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Unit of study_
VETS6403: Small Animal Clinics C
2025 unit information
This unit of study consolidates the theory of avian, reptile, exotic pet and wildlife medicine and surgery, as well as of canine and feline internal medicine and diagnostic imaging, and applies this theory to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in patients presenting to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Sydney (UVTHS) and the Avian Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital (AREPH). Case material will be used to develop student's use of the problem-orientated approach in patient assessment. During placements, acquiring appropriate skills in history-taking, physical examination, interpretation of diagnostic imaging modalities and clinicopathological test results, routine clinical procedures and implementation of treatments will be emphasised. Cases will form the basis of interactive collegiate discussions on patient-specific identification and assessment of problems. Student interns will participate in clinical activities, including client communication, collection of samples for diagnostic tests, acquisition of diagnostic images, developing treatment and nutrition plans, routine health management, disease management, management of patients in hospital, and medical record-keeping. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week two of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University’s website https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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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 and VETS6301 and VETS6302 and VETS6303 and VETS6304 and VETS6305 and VETS6306 and VETS6307 and VETS6308 and VETS6309 and VETS6310 and VETS6311 and VETS6312 and VETS6313 and VETS6314 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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All content from Years 1, 2, and 3 of the DVM |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. integrate evidence and apply clinical reasoning skills to develop a diagnosis and formulate effective solutions to problems that consider animal and client needs, available resources, and social context
- LO2. perform veterinary preventative, diagnostic and medical procedures and provide post treatment management for the health, wellness and treatment of small companion animals, appropriate to the context and life stage
- LO3. communicate effectively, collaborate and educate clients, colleagues and the public, with compassion in diverse social and cultural contests
- LO4. apply a professional, ethical and socially responsible approach and advocate for the improvement of animal health and welfare.
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.
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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.
Important enrolment information
Additional advice
The majority of the unit of study will involve practical work in the form of clinical practice, facilitated in a rotational format. Students will be involved in the handling, examination, diagnostic procedures and treatment of dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, exotic pets and wildlife.
