Content Differentiation in Equine Medicine 

In the clinic in equine differentiation, the emphasize is on diagnosis and treatment of patients, diagnosis and treatment of acute cases such as colic, lameness diagnosics, certification and issuance of passports on horses, use and maintenance of endoscopic equipment. In addition, students will have a week of practical anesthesia and pain management as a part of the specialization in anesthesia. This week is in addition to the 10 weeks (see the subject Anesthesia and pain management)

Content Clinic periods

In the equine differentiation  it is emphasized on practicing what the student has learned in active clinic and have the opportunity to more independently assess and treat patients, including horse owner contact. There will be room for more skills training than in active clinic. The students will write detailed records on a defined number of patients.

Content Radiology

Radiology deals with the use of imaging diagnostics in companion animal practice. Emphasis will be on radiology diagnostics, but other modalities such as ultrasound, scintigraphy and CT will also be reviewed.

Content Clinical pathology 

Principles of sampling, evaluation of pre-analytical factors and interpretation of test results in clinical chemistry, clinical endocrinology, hematology and cytology. Practical exercises in preparation of hematology/cytological, cell slide samples and microscopy will be included. Special emphasis is placed on interpretation of test results from horses.

Content Reproduction

The following topics are theoretically taught:

Reproductive physiology and pathology, insemination with fresh and frozen semen, obstetrics, diseases in foals.

The following topics are practical: Palpation training.

Content Horse diseases 

Lameness diagnostics, Immobilization of fractures in the field, Cardiology, Colic Treatment, Fluid therapy,  Wound care, Joint infections, Respiratory diseases, Neurological disorders, Emergency treatment of eye diseases. Signalement, passsport, pony measurement. Prohibition times, doping regulations.

Content Scientific and methodological specialization related to the thesis 

Self-study and preparation work to be able to implement a thesis over 10 weeks.

Optional labarotory animal science: Content

To create interest and knowledge of the various tasks a laboratory veterinary has. We will look at the career opportunities a vet have within laboratory animals and teach the students to start thinking critical and ethical like a real scientist. To increse the student's skills in practical handling and simple methods (like blood tests and injection methods) and surgical methods (like OVHV and tooth pull) of rabbit, rat and mice. Aswell as get to know these species as laboratory animals, we would like to have a closer look at them as pets. 

Learning outcome Clinical part

Builds on the learning outcomes descriptions of 9th semester

After completing the course the students will:

• Have acquired a good knowledge of independent practicing clinical diagnostics, perform treatment and advise on disease prevention
• Have good ethics that are beneficial for veterinary profession and the costumers we serve.

Aim and Learning outcome Anesthesia and pain management 

The course focuses on the theoretical background for sedation, anesthesia and pain management in veterinary horse practice. 

After the theory and practice, students shall possess knowledge and manual skills to plan and implement sedation, anesthesia and pain management of equine patients. 

Aim and Learning outcome Radiology

The course will provide a thorough introduction to imaging diagnostics as a tool for horse practice and provide students with knowledge about the practical implementation of rads taking to interpretation.

After the course the student shall be able to understand the imaging diagnostics in equine practice.

Aim and Learning outcome Clinical pathology 

The course will provide students with a sound basis for using clinical chemistry, clinical endocrinology, hematology and cytology in equine practice.

After completing the course the student should be able to:

• Assess indications for various tests, know the most common pre-analytical factors that influence test results and have a basic understanding of the interpretation of test results.
•  Present microscope samples (hematology/cytology) of diagnostic quality.

Aim and learning outcome Reproduction

Give students a solid foundation in order to assume responsibility for the operation of a stud.

After completing the course the student should be responsible for the operation of a stud.

Aim and learning outcome Horse diseases

After completing the course, students will have the theoretical knowledge that is required to go into the ambulatory equine practice.

Mandatory: Aim and learning outcome Compound feed 

To provide students with knowledge of the development of compound feed for production animals and horses and to train students to deal with problems that one might encounter as a practicing veterinarian regarding the quality of the feed.

Be able to assess whether the compound feed may be partial causes of disease states

Mandatory: Scientific and methodological specialization related to the thesis

Give more time associated with the tasks that require extra preparation.

External work experience rather than mandatory clinic (1.5 ECTS x 2, 1-2 weeks)

In special circumstances, up to two of the mandatory clinic weeks are taken by an external clinic by appointment and approval of the supervisor.

It is required 100 % attendance and approved records.

This can also take place at acknowledged clinics abroad after the approval of the responsible of the direction approval.

The same requirements for quality assurance as for the optional programs (see this).

It is essential that this is a full day horse practice.

Responsible: Siv Hanche-Olsen

External work experience rather than mandatory clinic (1-2 weeks)

In special circumstances, up to two of the mandatory clinic weeks are taken by an external clinic by appointment and approval of the supervisor.

It is required 100 % attendance and approved records.

This can also take place at acknowledged clinics abroad after the approval of the responsible of the direction approval.

The same requirements for quality assurance as for the optional programs (see this).

Program anesthesia and pain management

In addition to the theoretical reviews, the students must participate on anesthesia in the clinic weeks, and one of the pasients described as a case report. 

Program Radiology

Radiology is structured as a combination of lectures and assignments. In addition to basic radiology and physics, any step in the study of individual body parts will be systematically reviewed. Which patients are appropriate for the different types of research, how the examinations are done, the choice of projections, assessment of images etc.

Program Horse diseases

Teaching takes the form of lectures and demonstrations. Students will work on assignments in their self-study time and present it to their teachers and other students.

Program Compound feed 

The course will include two days of lectures and discussions that will take place at NMBU Veterinary Faculty. One of the days will be at UMB Ås, where students will be briefed on the activities pursued there when it comes to compound feed development and feeding trials on production animals and horses. Then, there will be a 2 day excursion to Trondheim to Felleskjøpet production plant and research and development for compound feed. It will be held some lectures in Trondheim and there will be a tour of the production plant at Felleskjøpet with an emphasis on the development and quality assurance of the products.

Practical information: Students will have their stay in Trondheim covered. The journey to Trondheim will be covered for the students with a specialization in Equine medicine. Other students have to finance their trip (approx. 1000 NOK) via the department where they have their specialization or they have to cover it themselves.

Maximum number of students is 20. Students in Equine differentiation are prioritized.

Optional laboratory animcal science: Program

From 2016, this couse will be an "inverse classroom". It means that the students will get access to lectures in form of instruction videos and they have to reviewing the syllabus in the form of own work. The gatherings (flipped sessions) with lecturer will be used for review of group assignment, discussion and practical work with the animals/cadavers

Part 1: Laboratory animal science

We will delve into the subject and specifically look at what tasks a vet can have within laboratory animals. 

Part 2: Clinical examination techniques on living animals.

We will work specifically with clinical examination and simple techniques (like blood samples and injection methods) on rabbits, rats and mice.

Part 3: Surgery methods

We will work specifically with surgical methods (like OVHV and tooth pull) on cadavers of rabbit, rat and mouse.

Mandatory teaching and program requirements: Differentiation in Equine Medicine 

The courses and clinic is mandatory. Evening shifts are also mandatory (minimum 1 evening pr. week). In the clinic a maximum of one day documented abscence is allowed. All abscense from weekend and night shifts must be retaken.

During the clinical period each student will submit 5 case reports from patients the students have been responsible for in the clinic. Alternatively 3 case reports can be submitted and one presentation on a subject/case can be held. Students will demonstrate the case for younger students. Case reports are based on the record and it is envisaged that students will go deeper into the diseases, etiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment. In the case report it shall be referred to references from current literature. Case reports must be approved by the supervisor before the clinic period has passed.

Up to one day of legitimate absence per week is allowed. It is not possible to accumulate days. Valid absence beyond this must be repeated according to the instructions of the responsible of the direction.

Mandatory teaching and program requirements: Clinic periods

Mandatory teaching and program requirements: Anesthesia and pain management 

The students must participate on a one week of anesthesia during the clinic period. Each specialization student must write their own case history, and there is only one student who can write about each anesthesia. 

Mandatory teaching and program requirements: Radiology

At least 80 % attendance required

Mandatory teaching and program requirements: Clinical pathology 

At least 80 % attendance and passed multiple choice test

Mandatory teaching and program requirements: Reproduction 

At least 80 % attendance is required.

Mandatory teaching and program requirements: Horse diseases 

Working with tasks and presenting this work.

Mandatory teaching and program requirements:

All days of the course are mandatory to get the course approved.

Mandatory teaching and program requirements: Optional animal laboratory science

- Attendance: All gatherings (flipped sessions 1, 2 and 3) is mandatory.

- Participation in the review of the group tasks. 

Evaluation Clinic periods

To pass the clinic period, all program requirements must be passed. In addition, the student must have been sufficiently present and possess widely acceptable professional and ethical standards as described in Part 2 of the document: Clinical Rotation 8th and 9th semester, information and forms.

Assessment of academic study subjects:

To pass the academic specialization all records, papers, presentations and tests must be approved in line with what has been described for each subject. Students may have to wait until next year unless the records, papers, presentations and tests are approved within 3 attempts. In, addition, the minimum presence must be met. By valid absence of more than 20 %, an agreement on clinical rotation and task must be approved by the responsible of the subject. By not valid absence, the student must follow the subject the following year.

The responsible of the subject keeps lists of students and the approved topics in academic specialization, these  are filed. The subject responsible acknowledges the subject as approved on the censorship form to the student.

Review of optional part

Presence and mandatory activities have to be completed in order to get approved. It is the students responsibility to ensure that the optional part is completed, and it will not be given extra lectures unless the students can document valid absence.

Course supervisor gives diploma/certificate and/or acknowledge the evaluation form where the chosen part will be listed. Only 100% completed optional tasks is approved. 

Evaluation Thesis

To pass the differentiation direction in equine medicine, the following two parts must be passed:

• Thesis (15 ECTS): Passed Norwegian and English names should be applied the diploma
• Specialization in equine medicine: Passed (consisting of the compulsory part (clinic and subjects) and elective part

Censorship form and 2 copies of the thesis must be delivered to SFA no later than two week before the end of the term for the diploma to be issued to the exam completion.

External work as an optional part (1.5 ECTS x 4, 1-4 weeks)

4 weeks of the elective courses can be taken externally at the most. It may be possible to take up to 1 extra optional week internally. This requires 100 % attendance and approved records.

This can also take place at acknowledged clinics abroad after the approval of the direction responsible. It is essential that this is a full day horse practice.

Requirements for approval of external clinics

The external clinics shall operate both surgical and medical diagnosis and treatment, and have emergency service and patients stabled.

Responsible: Siv Hanche-Olsen

Optional Laboratory Animal Science: HES

Quarantine regulations: No contact with  rodents or rabbits last 48 hours. No animal contact abroad last 72 hours.

Give information if you have  any allergies to animals, dust or hay.

Open for following students:

Open for all, maximum 12 participants

Requirements for own equipment

Work clothes, hard toe shoes, stethoscope and scissors.