Running head: VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION IN ZOO MEDICINE 1

Integration of Veterinary Technology Education in Zoo Medicine

Michelle Vaden

Tarleton State University

VETE 4409 Capstone

VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION IN ZOO MEDICINE 2

Abstract

In the pursuit of enhancing and furthering my education in Veterinary Technology at

Tarleton State University, I have increased my depth of learning, my skills in procedures

involving animal care, my self-confidence, my ability to lead and communicate, and work within

a team. In addition to these, my ability for critical thinking has increased. I have also learned the

art of constructing presentations, as well as incorporating self-directed learning in the areas of

my passion, horses and zoological animals. Tarleton State University, I feel, has finished me off

in my formal education of learning. It has helped open the doors for me to continue seeking life-

long education in learning about animals, and how to make their world better.
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Veterinary Technology Education in Zoo Medicine

The career of Veterinary Technology in the past consisted of working in a clinic and

obtaining the skills from on-the-job training, sometimes without the knowledge of “why” that

task is being done. However, the current movement in the Veterinary Technology Field is that

the Veterinary Technician must be credentialed, according to the state regulations that could be

either, RVT, Registered Veterinary Technician, LVT, Licensed Veterinary Technician, or CVT,

Certified Veterinary Technician. To obtain this credentialed licensure, one must have an

Associate of Applied Science degree specifically in Veterinary Technology. As well, as passing

a state exam. At Tarleton State University, an online program is available for those who want to

enhance their veterinary technology education and achieve a bachelor of science degree in

Veterinary Technology and thus will become a Technologist. A Technologist represents that a 4-

year degree has been achieved in the field of study, and in this case Veterinary Technology. The

4-year degree, the bachelor of science degree in Veterinary Technology, and the education

received from the courses at Tarleton State University, allows a credentialed technician to work

in the field of zoo medicine. As some technicians will be allowed to work in the field of zoo

medicine with a minimum of an Associate degree, they will not reach the top of the career

ladder. Most need to have a bachelor’s degree to even get their foot in the door. Once employed

at a zoological facility having a bachelor degree allows a Veterinary Technician the opportunity

to climb in their field.

When I started this endeavor to work with zoo animals, I had to go back to school and start

again with seeking yet another degree. I already have an Associate of Science degree in Medical

Laboratory Technology, however, to reach the goal in life I want to, I had to start over. When I

was going to school at Cedar Valley College, I found, and joined, a zoological association,
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AZVT, Association of Zoological Veterinary Technician. This association focuses on the

specialized area of being a Veterinary Technician focusing on exotic animals. This association

offers the exam from the Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians at their

annual conference. To be allowed to take the exam one must have a bachelor of science degree in

Veterinary Technology, as well as time worked with exotic animals. Every year I attend the

week-long annual conference held in different states at different zoological facilities.

Part 1: The Use of Technology

The courses that constitute a bachelor of science degree in Veterinary Technology from

Tarleton State University brings a deeper understanding of “why” something is done, “what”

needs to be done, and “when” it needs to be done. The required work in the courses pushes one

to go beyond their comfort zone and achieve the best that they can. There are a lot of

presentations, via Power Point™ with and without voice-over, video presentations, student

(colleague) ZOOM™ communications, teamwork assignments, formal research writing, and

writing in a scientific and scholarly format, APA, Association of Psychological Association. This

education received from Tarleton State University educates and prepares a Veterinary

Technician with the experience and skills needed to excel in their careers.

Part 2: Analytical Inquiry and Communication

The classes that are incorporated into the curriculum at Tarleton State University, each

one, no matter if it is worth one credit or four credits, each class encompasses the students to

engage in communication with each other, to have analytical discussions regarding different

topics and through the engagement of working together in certain assignments, just like one

would in the workplace. I feel accomplished in that the program at Tarleton requires one to step
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out of their comfort zone and to be the leader. In the beginning, this is not an easy area of life to

accomplish, it can be quite scary, at first. However, as one progresses in the program at Tarleton,

it gets easier. The rewards of satisfaction and accomplishment for reaching out into an area that

in most case scenarios we would not have if we were not first taught how to do. At Tarleton, we

are taught this. When I was first introduced to the technology of online video conferences and

video productions through the ZOOM™ technology, I had never been exposed to that kind of

technology. At Tarleton, the usage of ZOOM™ is used a lot, in each class, right from the

beginning through the making of videos so that we can introduce ourselves to our fellow

classmates. At first, it took some time and watching a tutorial on how to navigate through the

software, but eventually it is learned and applied in each class. I make it a fact to engage in

everything that I can, being that it is an online program, I want to put 100% effort into getting

out of it what it intended to. I make sure that in each class I take I watch each ZOOM™

introduction so that I know who my classmates are, as if I were attending in-class classes. I am

now experienced in this technology and when and if the need ever arises in my current job or

affiliations that I belong to, I feel that I can utilize the ZOOM™ technology because I learned

and became efficient from Tarleton. Before attending classes at Tarleton, I was not one to engage

“discussion-type” communication, however, from many discussions that are incorporated into

each class where we first must post our initial discussion post, then respond to two of our

classmate’s posts, this requirement, at first may just make one to do it to just get it done.

However, after engaging in a few discussions, one finds themselves looking forward to having

the discussions with their classmates and to see who and how many people took interest in their

initial post. Sometimes I have answered discussions over my required two classmates because it

was a “true discussion”. Our group projects that we are required to do at Tarleton, makes us
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reach out to perhaps a classmate we have never worked with and be a leader in that we start the

process to get our project laid out and make a timetable so that we are utilizing our time

efficiently to make the due date with no stress involved. Some of my group projects, I feel were

not totally divided in the amount of work that went into them, however, when I become part of a

group, that is indeed what I am. So, another ward, if the goal is set out as a “group” project

versus an individual project then it must be the goal to not look for individual praise, but rather

to look at the group. It does not matter who contributed what or more in this case, the focus is to

work as a team and get the credit for teamwork. When I am part of a group project, I like to have

my time managed efficiently, as I am very busy. To accomplish this, I typically will be the one

who initiates contact with my partner/s and I start the communication process. We will set goals

and timelines for rough drafts, then the final version. I feel that all of this that is required from

us, for each class, at Tarleton has only made me a better leader in my current job as a supervisor

of a human laboratory, and co-owner and operator of my aviary and exotic animals, as well as

caring for a lot of horses. When I engage with people I think about my leadership class and how

and what I learned can apply to the situation. When writing emails, or procedures, I think about

writing in APA format, just like I was taught at Tarleton. When I am with the animals, each and

every time, I think about the education that I have learned at Tarleton and incorporate that

material as one incorporates “muscle memory”.

Part 3: Social Responsibility

In light of being a Registered Veterinary Technician in the state of Georgia, I have both

an ethical and moral responsibility to help ensure that animal care is achieved with the highest

possible standards. In today’s world, times can get tough for people and the first area where

animal owners will try to get a financial relief is from the requirement to care for the animals.
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Perhaps, maybe skip a vet well checkup, maybe miss getting the animal vaccines done that year,

or regarding horses, perhaps not getting their teeth floated that year. I have seen all of this. Now,

with that said, the class at Tarleton, Equine Forensics, helps to shed some light on the true

definition of the words, animal neglect, cruelty, and abuse. The curriculum has taught us to

recognize signs of abuse, intentional or unintentional, and what we are to do about it. Not only

did it educate us in this area, but also taught us that statistics show that an animal that is being

physically abused at home, most likely carries over to human abuse as well. Not only did the

Forensic class teach us about cruelty and what we are to do, it also taught us and helped us to

gain confidence in ourselves. As well, as to spread the knowledge to others so that in the event

an abused case should cross their paths, they will remember what was taught to them and what to

do. Together, we can help just one more animal. This is an area where social responsibility as a

professional vet tech must be apparent. The equine nutritional class supplies a wealth of up to

date equine nutritional education, as well, as how to balance an equine diet. In my life, I am

involved with a lot of horse people, as well as ownership of over 10 horses, together with my

daughter. A lot of times I find that people come to me for advice regarding animal nutrition,

supplemental nutrition, animal disease, and symptoms, etc. for their horse, or other animal,

because they know I am a RVT, and I am seeking a BAS at Tarleton. Sometimes this gets to be

exhausting, however, the education at Tarleton has instilled in us, that even though we are the

ones seeking a higher education in our chosen field, it is our responsibility to share the

knowledge. This is true for the sake of those that cannot speak, the animals. The leadership class

required at Tarleton, helps people to identify what kind of leader they currently are. It teaches us

what characteristics and traits, we exhibit, and what areas we need to work on to be an even

better leader. This is an outstanding class, and help us to be a well-rounded vet tech. The
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leadership class teaches us how to deliver the education/information that we need to, it teaches us

how to do it with a leadership style. Through the practice of the skills learned, this helps us to

engage with people in an organized way. All the classes I have taken thus far at Tarleton, have

been such a benefit to my life, not only as a Vet Tech, but as a person. Every time I find the

opportunity, I share my projects, my brochures, my PowerPoint™ presentations, or my papers. I

want people to have education regarding animals, and for those people that have an opportunity

to view my work that I did at Tarleton, and heed the information, it will only benefit the animals.

In the end, that is why I started.

Part 4: Professional Development

I am unique among my peers in that I am one who did not begin my educational journey

in veterinary technology straight out of high school, rather, I began this journey after already

establishing a career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist. Outside of the norm of my peers in

the laboratory, I decided, because I do enjoy school, and lifelong learning, that I was going to seek

a formal education in the care of animals. I have a deep desire and passion for animals, especially,

horses and exotic zoo animals. My husband and I are aviculturist with exotic birds. Some of

which we are quite successful with, including: Southern Yellow Hornbills, Plush-Crested Jays,

Turacos, Toucans, and Blue and Gold Macaws, among others. Our birds can be found in some of

the zoos all over, including, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Nashville Zoo, Wildlife

World Zoo and Aquarium, and Zoofari, just to name a few. In my pursuit of education, I joined

the Veterinary Technology Program at Tarleton State University seeking a bachelor of applied

science in Veterinary Technology. At this point of writing this paper, I am one semester left from

completing the degree. Among the courses taken thus far, I cannot say that there has been one

course that has changed my direction in where I am going. However, because I already know that
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I prefer to care for zoo animals and horses, I don’t feel as if there are any classes that will change

that. The classes are only amplifying my education and helping me along my journey that has

already been put into place. Let’s look at a few examples of this, VETE 4208: Veterinary

Research. This is a class that teaches one the formal aspect of seeking a topic of interest, doing

actual clinical research through a series of steps to ultimately end with an answer to the question

first sought to seek. This is a lot of work. My research paper was on, “The Black-Footed Penguin:

are our conservation efforts helping?” Although, at the end of the research, there was not a black

and white answer, per se, however, through my research in was concluded that from the data

available we could see that, yes, we were going in a positive direction, however, it was still too

early to tell if the population was growing. A topic to come back to in a few years again. A lot

was learned in this class, and the process of obtaining data. I do feel that the education learned

from this class can be applied in the event I do get more involved with conservation of animals.

Another one of my favorite classes, was the VETE 4273: Equine Emergency & Critical Care.

This class was set up with an easy to follow curriculum, and required a fantastic book, Handbook

of Equine Emergencies, by Debra Archer. One area taught to us as an example covered the area of

musculoskeletal emergencies. A general “to do” list was taught to us in the order in which aide

needs to be applied. Now, with that said, there is an abundance of information, however, this

handy book will be one that I will never store on the shelf. The two examples I have given in this

paper, are just two among many others, that I could mention that the classes that I have taken so

far at Tarleton have helped me to go forward in the direction that I need to go to achieve the goals

that I have set out for myself. When my time is over at Tarleton, my learning will not stop. I enjoy

learning, especially in the areas of my passion. The lessons learned at Tarleton have integrated in

my life. It has become part of me now.

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Part 5: Professional Activities

Before I started my journey at Tarleton State University, I attended Cedar Valley College

(online) and partnered with a small animal clinic, then later a large animal clinic. My passion is

in zoo and exotic animals, as well as equine. During a trip my husband took to San Diego Zoo to

have a meeting, he came across an organization, Association of Zoo Vet Techs. I considered it

and knew right away this was something I wanted to be a part of. The association encompasses

Zoo Vet Techs from all over, as well as Medical Technologist. Because I am a Medical

Technologist, I could join the association, even thought, at the time, I was a Vet Tech student. I

started going to the conferences each year and participating in all the wet labs I could possible

join in on. As well as collaborating and developing relationships with vet techs from all over. I

wanted to engage in learning and applying what I was learning in school on the animals that

were my passion. My first conference was at Jekyll Island, GA. I was chosen to participative in

a pygmy sperm whale necropsy. I was both elated and scared, as I have never done anything like

that before. My experience in this procedure was one that I will NEVER forget. The experience

and what I had learned was invaluable, one that I could not have had the opportunity to learn in

school. I had to reach outside of that to be a part of a new learning atmosphere. Thus far, I have

now been all over, Omaha, Canada, Washington, Ohio, etc., seeking out and going to zoo vet

tech conferences and doing all the wet labs I can and learning all that I can in my area of passion.

Some things that I had reached out and done, were the following:

 Animal darting for medication and sedation

 Hematology of elephant blood and others

 Semen collection from an elephant

 Blood draws from elephants, seals, gorillas, giraffe, and large cats
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 Ultrasound procedures for large cats

 Behavioral learning

These experiences have both encouraged me and fulfilled me in my area of study. This is

an area of additional learning that did not come knocking on my door, per se, I had to seek and

find and reach out to be a part of. I also am a member of ZAA, Zoological Association of

America. This is an organization with accreditation for zoological establishments that in addition

to the wealth of knowledge they possess, they also have conferences each year filled with

learning opportunities. My husband and I do this together and have made great friends from all

over the zoo world.

From my participation and what I have learned at these zoological establishments, they

have helped me in my OSHA Safety class to help write protocols for the Aviary that my husband

and I own. One of the wet labs that I participated in, I performed a necropsy on a Red-Tail

Hawk. My detailed pictures and written procedure I made from the Red-Tail Hawk necropsy

experience, I was able to use that whole wet lab experience toward a major assignment I had in

my educational journey.

These kinds of applications from my outreach of learning areas in my field are priceless

and something I look forward to each year.

Part 6: Self-Directed Learning

The online degree offered at Tarleton State University for Veterinary Technology is not

for everyone. To be successful in this online program, one must have the skills and discipline

within oneself to complete the curriculum. As indicated in an article from the University of

Waterloo, Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process, the following four steps must be

emphasized:
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1. Assess readiness to learn

2. Self-Learning Goals

3. Engage in the learning process

4. Evaluate learning

Without these steps, I feel that one who sets out to engage in an online curriculum will not be

successful.

When I first started my journey at Tarleton State University, I took the Veterinary

Pharmacology class and we covered the area on herbal and alternative medicine. I really, really,

enjoyed that class and that information. In fact, I have incorporated the alternative medicine into

the therapy regimen that I do with my OTTB, off the track thoroughbred. I have purchased a

book on equine acupressure points and how and when to use them. The definition of acupressure

is simply the stimulation of an acupuncture point by means of physical pressure. The

technician/horse person with knowledge of commonly used points can provide additional benefit

to patients and can give the veterinarian feedback about any reactive (tender) points a patient

may have (Bassert & Thomas, 2014). I feel that although western medicine in so useful, Chinese

medicine can be useful if you are open to it. The application of using pressure points on my

horse to release any trapped energy has proven to be successful. Acupuncture, done by a licensed

veterinarian, is used to treat illnesses and diseases, acupressure supports it. Acupressure can be

done by anyone who is willing to learn about it. Although, the Veterinary Pharmacology taught

us the principle behind alternative medicine, it did not teach us “how” to do it with the pressure

points and the meridians. Without first being introduced to this area from the pharmacology

class, perhaps I may not have been so open to it. Another area of alternative medicine I learned
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was the relationship between horses and special need humans through therapeutic horse riding

and how that relationship is measured. Therapeutic horse riding entails the following:

• EAAT (Equine Assisted Activities) - EAAT is an umbrella term that includes therapeutic

riding, hippotherapy, and equine-assisted psychotherapy.

• Therapeutic riding - patients are taught to ride a horse as well as horsemanship skills.

• Hippotherapy - a therapist performs occupational, physical, or speech therapy while the

patient is on a horse.

• Equine-assisted psychotherapy - patients work with a mental health professional and

horse specialist on therapy goals while grooming or caring for horses.

Together with the self-directed learning skills and disciple that has become part of my

everyday world, I am teaching myself the techniques and the theory of acupressure, and

considering therapeutic riding. In medical, behavioral, and husbandry care of zoo animals, I have

incorporated my skills and discipline of self-directed learning by taking the initiative and going

to zoological conferences. At these conferences, I participate in wet-labs that includes hands-on

experience, collaborating with other zoo vet techs, engaging in the zoo vet tech forums from zoo

vet techs nationwide, and reading zoological articles from creditable sources. All these things I

do, I do because I want to learn more about the alternative medicine in horses and the care of zoo

animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if one would ask me, “giving the opportunity, would you go down the

same road again? “My answer would be, “most definitely! This journey at Tarleton State

University, seeking a bachelorette of science degree in Veterinary Technology, required a

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tremendous amount of sacrificing and discipline. With that said, I still would not change

anything about it. I anticipate the satisfaction of participating in the commencement ceremony

this December 2019, meeting my online teachers, and having my family watching their wife,

mom, and daughter accomplish something to the end!

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References

Holmes, M., Cockcroft, P. (2008). Handbook of veterinary clinical research. Ames, Iowa:

Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Archer, D. (2013). Handbook of Equine Emergencies. New York: Elsevier Saunders.

University of Waterloo. (n.d). Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process. Retrieved

from: https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-

tips/tips-students/self-directed-learning/self-directed-learning-four-step-process

Bassert, J. Thomas, J. (2014) McCurnin’s Clinical textbook for Veterinary

Technicians. Eight Edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders.

Sarris, Marina. (2016, MAY 25). Something About a Horse: Finding Benefits in Therapeutic

Riding. Retrieve from https://iancommunity.org/aic/study-finds-benefits-therapeutic-

riding-autism