Program Overview

VSC461 Clinical Rotation 3 - Dairy Cattle Practice

Overview

A 3-week supervised clinical rotation in a dairy cattle practice affiliated with the University. Students will participate in the clinical procedures of the practice under the supervision of a veterinary clinician. The rotation provides the opportunity to further develop skills and knowledge in cattle medicine and surgery and the practice of herd medicine to a standard acceptable for a new graduate in veterinary science.

Availability

• Session 1 (30): On Campus, Wagga Wagga Campus
• Session 2 (60): On Campus, Wagga Wagga Campus
• Session 3 (90): On Campus, Wagga Wagga Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science
• Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science
• Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) Students only

Prerequisites

• VSC415
• VSC426
• VSC427
• VSC450
• VSC451
• VSC453

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to discuss and perform a complete clinical examination of the bovine and subsequently identify a diagnosis or prioritise a list of differential diagnoses
• be able to formulate a diagnostic and treatment/management plan for the common veterinary conditions of dairy cattle
• be able to perform, where appropriate, or observe, and discuss common diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures relevant to dairy practice
• be able to communicate effectively with clients and practice staff
• be able to demonstrate a depth of understanding of the management of clinical cases in discussions with veterinary staff of the practice
• be able to work cooperatively with all members of the staff in the practice
• be able to describe approaches to investigations of veterinary problems which affect dairy cattle at the herd level, including those of nutritional, infective, metabolic, or management-related aetiologies
• be able to provide advice or recommend action to alleviate disease or production-limiting problems in dairy cases
• be able to apply sound epidemiological and economic principles to the management of veterinary problems in dairy cases
• be able to use and analyse computer software to assist in the nutritional and/or reproductive management of dairy herds
• be able to prepare written reports on cases which are well researched and demonstrate a deep understanding of the veterinary issues involved
• be able to synthesise information from a variety of sources and present findings in written and/or oral form
• be able to demonstrate appropriate time management and organisational skills to permit completion of clinical and assessment responsibilities

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Cattle medicine
• Cattle surgery
• Epidemiology
• Dairy cattle management, husbandry, and production
• Farm level economics
• Communication
• Pharmacology, including residues in food-producing animals
• Clinical pathology and microbiology

Workplace Learning

This subject contains a 15-day Compulsory Workplace Learning component. Students have to attend Dairy Cattle Practices for these rotations.

Special Resources

Students have to provide their own travel and accommodation to attend these rotations.