Course Description

This course covers the external regions and parts of the dog, including the integumentary system, various types of hair, the hair life cycle, and shedding patterns, as well as the functions of the skin, anal sacs, and nails. Students will examine the skeletal system, including the axial and appendicular skeleton, and the individual bones of the forelimb and hindlimb. The muscular system is explored through the five major regions and both superficial and deep muscles. The course also covers the major organ systems of the dog: digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive, urinary, and endocrine, emphasizing the function of each system and its importance in maintaining health and performance.

Course Objectives

In this course, students will:

• Identify the external anatomy of the dog, including body regions, hair/coat types, skin, anal sacs, and nails.

• Describe the skeletal system, including axial and appendicular structures and major bones.

• Locate and describe the muscular system, including the head, neck, torso, forelimb, and hindlimb regions.

• Explain the functions of the major organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive, reproductive, urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine.