TECH148-0607: Basic Canine Reproduction Module 1

INSTRUCTOR:
Joni Freshman, DVM, MS, DACVIM

DATES:
June 4 - July 8, 2007
Real Time Sessions: Thursday evenings; June 7, 14, 21, 28; 9:30pm-11pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Clinical reproduction is uniquely suited to make excellent use of the veterinary technician's skills and abilities. This course is designed to provide the veterinary technician with the knowledge and skills to discuss reproductive concerns with clients, understand canine reproductive physiology, perform and interpret vaginal cytology, perform and assess ovulation-timing tests, collect and evaluate semen, and perform artificial insemination of fresh semen. In addition, the course will provide understanding of canine gestation and parturition, including pregnancy diagnosis, care of the pregnant bitch, and common conditions occurring during pregnancy in the bitch.

This course will consist of four (4), ninety (90) minute real-time sessions; detailed presentations with slides and step-by-step instructions for understanding canine reproductive physiology, obtaining vaginal cytology, preparing and reading the specimen, performing and evaluating ovulation timing tests, collecting and evaluating canine semen (including count, motility, and morphology) and performing artificial insemination, as well as assessing the pregnant and term bitch and understanding care, feeding, and common medical issues in the pregnant bitch.

Library materials will be provided on all of these topics; there will be multiple choice quizzes designed to enhance course effectiveness and material retention; as well as interactive message board discussions. Module 1 is a required prerequisite to taking Module 2. This course can be used as a refresher in canine reproduction for veterinarians; RACE approval is being sought for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• understand reproductive physiology of the bitch.
• obtain, prepare, and read canine vaginal cytology specimens.
• perform and assess ovulation timing tests, including progesterone and luteinizing hormone tests.
• collect canine semen.
• evaluate a canine semen sample, including total count, motility, and morphology.
• understand normal gestation in the bitch.
• be aware of common problems that occur during pregnancy in the bitch.
• perform the in-house Witness � pregnancy test.
• be aware of methods of pregnancy diagnosis in the bitch.

TEXTBOOKS: There are no required texts for this course; however, the instructor recommends the following:

• Johnston, S. D., Root Kustritz, M. V., & Olson, P. N. S. (2001). Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Elsevier Health. VIN Store purchase: http://store.vin.com/custom/edit.asp?p=82113
• Holst, P. A. (2002). Canine Reproduction: A Breeders Guide, 2nd Ed. Alpine Publications. Available at http://www.alpinepub.com/product_info.php/cPath/8/products_id/18

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: Reproductive Physiology and Vaginal Cytology
Content: This section of the course will explore reproductive physiology of the bitch, with particular emphasis on hormonal, behavioral and physical events of the estrus cycle. Step-by-step instruction on how to obtain and prepare vaginal cytology will be given. The types of vaginal epithelial cells will be shown, as well as their correspondence with stage of the estrus cycle.

Week 2: Ovulation Timing
Content: This section will build upon information from the first week, combining the results of vaginal cytology with hormonal testing performed upon serum from bitches to determine progesterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. We will learn how to obtain appropriate samples, perform tests, and what their results mean.

Week 3: Semen Collection and Evaluation, Artificial Insemination
Content: In this section we will learn the step-by-step technique for collecting semen from male dogs of all sizes, including the use of teaser bitches, artificial vaginas, and problem dogs. We will then learn how to evaluate the sample grossly, obtain a semen count, evaluate progressive motility, and prepare and evaluate a slide for semen morphology. We will also learn how to perform vaginal artificial insemination with fresh semen.

Week 4: Pregnancy in the Bitch
Content: In this section we will learn the hormonal, physical and behavioral events of normal pregnancy. We will learn what laboratory parameters are affected by pregnancy. Diagnosis of pregnancy will be discussed with regards to palpation, Witness� pregnancy diagnosis test, which we will learn to perform, ultrasonography, and radiography. Appropriate and ideal care of the pregnant bitch will be discussed, including what to avoid and what to ensure is done with regards to parasites, flea control, exercise, stress, etc.

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:
$111 ($100.00 early bird special if registered before May 21, 2007).
* Enroll in both Modules before May 21, 2007 and receive a 15% discount off the regular course price.
* 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.
5. VIN Member veterinarians ARE ELIGIBLE to take this course, we are requesting RACE accreditation for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians. **Please access the course enrollment through www.vspn.org/CE.

Note: "This course has been submitted (but not yet approved) 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 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

Ginger Sanders (Ginger@vspn.org), ext 183
Charlotte Waack (Charlotte@vspn.org), ext 193
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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