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Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery PtA (VETS90072)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 18.75On Campus (Werribee)
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Overview
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This subject will be comprised of the following two modules.
In both units within this subject a “clinical presentation” approach will be taken to the discussion of diseases of animals, their diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Dogs, cats and miscellaneous companion animals
- Clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and public health aspects of infectious diseases of dogs and cats
- Clinical signs, diagnosis and medical and surgical management of diseases of the neuroendocrine, musculoskeletal, haematopoietic, lymphoreticular, alimentary, cardiovascular, respiratory and urogenital systems, eyes and ears of dogs and cats
- Clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of poisonings of dogs and cats
- Nutrition of dogs and cats
- Dermatology of dogs and cats
- Oncology of dogs and cats
- Behavioural abnormalities of dogs and cats
- Perinatal medicine in dogs and cats
- Greyhound medicine
- Diseases of miscellaneous companion animals
Horses
- Physical examination, clinical signs, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of metabolic and multi-systemic diseases and diseases of the musculoskeletal, haematopoietic, lymphoreticular, alimentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems, eyes and skin of horses
- Injury management in horses
- Special considerations in foals
- Exotic and emerging equine diseases and their associated risk factors
- Routine procedures used to optimise reproductive performance
- Equine castration
Intended learning outcomes
Students completing the Dogs, cats and miscellaneous companion animals module should:
- Be familiar with breed and behavioural characteristics of dogs and cats
- Possess essential information of the diseases of dogs and cats to approach a diagnosis on the basis of epidemiological data, clinical history, physical examination and clinical signs in an individual animal or group of animals
- Be able to select appropriately and interpret and utilise the results of laboratory tests in making a diagnosis in a dog or cat
- Be able to devise appropriate forms of therapy or management of disease in dogs and cats and be able to devise strategies for prevention and control of the same
- Be aware of the public health implications of zoonoses of dogs and cats.
- Be familiar with the principal features of the management and husbandry of miscellaneous companion animals such as rabbits and rodents, and have a thorough understanding of the welfare issues associated with keeping such animals
- Have a thorough understanding of the diseases that affect these species and the factors that influence the occurrence of disease in individual animals and in groups of animals
- Be able to carry out a thorough and safe physical examination of these species
- Be able to reach a probable diagnosis or formulate a list of differential diagnoses in these species based on the history, epidemiological date, physical examination, clinical signs and gross necropsy lesions
- Be able to recommend appropriate ancillary tests to reach a definitive diagnosis and accurately prognosticate
- Be able to specify appropriate therapy
- Be able to recommend appropriate measures for disease control and/or prevention
Students completing the Horses module should have a thorough understanding of:
- The common equine diseases and diagnostic procedures
- How to conduct a thorough and logical clinical investigation, based on the presenting signs, interpret the findings and arrive at an accurate diagnosis
- How to provide adequate treatment for all problems commonly encountered in horses and related species
- How to castrate a horse competently
- How to implement appropriate prevention strategies for the common diseases of horses
- How to deal with a suspected case of an equine infectiuos disease such as Salmonellosis or Strangles, an exotic infectious disease such as Equine Influenza, and a zoonotic disease such as Hendra virus
Generic skills
Students completing this subject should have developed:
- An in-depth understanding of specific veterinary clinical disciplines
- Manual dexterity and technical skills in the practical application of these disciplines
- The ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, to trouble-shoot technical difficulties
- The ability to seek accurate solutions to complex biological problems
- The capacity to apply a rigorous, critical and logical approach to problem-solving
- Advanced experience in observation, interpretation of complex data, problem-solving, time management, record-keeping and communication in both written and verbal formats
Last updated: 3 November 2022