Veterinary Clinical Practice: Small Animal

Code

VETS4508

School

Veterinary Medicine and Science

Level

4

Credits

50

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

The final year is lecture free with students undertaking 26 weeks of rotations at the School's Clinical Associates and at the School. 
 
The rotations cover a range of professional practice including small animal, equine, farm animal, veterinary public health and exotic practice. 

The rotations are divided into: small animal, equine and farm animal/veterinary public health and 
zoo/wildlife practice. Each placement has specific targeted learning objectives, the learning objectives related to 
small animal practice will be delivered at the following sites: 
  
Core rotations: 
Small Animal Surgery and Anaesthesia PDSA/RSPCA (2 weeks) 
Small Animal Consulting Shelton Lock/Langley Mill/Pinfold (2 weeks)  
SVMS Pathology (pathology) (2 weeks)

Small Animal Skills SVMS (2 weeks) 
Pride Veterinary centre (Out of Hours rotation) (2 weeks)

Elective rotations (6 weeks in 2 week blocks at one or more of the following sites): 
RSPCA Oldham 

Pride Veterinary Centre
Dick White Referrals 
Dovecote Veterinary Hospital 

Oakham Small Animal Practice 

Target Students

Restricted to students registered for the BVM BVS programme only

Classes

• Thirty-five 1-hour placements each week for 26 weeks

Assessment

• Inclass Exam (Practical): Rotation professionalism assessment and directly observed procedural skills
• 100% Exam (Examsys) (2-hour-5-minute): Online clinical reasoning assessment

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

At the end of this module the student should:

• Demonstrate knowledge and the application of veterinary pharmacology, pharmacy and toxicology 
   

Understand normal physiology, the pathological basis and clinical manifestation of disease in small animal species 
 

Understand the relationship between animal health and human health, processes within the food industry, zoonotic disease and public health and associated legal and ethical implications 
 

Demonstrate a knowledge of the principles of surgical techniques 
 

Understand the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities required of a veterinary surgeon 
 

Possess an understanding of the structure of the veterinary industry and potential career options, including the work of paraprofessionals, charities, governmental bodies and functions, and the RCVS 
 

Understand Health and Safety aspects of veterinary practice 
 

Understand the need for lifelong learning, the importance of continuing professional development, education, self-audit and peer review 

Intellectual Skills:

At the end of this module the student should:

• Possess the ability to absorb, arrange and analyse information

Demonstrate skills in diagnostic problem solving, and in formulation and application of treatment strategies 
 

Be able to recognise, diagnose, and offer preventative healthcare advice for the common diseases of animals 
 

Be able to offer medical and surgical treatment and prognoses for common disorders of animals 
 

Make informed decisions regarding optimum case management 
 

Anticipate and manage complications associated with treatment 
 

Be able to analyse ethical problems that present in practice and justify decisions that are made 

Professional practical skills: 
At the end of this module the student should: 

• Be able to undertake full clinical, ante- and basic post mortem examination and diagnosis including laboratory diagnosis and analysis of common animal species 
   

Be able to undertake practical techniques including anaesthesia, euthanasia, cytology, diagnostic imaging, pregnancy diagnosis, basic surgery techniques and to manage common obstetrical and reproductive problems of common animal species 
 

Be able to dispense and administer medicines to common animal species by a variety of routes 
 

Undertake supportive care of patients, including emergency and critical care 
 

Be able to advise on husbandry, management, reproduction, nutrition, behaviour, welfare and health requirements of common species whilst considering the economics, organization, legal issues and impacts of animal-related industries ethics 

Possess business and management skills applicable to veterinary practice management 
 

Provide an understandable explanation to the client of diagnosis, investigations, management options and prognosis 

Discuss and apply strategies to deal with more challenging consultations 
 

Make an adequate record and complete the administration related to investigations, treatment and prescribing 

Transferable (key) skills: 
At the end of this module the student should: 

• Possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients and with colleagues both in the veterinary profession and in other disciplines, including the ability to record information in an appropriate manner 
   

Possess an ability to conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner 
 

Possess an ability to conduct themselves in a safe and appropriate manner in a range of veterinary facilities (consulting room, surgery, laboratory, pathology room, etc) 
 

Demonstrate an ability to undertake further study, critically evaluate literature and formulate independent conclusions 
 

Be able to analyse and reflect on their own and others consultation and management skills 
 

Be able to cope with uncertainty and be able to adapt to change whilst recognising personal limitations, and sources of advice and support and protocols 

Conveners

• Mr Thomas Hackney
• Mr Stephen Brogden
• Dr Amy Wieser