Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery PtA (VETS90072)

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