Knowledge of animal health and disease is crucial for any animal scientist. The ability to integrate practical observations with theoretical investigation is an important skill for all HE students to develop.
The selected case study is a farmer has reported that one of his pedigree rams has developed a submandibular abscess. On clinical examination, the abscess is draining and is exuding an odourless, caseous discharge. The farmer mentions that the entire flock of sheep have recently been sheared.
You will need to research the case study. For your chosen case, you should do the following:
• Describe the procedure for performing a standard clinical examination of the animal. This should form the introduction to your report.
• Considering the history and clinical presentation of the animal, discuss any aspects of the examination that may be particularly important.
• Detail and justify three differential diagnoses for the animal in question.
• Discuss how risk, both to the clinician and the animal, should be managed within the clinical examination.
This assignment should be written as a scientific report. The use of figures and tables is discouraged. The description of the clinical examination should form the introduction and the rest of the content should be placed within the discussion. You may use sub-headings to structure the discussion if you wish. It is recommended that the introduction is no longer than 300 words. A conclusion is not required.
A distinctive answer for this assessment will usually incorporate all aspects of an acceptable answer but in addition will usually include detailed knowledge and understanding of the common clinical parameters measured by a veterinarian. There will also be demonstration of comprehensive knowledge of the physiological process underpinning potential abnormalities. Intellectual skills will usually be demonstrated through comprehensive analysis, synthesis and evaluation of highly relevant evidence for the differential diagnoses selected. Application usually will be demonstrated through a thorough and measured consideration of the clinical history provided. Transferable skills will usually be demonstrated through comprehensive selection and utilisation of current scientific literature and explicit scientific communication. Practical skills will be demonstrated through an in depth understanding of the application of the clinical examination and how possible abnormalities can be diagnosed. Practical skills will also be demonstrated through a comprehensive understanding of how risk can be identified and managed within the veterinary practice.
