Wet Labs

This is the list for the wet labs being offered at the symposium! Labs will be held at various locations, both at the Penn Stater, on the university’s campus or at a local veterinary clinic. Some of the labs will only be offered if you register for a Track – these are indicated with a * next to the name. Descriptions of all wet labs can be found under the name, including a brief summary, time offered and if there are any other important information regarding the lab. It is suggested that you review the details of the labs so you have an idea of which lab you want to register for BEFORE registration begins.

 

Equine Vitals*

Learn how to take the pulse and respiration on horses. The normal measurements of a healthy horse will be discussed so that you may be able to tell when there are issues indicated by the breathing rate and heart beat. Stethoscopes will be provided. It is recommended that you wear long pants and boots, or at least closed toed shoes to this lab. 

This lab will be held from 10 AM-12 PM and it is only offered in the Equine Tracking option.

Dairy 101

Learn all about the dairy industry at the Penn State Dairy Barn! There will be a portion of this lab that will cover rumination and will allow you to feel the inside of a cannulated cow, as well as a portion on feed analysis and separation using the Penn State Particle Separator. It is recommended that you wear long pants and boots to this lab.

This lab will be offered at 10-12 at the Dairy Barns.

Reptile Handling

Learn how to safely and comfortably handle various types of reptiles, and gain confidence with working with them. Live animals will be provided by Reptiland.

This lab will be offered in the afternoon from 2-3:30 PM in room 107 Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Pathology

This lab will cover the basics of pathology and its importance within the veterinary field. 

This lab will be held in the morning from 10-12 in room 016 Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Suturing

This lab will cover some of the common suturing techniques used in small animal surgery. Students will be able to try both knot types and use various types of suturing materials on a cut banana.

This lab will be offered twice in the morning from 8-9 AM and 9-10 AM in room 214 at the Penn Stater.

Poultry Dissection

Learn about the anatomy of poultry by dissecting a laying hen. Students will be divided into groups and dissect their chicken together with the guidance of Dr. Nuket Acar, an avian veterianarian.

This lab will be held in from 2-3:30PM in room 016 in Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Field Calf Necropsy*

Students will have a chance to attend and experience a field necropsy on a calf.

This lab is included within the two Large Animal Tracking options offered in the morning and afternoon. In order to attend it, you MUST be registered for one of these tracks.

Sow and Young Pig Care

Do to some unforeseen circumstances this lab has been canceled. We are very sorry for the inconvenience. 

Please check your phone for either a next message or an email regarding changes in your schedule.

Metritis Diagnostics*
Forensic Pathology

Learn about how pathology can be used in cases of animal abuse. Case studies and slides will be available for you to investigate the cause of death and see if you can piece together the case. 

This lab will be held from 1-2:30 PM in room 013 Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Histology*

Learn all about how blood testing can save lives! Multiple types of IDEXX blood chemistry technology will be available to learn about and get hands-on experience with using them for diagnosis. Taught by Dr. Fred Metzger, this is a part of the Small Animal Referral Center tracking option and can only be taken once registering for that! This lab will be offered both in the morning and afternoon.

Cardiology

This lab will cover all aspects of the heart. One portion of the lab will include a dissection of a heart, while the other will include listening to heart sounds in order to distinguish between normal beats and if a murmur is present. Students will have the chance to listen to audio recorded heart sounds and also listen to the heart beat of a dog.

 

This session will be held twice from 8 – 10 AM and from 10 AM-12 PM in room 118 in Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Reproductive Ultrasound

This lab will cover the reproductive tract of food animals and go over the basics of ultrasounds as a diagnostic tool. Female reproductive tracts, from both pregnant and non-pregnant animals will be available to ultrasound and palpate.

This lab will be offered once in the morning from 10-12 AM and once in the afternoon from 1-3 PM in 016 Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Blood Smearing

This lab will cover the basics of setting up blood smear slides and how this can be used as a diagnostic tool. Students will be able to look at their slides under a microscope.

This lab is offered at 9-11 AM at the Penn Stater in room 216 at the Penn Stater.

Hoof Trimming*

This lab will discuss the importance of trimming hooves on cows, and allow students to practice what they learn.

This lab is a part of the Large Animal Disease Diagnostic Track offered in the afternoon. Students MUST register for this track in order to attend the lab. 

Educational Raptors and Operant Learning

This lab will cover the process of taking wounded wild raptors that cannot be rehabilitated and using them for education purposes, and how they can be trained using Operant Learning. The lab activity will include a game highlighting the effects of positive reinforcement. Live raptors may be present and provided by Shaver’s Creek.

 

This lab is offered twice from 10 AM-12  PM and from 1-3 PM in room 110 Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Comparative Reproductive Anatomy

Students will have the opportunity to compare reproductive tracts from various species in order to compare and contrast them. Students will be divided into groups and allowed to dissect a tract, and then observes the dissections done by other groups. 

This lab is offered twice: once at 1-3 PM and once at 3-5 PM in 015 Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Canine Physical Exam and Wellness

This lab will cover the basics of the physical exam used by small animal veterinarians. Students will be allowed to perform their own exam on a live service dog from Susquehanna Service Dogs.

This lab will be offered from 3-5 PM in room 110 Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Blood Diagnostic and Bacterial Tests

This lab will cover different diagnostics tests that can be done and observed under a microscope. It will go over fecal samples, blood smears and intestinal secretions.

This lab is offered from 9-11 AM in room 013 in Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Wildlife Necropsy

Students will be able to attend and observe a wildlife necropsy on a white tail deer. The lab will go over the importance of necropsies in the wildlife medicine specialty. This lab will take place in a garage classroom setting and it is recommended that you wear clothing to keep warm – hats, gloves and a coat at the least. Please wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty.

This lab is offered at 3-5 PM at the Deer Research Pens.

Pet CPR and First Aid

This lab will go over techniques used in emergency situations. Students will have the chance to perform these methods.

This lab will be offered at 9-11 AM in room 107 in Agricultural Science and Industries (ASI).

Pet Food Labels

This lab will go over how to read pet food labels and what they mean, and relate this to obesity in animals. Students will be able to analyze various types of pet food packaging.

This lab will be offered at 3-5 PM.