Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Describe the characteristics and methods of dealing with the following: surgical asepsis, suture materials and needles, basic surgical instruments, haemostasis and control of operative bleeding, wound healing, management and treatment of all types of wounds, and surgical response to injury.
2. Discuss the principles of the generation and management of x-radiation, the use of the x-ray machine, cassettes, film processing, basic principles of interpretation, and legislation as it relates to the use of x-radiation in veterinary practice.
3. Outline the principles and use of alternative imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, nuclear medicine, computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in gowning and gloving for surgery, aseptic technique and theatre protocol, instrument identification and handling, knot-tying (instrument tie and two-handed hand tie), and basic suture patterns.
5. Describe the principles of obtaining a clinical history, performing a physical examination and generating an initial problem list, differential diagnosis list, diagnostic plan and initial therapeutic plan for any species.
6. Understand contemporary research regarding spaying/castrations of dogs and cats, supporting evidence-based decisions in neutering practices. Outline the accepted approaches and be aware of potential complications associated with elective reproductive surgery. Prepare for practical implementation of these techniques which will happen in Clinicals Skills II.
Indicative Module Content:
Introduction to clinical examination in ruminants
Introduction to equine medicine
Response to injury
Wound treatment and healing
Halstead’s principles and asepsis
Introduction to operative instrumentation and techniques
Introduction to suture materials
Surgical knots and suture patterns
Principles of radiography
Introduction to neutering techniques in dogs and cats