Veterinary Clinical Practice: Small Animal

Code

VETS4512

School

Veterinary Medicine and Science

Level

4

Credits

50

Semesters

April 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