Animal Health and Management

Module Identifier: VN10700
Module Title: Animal Health and Management
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 1 Taught over 2 semesters
Co-ordinator: Mrs Hilary Laxton
Reading List: View on Aspire
Other Staff: Miss Alwenna Jenkins; Dr Iain Chalmers; Mrs Sarah Hunt; Miss Julia Fenn; Miss Leysan Clift; Mrs Hilary Laxton; Ms Emma Gerrard; Ms India Shaw; Mrs Emma Anscombe-Skirrow; Dr Ifat Shah

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Web based content: Client information for a veterinary practice website 1500 Words	50%
Semester Exam	Written exam: 2 Hours	50%
Supplementary Assessment	Web based content: Client information for a veterinary practice website 1500 Words	50%
Supplementary Exam	Written exam: 2 Hours	50%

Learning Outcomes

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

Identify common breeds and species of dogs, cats, small mammals or equids and examine recognised methods of identification.
Analyse methods of handling and restraint for dogs, cats, small mammals or equids with consideration of individual patient needs and behaviours.
Examine husbandry and nutritional requirements for dogs, cats, small mammals or equids with consideration of life stage and legal requirements.
Explain hygiene requirements before and after handling animals and identify common parasites seen in dogs, cats, small mammals or equids.
Examine zoonotic diseases and infectious diseases commonly affecting dogs, cats, small mammals or equids.
Explain the role of the veterinary nurse in health and welfare programmes to promote preventative medicine.

Brief description

This module will consider normal behaviour, management, nutrition and signs of normal health of dogs, cats, small mammals and equids. Common, parasites, zoonotic and infectious diseases will be introduced and common preventative methods identified e.g. vaccines and prophylactics. Knowledge and practical skills essential for handling and restraint and basic management procedures of animals in line with accepted animal welfare practices are included in this module.

Content

1. Animal husbandry and common husbandry related disorders
2. Identification
3. Nutrition and common nutritional disorders
4. Normal and common behaviour problems
5. Handling, restraint and transport
6. Grooming
7. Infectious diseases commonly seen
8. Zoonotic diseases commonly seen
9. Animal welfare
10. Preventative medicine e.g. prophylactics, vaccines
11. Common parasites

The following RCVS Day One Skills (DOS) are covered within the content of this module:
2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.5, 8.1, 8.4
The following RCVS Day One Competences (DOC) are covered within the content of this module:
1, 12, 17, 35, 37

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Adaptability and resilience	Considering the role of the VN in the suitable use of online sources and social media.
Digital capability	Developing content and presentation of information aimed at the public on a veterinary practice website
Professional communication	Communication aimed at the general public, utilising relevant terminology and presenting this in a way that is understandable.
Subject Specific Skills	Knowledge of management, care and health of animals and the ability to recognise these signs and requirements ona day to day basis.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4