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Unit of study_

VETS6303: Small Animal Practice A

2024 unit information

Mastering essential clinical competencies and the application of the problem-oriented approach is essential for the transition into clinical practice. This unit of study will consolidate the skills and knowledge from DVM1 and DVM2 in a case-based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of common clinical syndromes in small animals. An integrated multi-disciplinary approach will be used to highlight the importance and interrelatedness of all aspects of clinical practice (medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, behaviour, pharmacology and diagnostic imaging) in case management. Consideration of the responsibilities of small animal clinicians with regard to infection control, zoonoses and public health in the context of clinical practice will form part of this unit. The unit will provide grounding in the basic principles of diagnosis and treatment of urogenital, neurological, ophthalmological, cardiorespiratory, endocrinological, musculoskeletal, behavioural, alimentary, dermatological, haematological and oncological conditions. It focuses on developing the students' day one skills and professional attitude required for their clinical placements. Practical classes and small group learning will be included in the teaching of this unit to allow students to develop clinical thinking, practical skills and communication proficiencies.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations

Code VETS6303
Academic unit School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108 and VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204 and VETS6205 and VETS6206 and VETS6207 and VETS6208
Corequisites:
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VETS6302
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Educate the dog or cat owner to properly care for their animal such that it lives a long and healthy life and the owner-pet experience is maximised
  • LO2. Gather and assimilate relevant information from the history, distance exam and physical findings and use these to construct a problem list, prioritise problems and generate an appropriate differential diagnoses list
  • LO3. Create and implement a diagnostic plan, and interpret and synthesise the available evidence to reach a likely diagnosis
  • LO4. Develop and initiate an appropriate treatment plan (also considering euthanasia as an option) considering the welfare of the animal, and client resources and expectations
  • LO5. Design an appropriate anaesthetic induction, maintenance and anaesthetic monitoring protocol based on the animal’s health status
  • LO6. Perform common elective surgical and other invasive procedures on the integument, alimentary and urogenital tracts

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camden, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camden, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camden, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camden, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camden, Sydney

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.