VTMED 6621

Introduction to Small Animal Orthopedics

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This 2-week distribution course will allow students in the curriculum early exposure to small animal clinical orthopedic practice. Preclinical students will shadow senior veterinary students for the first week, aiding in case admission, orthopedic case management, and morning/evening treatments. Pending case availability and abilities, preclinical students may begin to function more independently during the second week. Through aiding and being responsible for patient care, students will learn the core principles of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment or orthopedic diseases. Clinical skills that are developed through the rotation include history taking, physical and orthopedic examination, clinical record writing (SOAPs, surgery reports, discharges), radiographic interpretation, and laboratory testing interpretation. Students will partake in case rounding, assisting in surgery, owner discussions, and will become facile with the use of the electronic medical record system (Ezyvet). Students are expected to be present throughout the duration of the rotation according to hospital and curriculum guidelines.

Enrollment Priority Permission of instructor required. Must be able to perform a physical examination through Foundation Course VIIA laboratory. No expertise necessary in orthopedics. May be repeated for credit.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SU, 2024SU, 2023SU, 2022SU

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