Print Syllabus

Syllabus

VM0103 Small animal clinical science, 17.0 Credits

Smådjur

Subjects

Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medicine

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Pass in courses of year 1–3 on the Veterinary Medicine programme, pass in the course "Introduction to Clinical Studies" and at least 20 additional credits at Master’s level within the Veterinary Medicine programme as well as full participation in the course "Small animal medicine and surgery".

Objectives

The course should provide advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to diagnose, treat and prevent common and important injuries, disturbances and diseases in the animal species dog, cat, horse and production animals for work in basic veterinary nursing specialising small animals.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• on a scientific basis discuss and synthesize veterinary science issues, review critically and analyze, assess and use relevant information concerning small animals

• describe and justify the handling investigation of common and important injuries disturbances and diseases for the in the course included animal species including assessment of prognosis,

• carrying out commonly occurring diagnostic investigations and treatments and independently interpret results of diagnostics,

• independently make an assessment of health state and fertility in ruminants and pig farms based on results of studies and herd data,

• evaluate different animal husbandry and production forms concerning impact on the animals’ helath and fertility,

• discuss and carry out adequate pre-medication, anaesthesia and pre- and postoperative pain analgesia

• explain and be familiar with common surgical procedures, including aftercare, and be able to carry out certain basic surgical procedures and take into consideration appropriate aseptic techniques,

• discuss and assess different management routines including vaccinations, deworming and feeding within preventive animal healthcare both on individual and breeding kennel/cattery level,

• evaluate different measures on individual and kennel/cattery level based on an economic, clinical and pharmacological (including drug resistance) perspective, and considering animal welfare,

• analyze and discuss food safety and ethical aspects around slaugheter,

• analyze and apply hygiene procedures for maintaining disease control, animal welfare and worker safety in work with in the course included animal species,

• independent and in an adequate way account for measures, treatment plans and treatment results and document these according to current regulatory framework,

• identify and take position in ethical issues and in an objective way assess animal welfare and animal welfare in real situations and account for in the context relevant animal welfare legislation,

• supervise students in earlier school years and give personal feedback to fellow students in the same school year during clinical tasks and in groups discuss leadership and how the cooperation in the group has functioned.

Content

The course consists of lectures, exercises, seminars, demonstrations, farm visits, clinical proficiency training and observing clinical activities. The teaching is mainly given during daytime but certain participation in 24-hour duty is included. Seminar assignments, exercises, herd assignment, clinical teaching and participation in 24-hour duty are compulsory components.

The student does a compulsory advanced in-depth assignment on small animals.

The student practises describing, explaining and reflecting on, at an advanced level, problem identification, clinical findings, relevant diagnostic evaluation method, differential diagnosis, treatment strategy and prognosis for important and common injuries, diseases and disturbances in dogs, cats, horses and production animals. The student discusses and assesses different management routines within preventive animal healthcare. The student obtains training in documenting clinical work in a medically correct way, and to communicate with authorities, colleagues and animal owners. The student practises arguing for and against different treatment strategies based on ethical considerations and the situation of the animal and the animal owner. The course also includes practice in describing and reflecting on different anaesthesia forms in relation to the animal’s clinical status and to carry out certain surgical procedures under supervision. The student also obtains training in applying post-operative care and describing and analysing the reasons for complications in connection with surgical procedures. The student will also analyse findings and farm statistics (concerning health and finances) and to make a synthesis of common problems. The student draws conclusions about and assesses group cooperation, and identifies and explains factors that have influenced the work of the group positively or created impediments to achieving the intended learning outcomes.

The course also teaches food safety, applied nutrition and applied animal welfare and legislation. The course also includes implementation and follow-up of professional or vocational components (feedback, supervision etc).

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written and practical examinations and approved participation in compulsory course components.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Transitional provisions

• Exams: At least three retake sessions (renewed exams) must be offered within two years of the decision to cancel the course. • Compulsory elements: At least one opportunity for a retake session must be offered within two years of the decision to cancel the course.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The course is elective within The Veterinary Medicine Programme.



Interrupted practice

A student may be suspended from clinical practice with living animals if there is a significant risk of the student, through incompetence, injuring animals, other persons, themselves or valuable property if s/he continues to participate. Such a suspension may result in the student failing the course. An individual study plan will be set up and communicated to the student in writing. The plan will be established by the department responsible for the course after consultation with the study advisor and the student concerned. This plan, which is decided by the programme director of studies, shall state the nature of the shortcomings in knowledge and skills, what support the student can expect from the department as well as how and when checks can take place whether the student has acquired the required knowledge and skills. The plan will specify how these checks will be carried out. Each student has the right to a maximum of two checks. The student may not take part in clinical training on live animals until the programme director of studies has checked and confirmed that the student has the knowledge and skills required.