and pack preparation for sterilization.
• Use aseptic technique for surgical preparation of patient and surgical site
• Demonstrate personal surgical scrubbing and gown/glove
• Assist in common surgical procedures such as feline neuters, declaws and wound repair.
URINALYSIS, HAEMATOLOGY AND CYTOLOGY
• Understand and perform the practical and theoretical aspects of collection and analysis of
urine and blood as well as collection, staining and interpretation of cytologic samples.
VETERINARY DENTISTRY
• Recognize normal and abnormal dental structures, conditions and lesions, causes and stages
of gingivitis and periodontitis.
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Perform complete dental prophylaxis, care and use of dental hand instruments and a home
care program.
Explain the basics of equine dentistry
Use a dental chart to document pre and post dental oral anatomy
Understand the principles of dental radiography.
VIROLOGY
• Know the composition of a virus, the process of replication, classification, and
identification of common viruses.
• Describe sample collection techniques of specimens and submission of samples.
• Perform various diagnostic testing procedures and common techniques for the prevention
of contracting a virus
ZOONOSES
• Identify and describe common bacterial, viral, parasitic, and mycotic zoonotic diseases,
their etiology, symptoms (human and animal), transmission, diagnosis, treatment,
prevention and control.
Rewrite Policy: Candidates may apply to rewrite the General Veterinary Knowledge Exam 4
times. Therefore, including candidates initial attempt, a total of 5 attempts are available.
Following a 5th unsuccessful attempt, it is recommended that candidates investigate attending a
CVMA accredited AHT program of their choosing. CVMA accredited programs can be found
on the Canadian Association of Animal Health Technologists and Technicians website at
http://www.caahtt-acttsa.ca/ahtvt_programs.php
Prepared by: Nichole Boutilier, RAHT
Project Coordinator—Animal Health Technology
School of Professional and Continuing Education
C 780.233.0472 E [email protected]