DVN I

Examination modules:

Anatomy ANA 104
Year module covering basic anatomy, histology and embryology of the dog, including applicable comparative anatomy of the horse and ruminant. Offered by the Department of Anatomy and Physiology over 9 periods per week in the first semester and 4 periods per week in the second semester.

Physiology FSG 104
Year module covering elementary physiology and physiological chemistry of the most important physical systems of domestic animals. Offered by the Department of Anatomy and Physiology over 8 periods per week in the first semester and 3 periods per week in the second semester.

Veterinary Ethology VET 110
Introduction to veterinary ethology. Applied ethology of companion animals (dogs, cats, horses) and applied production animal ethology (cattle, sheep, pigs), including livestock, breeds, behaviour, breeding, feeding and care of each species. Offered by the Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies over 8 periods per week in the first semester.

General Nursing 111 AVP III
Professional ethics, human relations, responsibilities towards the employer, the patient and the clients. General safety aspects and preventive measures during hospitalisation, nursing and treatment of patients. Hygiene and maintenance of the hospital, apparatus and treatment of patients. Secure storage of medicines, secure administration and record-keeping of medicines, monitoring patients and important reporting to the veterinary surgeon, using correct veterinary terminology. Arrangements regarding transportation of animals and basic wound dressing. Offered by the Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies over 5 periods per week in the first semester.

Microbiology MGB 111
Elementary bacteriology, virology, immunology and epidemiology. Theory of the effect of antiseptic agents. Introduction to the recognition of the most important infectious diseases of domestic animals. Offered by the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases over 5 periods per week in the first semester.

Pharmacology FAR 120
Fundamental principles of Pharmacology required by veterinary nurses. Basic study of groups of functional, systemic and chemotherapeutic drugs used in domestic animals. Regulatory requirements, control and use of veterinary medicines by veterinary nurses. Offered by the Department of Paraclinical Sciences over 3 periods per week in the second semester.

Laboratory Technique LTG 120
Maintenance and handling of laboratory equipment. Collecting and dispatching of samples. Elementary haematology. Preparation and examination of skin scrapings, excretion samples, bacteriological and urine samples, as well as elementary clinical chemistry. Offered by various Departments, mainly Companion Animal Clinical Studies over 6 periods per week in the second semester.

Parasitology PAR 120
Elementary parasitology. The module encompasses the three subdisciplines of parasitology: helminthology, ectoparasitology and protozoology. The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the most important parasites of domestic animals in South Africa. On completion of this module the student will be able to identify the most important helminths, anthropods and protozoa. Additionally, the student is provided with a basic knowledge on the diseases directly and indirectly attributable to infection/infestation of the various hosts with these organisms to be able to assist in their treatment and control. Offered by the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases over 4 periods per week in the second semester.

Promotion modules:

Reproductive Nursing GSV 120
Elementary reproductive physiology and endocrinology of male and female domestic animals. The oestrus cycle. Artificial insemination of the cow and bitch. Impregnation. The physiology of gestation and care of the animal during gestation. Methods of gestation diagnosis. The normal process of parturition and care of the animal during parturition. Elementary obstetrics. The puerperium. Care of the new-born. Elementary principles of collection, examination and storage of semen. The principles of oestrus control. Sterility of male and female animals. Reproductive emergencies (including administration of epidural anaesthetic and correction of simple abnormal presentations). The principles of herd health programmes. Laboratory techniques regarding diagnosis and reproductive anomalies. Offered by the Department of Production Animal Studies over 2 periods per week in the second semester.

Medical Nursing MVP 120
Theoretical aspects of intensive care nursing, including fluid therapy, blood transfusions, blood bank, cardiovascular and pulmonary resuscitation, nutrition therapy, recognition and treatment of shock. Practical monitoring of patients. Offered by various Departments, mainly Companion Animal Clinical Studies over 3 periods per week in the second semester - alternates with Theatre Practice 120.

Theatre Practice TPR 120
Basic principles of aseptic and trauma surgery and aseptic techniques. Types of surgical infections and their causes. Theatre management, hygiene and routine. Treatment of patients in the theatre. Offered by various Departments, mainly Companion Animal Clinical Studies over 3 periods per week in the second semester - alternates with Medical Nursing 120.