Course Director: Dr Peter D. Cockcroft MA, MSc, VetMB, DCHP, DipECBHM, DVM&S MRCVS MILT

Learning Outcomes and Syllabus

Module 1 Clinical Examination, Clinical techniques and further Investigations

Aims:

On completion of the module delegates should:

·     Be able to describe how to perform a clinical examination of a sheep in detail

• Be aware of the range of clinical techniques that may be useful in sheep
• Be aware of the range and limitations of further investigations in sheep
• Be able to identify and interpret clinical abnormalities
• Be able to describe how to do a post-mortem and identify common gross pathological lesions
• Be able to request appropriate clinical pathological tests and interpret the results

Syllabus

·         Clinical examination of Adult

·         Clinical examination of lamb

·         Clinical pathology: Interpretation

·         Clinical techniques by system: Interpretation

·         Sampling populations and monitoring

·         Available tests and sampling techniques

·         Post-mortem examination and sampling 

Module 2 Nutrition, growth, and reproduction

Aims

On completion of the module delegates should:

• Understand the impact of inappropriate nutrition on productivity
• Have a working knowledge of the impact of trace element deficiencies
• Be able to give advice regarding breeding programmes, AI and embryo tranfer
• Be able to describe how to perform a breeding soundness examination on a ram
• Understand how to when an how to perform pregnancy diagnosis
• Be able to give appropriate advice on abortions
• Understand conditions of the reproductive tract of the ewe
• Have a detailed understanding of obstetrical problems and corrective procedures
• Be able to describe how to perform a ram vasectomy and ewe ceasarian section

Syllabus

·         Nutrition

Nutritional management of the gimmer, the growing lamb, adult ewe, adult Ram.Trace element deficiencies

·         Breeding Programmes

Maniplation of the oestrous cycle. Using vasectomised rams.Hormonal therapy (melatonin, progesterone/PMSG).AI and embryo transfer

·         Ram breeding soundness

Physical examination (including ultra-sound).Semen evaluation.Diagnosis , treatment and management of common conditions. Ram vasectomy

·         Pregnancy diagnosis

Methods and timing

·         Abortion

Aetiology, epidemiology, treatment, prevention and control.Investigation of abortion.

Conditions of the reproductive tract of the ewe

·         Parturition, Obstetrics and dystocia

Normal/abnormal parturition. Dystocia and obstetrics. Analgesia and spinal anaesthesia.Ceasrian section. 

Module 3 Important Sheep Diseases

Aims

On completion of the module delegates should be able to:

·         Diagnose, treat, prevent and control common and important conditions of

of sheep.Identify and give appropriate advice regarding notifiable, reportable and

zoonotic diseases

Syllabus

·         Diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of common and important conditions of

of sheep by age: peri-natal, young lambs, growing lambs, adults including notifiable and zoonotic diseases

Module 4 Differential diagnosis, therapeutics, anaesthesia and surgery

Aims

On completion of the module delegates should be able to:

·         Investigate important clinical syndromes

• Select appropriate therapies
• Select appropriate analgesia and anaesthesia
• Describe how to perform important surgical procedures

Syllabus

·         Differential diagnosis of important syndromes

·         Therapeutics

·         Anaesthesia: local, regional and general

·         Surgical procedures: Claw amputation, rumenotomy, prolapsed vagina replacement, ram vasectomy, tracheosotomy, castration, dehorning. Obstructive urolithiasis: penile amputation, urethrotomy, cystotomy, wound debridement (myisais).

Module 5.Flock health plans/schemes, population medicine and parasite control

Aims

On completion of the module delegates should:

·         Understand the significance of endo and ectoparasites in sheep

·         Be able to diagnose and appropriately treat, control and prevent endo and ectoparasites in sheep

·         Have a detailed knowledge of sheep vaccines

·         Understand the disease accreditation schemes

·         Be able to measure, manage and monitor productivity and diseases at group and flock level

·         Be able to devise appropriate flock health plans including biosecurity protocols

Syllabus

• The sheep industry
• Ectoparasites: Biology of common ectoparasites including ticks, lice, mange mites and flies.Diagnosis, control and prevention of ectoparasitic diseases.The importance of ectoparasites as vectors of diseases.Diagnosis, control and prevention of the arthropod-borne diseases of sheep.
• Endoparasites:Biology of common ovine endoparasites (parasitic gastroenteritis; PGE) and their life cycles.Diagnosis, control and prevention of PGE.Development of anthelmintic-resistant strains.SCOPS.
•  Accreditation schemes
•  Vaccines
• Veterinary flock health plans