Program Overview

University Program Details

The university offers a range of programs in the field of veterinary medicine, including:

SURG SCI 630 SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY

• Credits: 4
• Description: The pathophysiology and diagnosis of common general, orthopedic, and neurologic surgical diseases of small animals are presented.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe the problems that may benefit from surgical intervention that are typically encountered in a given organ system.
  • Explain the surgical techniques employed for treatment of disease/problems in a given organ system.
  • Compare both short- and long-term prognoses for diseases or clinical problems in a given organ system with and without surgical treatment.
  • Summarize the principles that guide the evaluation of a lame dog or cat.
  • Describe the principles of physical examination of a lame dog or cat.
  • Take a history of a lame dog or cat and list likely differential diagnoses for the patient.
  • Select appropriate diagnostic tests for evaluation of patients with locomotor system disease and interpret abnormal results and their significance.
  • Choose appropriate medical or surgical therapy to enable effective management of animals with locomotor system disease.
  • Offer appropriate advice on prognosis and complications for clients owning animals with locomotor system disease.
  • List the common congenital, developmental and acquired locomotor system diseases of the dog and cat, and describe how these alter locomotor system function.
  • Describe the etiology and pathogenesis of common locomotor diseases in the dog and cat and recognize pathological lesions associated with these diseases.
  • Describe the alterations that take place in bone, cartilage, tendon and ligament in response to disease.
  • Describe the various types of disease that can affect joints and lead to the clinical syndrome of osteoarthritis.

SURG SCI 631 LARGE ANIMAL SURGERY: ORTHOPEDIC AND SOFT TISSUE

• Credits: 3
• Description: Examination techniques, diagnostic aids and surgical procedures relevant to the gastrointestinal, integumentory, musculoskeletal, respiratory and genitourinary systems of the equine and food animal species.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Recognize key concepts in large animal surgery, including but not limited to common signalments, relevant history, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and pathophysiology for commonly encountered diseases.
  • Describe the basic elements of lameness evaluation, localization, and diagnosis in the horse.
  • Explain specific treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, for common diseases including potential benefits and complications associated with prescribed therapeutics.
  • Describe factors that contribute to outcomes and prognosis for specific large animal patients and surgical procedures.
  • Apply concepts of anatomy, diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology and other relevant areas, to the evaluation, treatment, and prognosis of large animals with surgical conditions.

SURG SCI 632 SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY LABORATORY

• Credits: 2
• Description: Basic skills necessary for participation in the surgical management of small animals in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Identify and describe the function of common surgical instruments.
  • Identify and describe the important properties of common suture materials and understand the indications for their use.
  • Perform a comprehensive physical examination of a small animal patient and determine pertinent differential diagnoses, if any based on that physical exam.
  • Perform a complete surgical station set-up, including selection and knowledge of appropriate intra-operative patient monitoring equipment and thermoregulatory units.
  • Demonstrate proper aseptic surgical technique including open and closed gloving, re-gloving, gowning, draping, rough and sterile patient surgical preparation.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with various surgical techniques, including but not limited to the creation and closing of an incision, proper tissue handling techniques, and instrument handling and appropriate suture patterns and knot tying.
  • Perform post-operative incision care and recognize and differentiate post-operative complications.
  • Maintain proper medical records for a routine surgical case.

SURG SCI 634 SMALL ANIMAL ANESTHESIA LABORATORY

• Credits: 1
• Description: Apply principles and techniques of veterinary anesthesiology to common companion animals.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Identify and summarize the important properties of common pharmaceuticals administered pre, intra and post-operatively for sedation, analgesia, induction, and maintenance of anesthesia.
  • Identify and summarize the important properties of common patient monitoring equipment, including but not limited to: pulse oximeter (heart rate & SpO2), Doppler (blood pressure & heart rate), temperature probes, capnometers/capnographs (EtCO2 & respiration).
  • Perform a comprehensive physical examination of a small animal patient, determine pertinent differential diagnoses based on that physical exam, prioritize and perform relevant diagnostic tests and therapeutics to resolve any health problems as part of a pre-anesthetic work-up.
  • Perform complete anesthetic station set-up, including selection and knowledge of appropriate intra-operative patient monitoring equipment and thermoregulatory units.
  • Demonstrate proper anesthetic technique for the following- intravenous catheterization, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injections, anesthetic induction, intubation, patient positioning and maintenance and recovery of general anesthesia in a small animal patient.
  • Calculate proper intravenous fluid amounts, set up a proper fluid administration set for each patient, and deliver prescribed amounts of fluids both subcutaneously and intravenously peri-operative.
  • Show proficiency with various anesthetic breathing systems (Modified Mapleson D systems) and rebreathing systems (F & Y circle systems) and machines (Dragers & Versa IIs), including set-up, pressure checking, and checking/filling inhalant levels.
  • Recognize, differentiate and mitigate peri-operative anesthetic complications and pain.
  • Complete pre-anesthetic SOAP work-up and intra-operative anesthetic record keeping.

SURG SCI 638 VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

• Credits: 2
• Description: Veterinary radiology principles, physical background and diagnostic techniques will be taught and emphasized in laboratory exercises.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Learn principals of Image formation in Radiography, CT, MRI, Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine.
  • Learn principles of Image interpretation in the 5 modalities.
  • Learn principles of Contrast media used in Radiography, CT, MRI and Ultrasound.
  • Learn principles of Biological effects, operator hazards and protective measures in the 5 modalities.
  • Develop a technique to "read" radiographs and learn to recognize lesions - laboratories on Wednesday afternoons are where students can hone their interpretation skills.
  • Learn imaging features of common diseases of: Small and large animal musculoskeletal diseases and Small animal neurological, thoracic and abdominal diseases.
  • Learn advantages and limitations of each of the 5 imaging modalities in examining various organ systems.
  • Develop skills in clear and logical client-directed and peer communication of: Pertinent radiographic signs.
  • Develop skills in clear and logical client-directed and peer communication of: Prioritized differential diagnoses for each Roentgen sign.
  • Develop skills in clear and logical client-directed and peer communication of: Prioritized basic plan for additional clinical tests and treatment.

SURG SCI 642 LARGE ANIMAL SURGERY: CLINICAL ROTATION

• Credits: 2
• Description: Learn the admission, examination, preoperative management, surgical procedures and postoperative management of large animals presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Effectively communicate patient signalment and pertinent case information to colleagues to develop a differential diagnosis.
  • Select, perform, and interpret pre- and post-operative diagnostic tests.
  • Integrate findings from patient history, physical exam, and tests and imaging to formulate comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plans for surgical patients.
  • Describe basic surgical principles in large animal surgery such as wound management and common surgical procedures.
  • Recognize situational limitations or indications for patient referral to a specialist.
  • Describe introductory level of knowledge in equine lameness including the basic elements of lameness evaluation, nerve blocks, etc.
  • Document procedures and treatments in medical records, treatment sheets, and surgical reports.
  • Create patient discharge instructions using appropriate language for client communication, understanding, and compliance.

SURG SCI 644 CLINICS-SMALL ANIMAL ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

• Credits: 2
• Description: Rotation through orthopedic and neurosurgical clinics and surgery.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Obtain a complete history and understand and complete the steps to a physical exam and orthopedic assessment.
  • Prioritize a differential diagnosis and refined problem list based on patient history and physical exam.
  • Design appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic plans for patients.
  • Effectively communicate patient signalment, history, and diagnostic and therapeutic plan to colleagues.
  • Describe and identify indications for patient referral.
  • Describe common orthopedic surgical procedures and post-operative care.
  • Report procedures and treatments in medical records, treatment sheets, and surgical reports.

SURG SCI 645 SENIOR ROTATION IN SMALL ANIMAL GENERAL SURGERY

• Credits: 2
• Description: Hands-on diagnosis and treatment of general surgical diseases of small animal species.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Develop prioritized differential diagnoses based on patient history, comprehensive physical exam, and refined problem list.
  • Effectively communicate patient signalment and pertinent case information to colleagues.
  • Select, perform, and interpret pre- and post-operative diagnostic tests.
  • Describe indications for patient referral to a surgical specialist.
  • Adapt client communication style for gaining client trust and understanding.
  • Describe surgical principles of wound management and common surgical procedures.
  • Report procedures and treatments in medical records, treatment sheets, and surgical reports.
  • Create patient discharge instructions using appropriate language for client communication understanding, and compliance.

SURG SCI 646 VETERINARY ANESTHESIOLOGY-CLINICAL ROTATION

• Credits: 2
• Description: Clinical anesthesia and pain management techniques including pre-anesthetic evaluation, induction procedures, intraoperative anesthetic and analgesic care and recovery management of small, large and exotic animal species.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Obtain an oral history and perform a complete physical examination to identify clinical problems and abnormalities.
  • Apply foundational anesthetic principles and management and patient history to create an anesthetic work-up plan.
  • Evaluate and administer appropriate drugs (type/dose/volumes) and monitors based on work-up plan.
  • Monitor anesthetic depth during procedures and adapt treatment plan according to physical parameters.
  • Describe and apply appropriate drug administration and CPR techniques for emergent patients.
  • Report procedures and treatments in medical records, treatment sheets, and surgical reports.

SURG SCI 647 RADIOLOGY CLINICS

• Credits: 2
• Description: Clinical clerkship in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Model low-stress handling and humane restraint of live animals.
  • Demonstrate appropriate radiographic techniques and radiation safety to obtain quality diagnostic images.
  • Label images appropriately and interpret abnormal imaging findings using Roentgen sign approach.
  • Prioritize a list of differential diagnoses based on available information and classify diseases associated with radiographic findings.
  • Develop a diagnostic plan and describe indications for additional tests or referrals.

SURG SCI 675 SPECIAL TOPICS

• Credits: 1-5
• Description: Topics vary.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Develop competence and professional skills in veterinary medicine.
  • Explore current topics and trends in veterinary medicine.
  • Developing breadths of experiences related to veterinary medicine.

SURG SCI 676 SPECIAL SPECIES HEALTH

• Credits: 2
• Description: Basic principles of the clinical management of exotic pet species, with an emphasis on small mammals (rabbits, rodents, etc), birds and reptiles commonly kept as companion animals.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Provide the correct husbandry recommendations for small mammals, birds and reptiles maintained as pets.
  • Identify common disorders in small mammals, birds and reptiles maintained as pets.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding anatomy and physiology of small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

SURG SCI 677 VETERINARY DENTISTRY ELECTIVE

• Credits: 1
• Description: Introduction to veterinary dentistry principles and practice.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe indications and techniques for the safe administration of regional oral anesthesia.
  • Safely perform single and multi-rooted dental extractions with surgical flaps and tension free closure.
  • Compare and contrast various oral pathologic conditions and describe various treatment options associated with each.
  • Recognize clinical signs and symptoms associated with periodontal and/or endodontic disease and list appropriate treatment options.
  • Describe various oral trauma symptoms, imaging modalities and treatment options.
  • List and describe conditions unique to feline oral disease and their treatment.

SURG SCI 699 DIRECTED STUDY

• Credits: 1-5
• Description: Projects in the laboratory and/or through library work in specific subject area under the direct guidance of a faculty member.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Apply foundational veterinary knowledge and critical thinking to identify problems in veterinary medicine.
  • Develop professional veterinary medicine skills of interest by performing select techniques and procedures.
  • Communicate in written and/or verbal reports to veterinary colleagues and supervisors.

SURG SCI 710 SPECIAL SPECIES CLINICAL ROTATION

• Credits: 2
• Description: Develop clinical proficiency in the basic veterinary care of common exotic pet species routinely seen in general veterinary practice.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Safely restrain and handle a variety of common exotic pet species.
  • Perform complete physical examinations in a variety of common exotic pet species.
  • Suggest effective and safe sedation protocols for a variety of common exotic pet species.
  • Become proficient in the in the intramuscular and subcutaneous drug administration in various exotic pet species.
  • Formulate a problem list, diagnostic plan, prognosis and make therapeutic suggestions for a variety of common disorders seen in exotic pets.

SURG SCI 711 WILDLIFE REHABILITATION MEDICINE ROTATION

• Credits: 2
• Description: Rotation is a partnership between the UW Vet School, Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Center and the Wisconsin Humane Societies' (WHS) Wildlife Center in Milwaukee.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Safely restrain and handle a variety of common native wildlife species.
  • Perform complete physical examinations in a variety of common native wildlife species.
  • Suggest effective and safe sedation protocols for a variety of native wildlife species.
  • Become proficient in the in the intramuscular and subcutaneous drug administration in a variety of native wildlife species.
  • Formulate a problem list, diagnostic plan, prognosis and make therapeutic suggestions for a variety of common disorders seen in native wildlife species.

SURG SCI 712 ZOOLOGICAL MEDICINE CLINICAL ROTATION

• Credits: 2
• Description: Practice medical management of zoological species kept in small- to medium-sized zoological facilities and wildlife rehabilitation cases, in collaboration with local facilities.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Conduct visual and physical health assessments on a variety of zoological species.
  • Create a preventive health plan (including routine vaccine recommendations) for a variety of zoological species.
  • Suggest effective and safe sedation or anesthesia protocols, including methods of drug administration, for a variety of zoological species.
  • Apply knowledge of domestic animal medicine, clinical pathology, and radiographic anatomy to a variety of zoological species.
  • Formulate a problem list, diagnostic plan, differential diagnosis list, prognosis, and therapeutic plan for a variety of common disorders seen in zoological species.

SURG SCI 714 SMALL ANIMAL RADIATION ONCOLOGY ROTATION

• Credits: 1-2
• Description: Apply clinical veterinary medicine in a small animal oncology setting that focuses on radiotherapy.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Become familiar with tumor types treated with radiotherapy and their biologic behavior.
  • Understand when and why radiotherapy is used and how it works.
  • Learn about radiation side effects and how to manage them.
  • Become familiar with the animals and pet-owners experience during radiotherapy including with daily anesthesia.
  • Understand the benefits of conformal radiation delivery techniques.
  • Understand the history of tomotherapy at the University of WI-Madison.
  • Be familiar with alternative treatment options when radiotherapy is not feasible.
  • Interpret radiographs and CT scans used in the diagnosis of tumors and in the planning of radiation.
  • Practice the following clinical skills: performing physical examinations, creating and implementing diagnostic and treatment plans, performing tissue sampling including fine needle aspiration and biopsy, venipuncture, and record keeping.
  • Practice communication skills involved in getting a history from a pet-owner/client, client education, and clinical team collaboration.

SURG SCI 741 CLINICAL OPHTHALMOLOGY ROTATION

• Credits: 2
• Description: Provides experience in ocular examination, problem solving skills, and formulation of diagnostic and therapeutic plans for animals presenting with eye disease.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Perform a complete ophthalmic examination using appropriate instrumentation to identify common ophthalmic diseases and abnormalities in veterinary patients.
  • Execute and interpret the results of basic ophthalmic tests.
  • Formulate differential diagnoses for ophthalmic examination and diagnostic findings.
  • Integrate history, ophthalmic/physical examination findings, and diagnostic test results to make an accurate clinical diagnosis(es).
  • Devise a treatment plan for the most common ophthalmic diseases in animals.

SURG SCI 743 ADVANCED ANESTHESIOLOGY/CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE

• Credits: 2
• Description: Provides advanced, in-depth training in the areas of small, large and exotic animal anesthesia and pain management.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Recognize & describe indicators of medical instability in critical patients.
  • Apply appropriate basic procedural skills on patients in critical care.
  • Demonstrate effective collaboration with critical care team to implement treatment plans.
  • Demonstrate effective oral and/or written communication with critical care team and clients.

SURG SCI 744 RESTRAINT AND ANESTHESIA OF EXOTIC ANIMALS

• Credits: 2
• Description: Provides advanced, directed anesthetic and restraint techniques for multiple exotic animal species.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Apply the variations in anatomy and physiology of non-domestic species to provide tailored anesthetic care to a variety of species.
  • Solve challenges associated with the presentation of a novel species by integrating the skills and knowledge learned in this course with self-guided research of the differences in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology of the novel species.
  • Construct and implement a complete perianesthetic plan for non-domestic classes and families of animals including birds, rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and reptiles.
  • Apply and interpret the information obtained by anesthetic monitors and realize their individual strengths and limitations in a variety of species.

SURG SCI 746 FOOD ANIMAL SURGERY

• Credits: 2
• Description: Provides didactic and surgical experience in the major, common surgical diseases of cattle and pigs.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Effectively communicate patient signalment and pertinent case information to colleagues to develop a differential diagnosis.
  • Select, perform, and interpret pre- and post-operative diagnostic tests.
  • Integrate findings from patient history, physical exam, and tests and imaging to formulate comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plans for surgical patients.
  • Describe basic surgical principles in food animal surgery such as wound management and common surgical procedures.
  • Document procedures and treatments in medical records, treatment sheets, and surgical reports.

SURG SCI 748 DENTISTRY AND ORAL SURGERY ROTATION

• Credits: 1-3
• Description: Dentistry, oral medicine and surgery as well as comprehensive patient care through the use of progressive methods, hospital resources and interdisciplinary specialists.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Understand and complete the steps to a complete oral health assessment.
  • Use appropriate techniques to acquire dental radiographs and interpret image findings.
  • Safely administer appropriate dental nerve blocks for general dental procedures.
  • Properly extract maxillary canine, mandibular canine, maxillary fourth premolar tooth and mandibular molar tooth in cadaveric lab exercises.
  • Integrate findings from patient history, oral exam, and dental radiograph to formulate a comprehensive oral health treatment plan.

SURG SCI 750 SMALL ANIMAL ULTRASOUND ELECTIVE

• Credits: 1
• Description: Introduction to hands-on ultrasound imaging and expand on selected portions of ultrasound physics, literature and problem-based case studies.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Model low-stress handling and humane restraint of small animal patients.
  • Apply basic ultrasound techniques to identify organs, recognize imaging artifacts, and obtain diagnostic quality images.
  • Interpret abnormal imaging findings and prioritize a list of differential diagnoses based on available information.
  • Design appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic plans for small animal patients based on ultrasound results and clinical information.

SURG SCI 775 EXTERNSHIP

• Credits: 1-24
• Description: Offers opportunities for faculty coordinated experience in the veterinary medical profession outside School of Veterinary Medicine.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Understand real-world applications of foundational veterinary medical knowledge and skills.
  • Apply foundational veterinary knowledge and critical thinking to solve real-world problems.
  • Perform select techniques and procedures to develop various skills professional in veterinary medicine.