Essential Veterinary Skills in Production Animals

Essential Practical Skills for Farm Vets.

Perfect for overseas vets preparing for the MRCVS OSCE exam or vets moving into farm practice.

Course Information

Gain confidence in core farm animal skills in a relaxed, supportive environment. This practical two day CPD course is designed for vets preparing for the MRCVS OSCE exam , as well as those looking to move into farm animal practice. Through small-group tutorials and hands-on sessions, you’ll practise key techniques and build the confidence to apply your skills on farm.

Lunch and refreshments provided on the day.

Course Description

Topics covered include:

Clinical examination of individual cattle and sheep including common presentations and diagnosis.

Assessment of the herd and flock and the environment.

Basic nutrition and feed assessment.

Clinical skills including milk sampling, epidural injection, nerve blocks.

Speakers

·       Helen Williams BVSc CertCHP DipECBHM FHEA MRCVS

·       Niall Connolly BSc BVSc CertAVP FHEA MRCVS

·       Pippa Mahen MA VetMB DBR FHEA MRCVS

·       Rosa Ana Puentes Garrido BVSc MRCVS

 

Programme (session detail and timing subject to change)

Day 1 

9am: Registration & tea/coffee

Lecture 1: Clinical examination of the adult cow and the calf

Tea/coffee

Practical 1: Clinical examination of the adult dairy cow To include: Full clinical examination, drug administration sites, body condition scoring, blood sampling sites

Lunch

Practical session 2: Clinical examination of the calf To include: Calf handling, putting on a halter, full clinical examination

Tea/coffee

Practical session 3: Clinical skills lab using models/simulators To include: milk sampling, drying off, application of casting ropes, needle selection, nerve blocks, refractometry for total protein, basic parasite identification, cattle foot pathology, castration

5pm: Close

 

 Day 2

9am: Registration & tea/coffee

Lecture 1: The sheep annual production cycle in the UK and clinical examination of sheep

Tea/coffee

Practical session 1: Handling and clinical examination of sheep To include: Handling and tipping sheep, full clinical examination, drug administration sites, body condition scoring, blood sampling sites

Lunch

Lecture 2: Introduction to assessment of cattle housing, feeds and feeding

Practical session 2: Assessment of housing/cow comfort To include: Assessment of ventilation, cubicles, space requirements, cow comfort quotient, hock lesions, mobility scoring

Tea/coffee

Practical session 3: Assessment of feeds and feeding To include: Identification of different feeds, assessment of grass silage and clamps, assessment of on-farm feeding practices

5pm: Wrap up and close