Ms. Canga
Clinical Pathology - Course Outline
VTHT 2323
Broad Learning Objectives & Reading Assignments
REMEMBER: Each section will have more detailed objectives
Blood/Erythrocytes/Anemia
Read: A&P Chapter 12 (pp 293-302 ; stop at Total Leukocyte count)
Read: Lab Pro Unit 2 (pp 36-39, 69-76, 77-78, 84-88)
 List and describe the functions of blood
 Describe the composition of blood plasma
 Understand the production, maturation, and breakdown process of
erythrocytes.
 Describe the composition and characteristics of erythrocytes.
 Identify and describe various RBC morphologies (Slide ID and in lab)
 Identify blood parasites of veterinary concern and associated clinical signs of
disease.
 Describe different types of polycythemia including potential causes of each.
 Perform a reticulocyte count and be able to calculate a corrected reticulocyte
count.
 Differentiate between regenerative and non-regenerative anemia.
 Explain causes and clinical signs associated with different types of anemia.
CBC
Read A&P Ch. 12, pp 300-303
Read Lab Pro Unit 2, pp: 51-56
 List the common anticoagulants and identify common uses for each.
 Identify the tests that comprise a ‘Complete Blood Count’ (CBC) and explain
purposes of each.
 Explain how to perform each component of the CBC and list normal values
 Calculate RBC indicies (MCV, MCH, MCHC) and explain how they relate to RBC
morphology.
 Perform a ‘Packed Cell Volume’ (PCV) and a ‘Total Plasma Protein’ (TP) test
and list normal values.
Ms. Canga
Clinical Pathology - Course Outline
VTHT 2323
Leukocytes/Immunology
Read: A&P Chapter 12 (pp 306 - 337 )
Read Lab Pro (pp 57-69, stop at RBC abnormalities)
Handouts
 List the types of leukocytes and describe the formation, morphology, and
functions of each.
 Perform a differential WBC count and determine the absolute and relative
values of WBCs.
 Describe the function of the lymphatic system.
 List and describe the functions of the immune system.
 Differentiate between specific and non-specific immunity.
 Explain passive vs. active and acquired vs. natural immunity.
 List and describe the classes of immunoglobulins.
 Describe common serologic and molecular diagnostic tests utilized in
veterinary medicine.
Coagulation and Platelets
Read: A&P Chapter 9 (pg. 304 - 306)
Handouts
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Describe the function and basic formation of platelets.
Explain common disorders associated with platelets.
Be familiar with the coagulation cascade.
List and describe the commonly performed tests for blood coagulation.
Perform an estimated platelet count.
Discuss and classify common coagulopathies and associated clinical signs.
Ms. Canga
Clinical Pathology - Course Outline
VTHT 2323
Clinical Chemistry
Read: Lab Pro pp: 196-231
Handouts
 Describe sample collection and handling for clinical chemistry assays.
 List and describe the commonly performed assays for serum protein.
 List and describe the commonly performed assays for hepatobiliary
evaluation.
 List and describe the commonly performed assays for kidney and pancreatic
function.
 List and describe commonly performed assays for endocrine function and
electrolyte assays.
 Interpret blood chemistry reports relative to organ function.
 Discuss normal vs. abnormal blood chemistry values.
 Demonstrate the ability to operate Idexx Vet Test and LaserCyte machines.
Urinalysis
Read Lab Pro Unit 5, pp: 149-182
Handouts
 Discuss and describe different methods of sample collection, including pros
and cons of each.
 Discuss terminology associated with urine production and testing.
 List and describe the normal and common abnormal physical properties of
urine.
 Define specific gravity and describe procedures for determining specific
gravity.
 List the commonly performed chemical assays of urine.
 Identify different epithelial cells, blood cells, crystals, casts, etc… found in
urine.
 Describe how casts are formed and list the types of casts that may be present.
 List and describe crystals that may be seen in acidic and alkaline urine.
 Perform urinalysis, including gross exam, chemical exam, and microscopic
exam of sediment.
Ms. Canga
Clinical Pathology - Course Outline
VTHT 2323
Cytology
Read Lab Pro Unit 9, pp: 362-400
 Describe the purpose of cytology evaluations.
 Describe sample collection procedures for cytological examination of various
tissues and fluids.
 List and describe methods for preparing and staining cytology samples.
 Describe methods for categorizing inflammation vs. neoplasia when
examining a sample.
 Understand malignancy criteria associated with differentiating between
benign and malignant neoplasia.
 Discuss proper labeling and packaging of cytology samples
 Discuss semen collection procedures and identify sperm abnormalities.
 Collect, prepare, and evaluate a vaginal cytology.
 Collect, prepare, and evaluate an ear cytology.
Microbiology
Read: Lab Pro Unit 7, pp: 236-273
Handouts
 Understand concepts related to bacteriology, virology, and mycology.
 Describe methods for collection and handling of samples for microbiology
testing.
 Describe the procedure for inoculation of agar plates and other media.
 Explain proper incubation methods for bacterial cultures.
 List types of culture media commonly used for testing and explain the specific
use of each.
 List and describe bacterial colony morphologic characteristics.
 Perform a Gram stain procedure and interpret results.
 Describe procedures for performing blood and urine cultures.
 List and identify common bacterial species encountered in small animal
practice.
 Describe the procedure for performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Ms. Canga
Clinical Pathology - Course Outline
VTHT 2323
 List the common fungal organisms encountered in veterinary practice and
describe the procedures for sample collection and identification of these
organisms.
 Collect samples, inoculate agar plates, culture, stain, and identify bacteria in
the lab.