Veterinary Anaesthesia and Surgery 2 (VETS4234)
UNIT OF STUDY
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Surgery 2 is a continuation of VAS1. It builds on the principles and skills of anaesthesia and surgery introduced in VAS1. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Surgery 2 further develops skills in two key areas of Clinical Science. The course comprises a series of lectures and practical classes, as well as an online component.
The focus is primarily on dogs, cats, horses and production animals; however discussion of other species is included.
Within the scope of Veterinary Anaesthesia the course teaches students about the planning and implementation of safe and humane anaesthesia for small and large animals. It incorporates the principles of modern veterinary anaesthesia and covers anaesthesia for different species and for common disease conditions; equipment used in anaesthesia; pain management; and management of complications including cardiopulmonary arrest.
In addition to lectures and practical classes, participation in the neutering clinic gives students the opportunity to perform anaesthesia in a patient and as such includes pre-anaesthetic patient assessment, developing a plan for anaesthesia and pain management, administration of anaesthesia, monitoring the anaesthetised patient as well as managing recovery from anaesthesia.
Within the scope of Veterinary Surgery the course develops further the principles and practice of soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery in companion and large animals. Practical classes provide instruction and practice in the basic techniques of wound management as well as more advanced procedures such as fracture fixation, surgery for cruciate ligament rupture, gastrointestinal surgery and urinary tract surgery.
Participation in the neutering clinic gives students the opportunity to perform recovery anaesthesia and participate in castration and ovariohysterectomy procedures.
Students are expected to achieve a level of understanding and capability at the end of this unit of study that will enable them to progress into final year.