James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

TV3002 - Transitions from Health to Disease 2

Subject Description

This subject, together with Transitions from Health to Disease 1, makes up the third level of the BVSc degree program and the second of two years of the integrated veterinary science curriculum. The integrated curriculum is structured around a number of overlapping themes that combine knowledge, skills and attitudes, which are then delivered through five identified elements. The identified elements are: 1. Pathology and Wildlife and Avian Anatomy 2. Introduction to Livestock Management and Equine Medicine 3. Introduction to Small Animal Clinical Studies 4. Veterinary Career Development 5. Research Proposal. Pathology completes systemic pathology examining the pathologic basis of disease in the cardiovascular, urogenital, integumentary, endocrine, nervous, eye and musculoskeletal systems. Wildlife and Avian Anatomy identify and describe clinically relevant anatomical structures and functions of selected wildlife and avian species including exotic pets. Introduction to Livestock Management and Equine Medicine examines the legislative and operational aspects of state veterinary medicine and veterinary public health, differences in structure of the cattle industries in Australia, bovine clinical examination and lameness, medicine in the pig, poultry and small ruminant industries and equine dermatology, wound management, lameness and podiatry. Introduction to Small Animal Clinical Studies prepares students for their clinical years through introduction to diagnostic clinical reasoning and problem-orientated record keeping, small animal clinical examination dermatology and emergency critical care, the principles of diagnostic imaging and radiation safety, behavioural medicine, surgery and wound management, anaesthesiology, small animal nutrition and introductory clinical pathology. The Veterinary Career Development theme will provide students with the skills necessary to practice as a veterinarian in our changing world and to be able to continually access and use information as knowledge progresses. The research proposal develops skills in evidence-based analysis of a proposed problem in the field of veterinary science.

Learning Outcomes

• explain and demonstrate the key features of surgical sepsis, surgical theatre etiquette, basic surgical procedures, surgical emergencies, emergency critical case management in small animals and wound management in small animals and equines
• describe and diagnose common dermatological conditions in small animals and equines, their management and treatment
• discuss the basic concepts of the production of x- rays, the interaction of radiation within the body and how it applies to radiographic techniques and radiation safety aspects
• apply knowledge on the anatomy, physiology and behaviour of animals to undertake a clinical examination of the dog, cat and cow, evaluate lameness in the cow and horse and apply podiatry to managing the health and disorders of the equine hoof
• diagnose, manage, treat and prevent some common diseases in pigs, poultry and small ruminants as well as behavioural problems in companion animals. Discuss the process of diagnostic reasoning and demonstrate problem orientated record keeping
• demonstrate and strengthen teamwork, conflict management skills and negotiation skills and demonstrate professional and ethical work practices, standards and communication skills relevant to veterinarians
• evaluate peer-reviewed scientific literature and prepare a research proposal to test a scientific hypothesis relevant to the field of veterinary science
• diagnose, treat and manage common dental conditions in dogs and cats and design nutritional regimens for dogs and cats that will maintain and promote animal health and welfare and assist in the management and treatment of dental and other diseases
• diagnose common diseases of the cardiovascular, urogenital, integumentary, endocrine, nervous, musculoskeletal systems and eye based on gross and histopathological changes, explain their pathophysiology, and describe common laboratory abnormalities and the interpretive considerations of chemistry tests and urinalysis during clinical examination of small animals
• interpret, communicate and implement those legislative and regulatory requirements associated with the provision of professional services related to veterinary science, veterinary public health and regulated (notifiable diseases) and discuss the cattle and ruminant export industries in Australia
• discuss and describe anaesthetic procedures, delivery systems, risks associated with anaesthetics, use of drugs, monitoring and basic problem solving for safe anaesthesia in small animals
• identify and describe basic anatomical structures of selected Australian wildlife species including avian species and exotic pets

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%) - Individual
• On Course Assessment - (40%) - Group & Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Attend all practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and field trips, which are compulsory. Attempt all summative on-course assessment activities and achieve a satisfactory standard in each hurdle. Achieve a percentage of 50% to pass the end-of-semester examination. A minimum of 50% for each Identified Element must be achieved. Achieve a total of 50% to pass the subject (combined on-course and exam mark).

Availabilities