Module Identifier RD20620  
Module Title THE HEALTH AND BEHAVIOUR OF THE HORSE  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Dr Basil T Wolf  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   33 x 1 hour lectures, jointly taught with RS20320  
  Practical    
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  30%
Semester Assessment Assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  70%
Supplementary Assessment Candidates will be required to re-take the elements of assessment that led to failing the module. 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Outcome 1
Examine the importance of parasites and apply this information to the animal's advantage.
Performance Criteria:   
a. Identify different types of parasites and their lifecycles
b. Examine the effects of parasites
c. Evaluate the different methods of control
Ranges:   
Internal and external parasites
Cold-blooded, warm-blooded and hot-blooded horses.

Outcome 2
Identify common equine disorders and their causes.
Performance Criteria:   
a. Examine the causes of infectious and non-infectious diseases
b. Comprehend the rationale of various treatments
c. Examine the prevention of the common diseases
d. Recognise the implications to health and performance
Ranges:   
Diseases of the skin, mouth, respiratory tract, digestive, circulatory and nervous systems.
All types/breeds of horse.

Outcome 3
Identification of the requirement for veterinary assistance.
Performance Criteria:   
a. To be aware of when to call for veterinary assistance
b. Appreciate the principles of first-aid for horses
c. Discuss the relevant contents of a first-aid kit.
Ranges:   
Emergency situations
All types/breeds of horse.

Outcome 4
Investigation of equine musculo-skeletal disorders.
Performance Criteria:   
a. Identify and comprehend the common causes of lameness, treatment and prevention
b. Comprehend the role of foot balance and shoeing as a cause of lameness
c.   Examine the methods and technologies used in diagnosis of equine lameness
Ranges:   
Diagnostic techniques and treatments used/administered by veterinarians and owners.

Outcome 5
Comprehend equine behaviour
Performance Criteria:   
a. Recognise and comprehend normal and abnormal behaviour in horses
b. Identify the possible causes of abnormal behaviour
c. Comprehend the principles underlying treatment for abnormal behaviour
Ranges:   
Crib-biting, weaving, box-walking.

Aims

This module aims to provide a sound understanding of the health and common diseases of horses as well as being capable of deciding when immediate veterinary attention is required. Students will also be conversant with normal horse behaviour and how this is utilised in training techniques and treating behavioural problems. Specific attention will be paid to care of foals.

Reading Lists

Books
Gray (1994) Respiratory disease
Gray (1994) Lameness
Gray (1994) Parasites and skin diseases
Boden (1991) Equine practice series
Devereux and Morrison (1992) The veterinary care of the horse
Riegel and Hakola (1996) Illustrated atlas of clinical equine anatomy and common disorders of the horse
Alcock J (2001) Animal behaviour 7th.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5