Department of Veterinary Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Head: Jonathan M. Levine
The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences has three major missions: leading edge patient and client care, transformational learning, and clinical research. Each of these activities is intended to improve the quality of life for companion animals and their owners. Faculty and staff in the department participate in all four years of the professional curriculum, although most interactions with students occur in the third and fourth years. The department offers a one-year internship program for the newly graduated veterinarians, and three-year and four-year residency programs in several clinical disciplines for veterinarians seeking advanced training and board certification. Faculty and staff frequently contribute to continuing education programs and may teach and mentor students earning the interdepartmental graduate degrees in Biomedical Sciences offered by the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Scholarly programs of the faculty are centered mainly on the study of the spontaneously occurring diseases of the patients presented to the Small Animal Hospital. Investigative programs are active in anesthesiology, animal behavior, cardiology, clinical nutrition, dermatology, feline internal medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, G.I. Lab, internal medicine, neurology/neurosurgery, oncology, and orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. We also have a growing portfolio of clinical trials, aimed at improving animal and human health.
Approximately, 23,500 animals are presented to the Small Animal Hospital for advanced diagnostic procedures and state-of-the-art treatment methods. Faculty, staff, and fourth-year students participate as a team in the care of these patients. Many of these patients are referred from veterinarians throughout Texas and the region, so that they may receive the benefits of the unique expertise and diagnostic and therapeutic technology offered by the Small Animal Hospital.
VSCS 681 Seminar
Credit 1. 1 Other Hour.
Current scientific work in medical and surgical fields in and related to small animal medicine and surgery. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: DVM degree or approval of department head.
VSCS 685 Directed Studies
Credits 1 to 8. 1 to 8 Other Hours.
Original investigations of problems in field of small animal surgery, therapeutics or radiology.
Prerequisite: DVM degree or approval of instructor and department head.
VSCS 689 Special Topics in...
Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. 0 to 6 Lab Hours.
Special topics in an identified area of small animal medicine or surgery. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: DVM degree or approval of instructor and department head.
VSCS 691 Research
Credits 1 to 23. 1 to 23 Other Hours.
Research for thesis.
VSCS 697 Teaching Anatomy Lab
Credits 4. 2 Lecture Hours. 12 Lab Hours.
Theory and practical aspects of teaching neuroanatomy lab and clinical neurology; emphasis on content, instructional methods and practical aspects of neuroanatomy lab.
Prerequisites: Graduation classification in VIBS/VSCS; appointment as TA for VIBS 913 anatomy lab.
VSCS 698 Teaching Surgery Lab
Credits 4. 2 Lecture Hours. 12 Lab Hours.
Theory and practical aspects of teaching surgical procedures, with emphasis on content, instructional methods and practical aspects of surgery lab. May be repeated one time for credit.
Prerequisites: Graduate classification in VIBS/VSCS; appointment as TA for VSCS 932.
VSCS 910 Integrated Animal Care I
Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.
Foundation in companion animal and large animal veterinary care; focus on day-one veterinary wellness and preventive care and herd-health concepts; exposure includes companion animal species, common large animal species, pocket pets, reptiles, camelids, miniature pigs and birds; clinical application of topics including neonatal care, husbandry practices, animal behavior, parasite prevention, immunization protocols and healthy animal nutrition.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the first year of professional DVM curriculum.
VSCS 926 Professional and Clinical Skills III
Credits 3. 1 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.
Integration and reinforcement of foundational knowledge offered in concurrent courses through critical thinking exercises, professional skills application activities (ethics/contextual decision-making, leadership, skills for well-being, personal/practice financial literacy, core communication skills) and application of technical skills; opportunities for learning include didactic, hands-on and case-based interactions utilizing simulation, models, animals, actors and case scenarios; part III of a VI part series.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the second year of professional DVM curriculum.
VSCS 930 Principles of Anesthesia & Analgesia
Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.
Principles of Anesthesia & Analgesia. Clinical practice of veterinary anesthesia and analgesia; equipment for administration of inhalant anesthetics, evaluation and preparation of patients for anesthesia, equipment and techniques for monitoring anesthetized patients; methods for controlling pain during the perianesthetic period; anesthetic principles for management of various species; anesthetic principles for management of patients with coexisting disease.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the second year of professional DVM curriculum.
VSCS 932 Principles of Surgery
Credits 2. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.
Surgical management of veterinary patients; focus on basic surgical equipment, techniques, procedures and preparation of the surgeon and patient.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the second year of professional DVM curriculum.
VSCS 934 Professional & Clinical Skills V
Credits 3. 7 Lab Hours.
Professional & Clinical Skills V. Integration and reinforcement of foundational knowledge offered in concurrent courses through critical thinking exercises, professional skills application activities (ethics/contextual decision-making, leadership, skills for well-being, personal/practice financial literacy, core communication skills) and application of technical skills; opportunities for learning include didactic, hands-on and case-based interactions utilizing simulation, models, animals, actors and case scenarios; part V of a VI part series.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the third year of professional DVM curriculum.
VSCS 940 Small Animal Clinics I
Credits 2. 35 Lab Hours.
Student participation with clinical cases in the small animal medicine services of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Must be taken two times.
Prerequisite: Fourth year classification in veterinary medicine or approval of department head.
VSCS 941 Small Animal Clinics II
Credits 2. 35 Lab Hours.
Student participation with clinical cases in the small animal surgery services of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Must be taken two times.
Prerequisite: VSCS 940 or approval of department head.
VSCS 945 Advanced Small Animal Clinical Elective
Credits 2. 35 Lab Hours.
Student participation with clinical cases for advanced student in selected services of the small animal medicine and surgery sections of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. May be taken 12 times.
Prerequisite: VSCS 940 or approval of department head.
VSCS 948 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Elective
Credits 1 to 12. 1 to 12 Lecture Hours.
In-depth study of selected disease processes in the various disciplines of small animal medicine and surgery will be conducted emphasizing management, diagnostics and medical or surgical treatment. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Third year classification in veterinary medicine or approval of department head.
VSCS 953 Small Animal Clinical Skills
Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour.
Acquisition of basic technical skills useful in the diagnosis and treatment of small animals in general veterinary practice. Modular one month course.
Prerequisite: Third year classification in veterinary medicine in good standing.
VSCS 954 Small Animal Medicine I
Credits 6. 5 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.
Medical disease of dogs and cats; pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of diseases prevalent in small animals.
Prerequisite: Third year classification in veterinary medicine in good standing.
VSCS 955 Small Animal Medicine II
Credits 6. 6 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.
Continuation of Small Animal Medicine I; medical disease of dogs and cats; pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of diseases prevalent in small animals.
VSCS 956 Small Animal Diagnostics & Therapeutics I
Credits 4.5. 4.5 Lecture Hours.
Small Animal Diagnostics & Therapeutics I. Medical and surgical diseases in dogs and cats including pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutic management; understanding of self-directed continued study and appropriate use of referral; disorders of the reproductive, respiratory, hemolymphatic, dermatologic, urinary, neurologic, gastrointestinal, ophthalmic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, orthopedic and endocrine systems; includes neoplastic, nutritional, infectious and metabolic disorders.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the third year of professional DVM curriculum.
VSCS 957 Small Animal Diagnostics & Therapeutics II
Credits 4.5. 4.5 Lecture Hours.
Small Animal Diagnostics & Therapeutics II. Medical and surgical diseases in dogs and cats including pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutic management; understanding of self-directed continued study and appropriate use of referral; disorders of the reproductive, respiratory, hemolymphatic, dermatologic, urinary, neurologic, gastrointestinal, ophthalmic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, orthopedic and endocrine systems; includes neoplastic, nutritional, infectious and metabolic disorders.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the third year of professional DVM curriculum.
VSCS 958 Clinical Focus-Tracking I - Companion Animal
Credits 2. 2 Lecture Hours.
Advanced medical and surgical disorders of the dog and cat; history-taking and problem-solving skills; physical examination findings; laboratory/imaging results; formulation of diagnostic and therapeutic plans.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the third year of professional DVM curriculum.
VSCS 960 Clinical Focus-Tracking II - Companion Animal
Credits 2. 2 Lecture Hours.
Advanced medical and surgical disorders of the dog and cat; history-taking and problem-solving skills; physical examination findings; laboratory/imaging results; formulation of diagnostic and therapeutic plans.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the third year of professional DVM curriculum.
VSCS 985 Directed Studies
Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours.
Directed individual study of a selected problem in small animal medicine, surgery or radiology. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Matriculation in veterinary professional curriculum and approval of department head.
VSCS 988 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Selective
Credits 2. 2 Lecture Hours.
In-depth study of selected disease processes in the various disciplines of small animal medicine and surgery; emphasis on management, diagnostics and medical treatment or therapeutic approaches.
Prerequisites: Third year classification in veterinary medicine and in good standing. May be taken for credit up to eight hours.
Baetge, Courtney L, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2003
Barnes, Katherine Hirose, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 2011
Beaver, Bonnie V, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Minnesota, 1968
Bennett, Brad S, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2007
Bilof, Katherine, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Missouri, Columbia, 2012
Boudreau, Christen E, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2010
PHD, Baylor College of Medicine, 2001
Cook, Audrey K, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Edinburgh, 1989
Cornell, Karen K, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Purdue University, 1998
DVM, Purdue University, 1988
Creevy, Kate E, Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Tennessee, 1998
Davidson, Jacqueline R, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Minnesota, 1986
Deveau, Michael A, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Kansas State University, 2005
Diesel, Alison B, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Kansas State University, 2005
Dodd, Johnathon R, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 1979
Eckman, Stacy L, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2001
Gordon, Sonya G, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Guelph, 1994
Heatley, Jennifer J, Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 1995
Heinz, Justin A, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Purdue University, 2012
Heseltine, Johanna C, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Saskatchewan, 1998
Hoppes, Sharman M, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Oklahoma State University, 1993
Jeffery, Nicholas D, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, The University of Cambridge, 1997
Kerwin, Sharon C, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 1988
Levine, Jonathan M, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Cornell University, 2001
Lidbury, Jonathan A, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
BVetM, University of Glasgow, 2002
Little, Adam L, Assistant Professor of the Practice
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Guelph, 2013
Loria Lepiz, Mauricio A, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2000
Mankin, Joseph M, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 2007
Mankin, Kelley M, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006
McCool, Katherine Elizabeth, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, The Ohio State University, 2012
Paranjape, Vaidehi Vinay, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
BVSc, MAHARASHTRA ANIMAL & FISHERY SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2009
Patterson, Adam P, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Mississippi State University, 2001
Peycke, Laura E, Clinical Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Louisiana State University, 1998
Richards, Amanda, Lecturer
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Colorado State University, 2016
Rogers, Kenita S, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Louisiana State University, 1982
Rutter, Christine R, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Mississippi State University, 2003
Saunders, Ashley B, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2001
Saunders, William B, Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2005
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2001
Scallan, Elizabeth M, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, 2007
Scott, Erin M, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Pennsylvania, 2015
Simon, Bradley T, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Ross University, 2007
Smith, Lauren, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2013
Steiner, Joerg M, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2000
Stickney, Mark J, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 1997
Suchodolski, Jan, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2005
Teller, Lori Massin, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Texas A&M University, 1990
Tolbert, Mary K, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, North Carolina State University, 2013
DVM, University of Georgia, 2006
Vallone, Lucien V, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Mississippi State University, 2011
Warry, Emma, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, The University of Sydney, 2004
Wesselowski, Sonya R, Assistant Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, Kansas State University, 2008
Wilson-Robles, Heather M, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
DVM, University of Tennessee, 2003
Zoran, Debra L, Professor
Vet Small Animal Clinical Sc
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1997
DVM, Kansas State University, 1984