Lifestyle Learning Direct

Introduction to Animal Health Care
To be able to describe the scope of services offered by animal care services, including veterinary practices.

Common Health Problems in Farm Animals and Pets
Describe common health problems in various animals, including injuries & diseases ...

• causes of ill health
• problems in family pets

Animal Behaviour
Explain the natural behaviour of different types of domestic animals in different situations.

• natural behaviour of animals
• problems in wild animals
• behaviour in domestic animals

Signs of Ill Health
Identify common signs of ill health in different animals.

• vital signs
• the healthy animal
• signs & symptoms of disease
• diagnosis & control of diseases

Veterinary Facilities
Describe the purposes of different facilities used in veterinary practice.

• the first aid kit
• enclosures for animals

Safety Procedures
Determine safety procedures for a veterinary practice.

• workplace safety
• health & safety for veterinary practices

Administration of Animal Health
Describe different administration procedures in a veterinary practice.

• animal insurance
• legal considerations
• managing a veterinary office

Animal First Aid
Describe/select first aid procedures/treatments for different animals in response to common health problems in animals.

• types of wounds
• treatments

Preventative Health Care
Describe requirements for maintaining good health in domestic animals, including nutrition & preventative medicine.

• preventing ill health
• vaccinations

Routine Health Treatments
To develop an understanding of routine treatments for healthy animals.

• desexing
• managing a pregnancy
• euthanasia

Health Problems in Domestic Pets
To develop a broader awareness of health problems and their treatment in domestic pets.

• ticks
• Australian animals
• birds
• reptiles
• fish

Rehabilitation Care
To develop skills in caring for animals prior to, during or after treatment.

• planning a recovery
• animal nursing

EXAMPLES OF WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS COURSE

• Contact several bodies/organisations concerned with animal welfare, and obtain any literature or other information regarding issues such as the following:
• Restrictions placed by local councils upon the keeping of pets.
• Legal requirements placed upon farmers or pet owners, with respect to animal welfare
• Find two different types of domestic animals which you can observe (ie. different species).
• Observe each on two different occasions, for at least 15 minutes each time.
• Make notes of their behaviour.
• Note any similarities between behaviour on the different occasions, and between the different types of animals.
• Describe methods used for controlling/restraining animals during an examination
• List as many things as you can that might cause a dogs temperature to go to 40^oC.
• Contact a state government veterinary/agriculture department, and find out anything you can about health risks to humans from domestic & farm animal diseases in your country.
• Try to determine what animals are the biggest threat; what diseases are a more serious threat, and what controls are in place to minimise such problems.
• List any animal diseases which may be also contracted by man, which you are aware of?
• Research exotic diseases in your country or region and take notes
• Design a standard "Patient Record" card/form for use by a general practice veterinarian