Week 3: Introduction to Key Legislation and Communication, Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Work – Premises, Equipment, Workflow & Establishing general health

Question 1

What is the difference between statute law and common law?

Answer 1

Statute law is created by Parliament (legislation); common law is based on judicial decisions and legal precedents.

Question 2

What are the roles of Acts, Regulations, and Codes of Practice?

Answer 2

Acts provide broad legal principles, Regulations outline detailed applications, and Codes of Practice offer practical guidance.

Codes of Practice may be mandatory or voluntary.

Question 3

What is the legal status of animals in Australia?

Answer 3

Animals are considered a special type of property, with owners responsible for their care and liable for damages or injuries caused.

Question 4

What is ‘duty of care’ in animal welfare law?

Answer 4

A legal obligation to provide animals with appropriate feed, water, shelter, medical treatment, and behavioural support.

Question 5

What are the three levels of government that influence veterinary legislation in Australia?

Answer 5

Federal (e.g., trade, exports), State/Territory (e.g., Veterinary Surgeons Act), and Local (e.g., pet registration, leash laws).

Question 6

What is the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936 (QLD)?

Answer 6

It regulates the veterinary profession in Queensland, including registration, premises, conduct, and public interest.

Question 7

What is the purpose of the Biosecurity Act 2014?

Answer 7

To manage biosecurity risks, including notifiable diseases and emergency animal disease responses using tools like AUSVETPLAN.

Question 8

What legislation covers drug use in veterinary practice?

Answer 8

Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 and Regulations, which govern drug schedules, dispensing, and withholding periods.

Question 9

What does the Radiation Safety Act 1999 require in vet practices?

Answer 9

Use of licenses, radiation safety plans, PPE, and appointment of a Radiation Safety Officer to protect staff and clients.

Question 10

How do ethics differ from law in veterinary practice?

Answer 10

Ethics reflect societal values and evolve with knowledge and technology; law is slower to change and may lag behind best ethical practices.

Question 11

What is veterinary medical terminology?

Answer 11

A structured language typically built from prefixes, roots, and suffixes.

Question 12

What is the basic structure of most medical terms?

Answer 12

Prefix (start), Root (core meaning), Suffix (end), with optional combining vowels (usually ‘o’) for pronunciation.

Question 13

Break down the word ‘tachycardia.’

Answer 13

‘Tachy’ = fast, ‘card’ = heart, ‘ia’ = condition → Condition of a fast heart rate.

Question 14

What does ‘periodontitis’ mean?

Answer 14

Inflammation (‘-itis’) of the tissues surrounding (‘peri’) the tooth (‘odont’).

Question 15

What is the difference between brachycephalic and dolichocephalic dogs?

Answer 15

Brachycephalic = short-headed (e.g., Pugs); Dolichocephalic = long/narrow-headed (e.g., Greyhounds).

Question 16

What does ‘intravenous’ mean?

Answer 16

‘Intra’ = within, ‘ven’ = vein, ‘ous’ = pertaining to → Pertaining to within a vein.

Question 17

What are the two main formats for medical records?

Answer 17

HEAPS (History, Exam, Assessment, Plan) and SOAPS (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan).

Question 18

Why are medical records important in veterinary care?

Answer 18

They document clinical findings, treatments, test results, diagnoses, and communications in chronological order.

Question 19

What is the purpose of electronic medical records (EMRs) in vet practices?

Answer 19

To store and track complete medical history, streamline communication, and ensure continuity of care.

Question 20

What systems are commonly used in digitised vet clinics?

Answer 20

Practice management software (e.g., RX Works), EMRs, PACS for image storage, scheduling, and reporting tools.

Question 21

What are the key functions of the veterinary consultation room?

Answer 21

Used for consults, triage, admissions/discharges, nurse consults, and euthanasia.

Question 22

What is the purpose of the treatment area in a veterinary hospital?

Answer 22

A central zone for non-sterile procedures like wound care, blood draws, and ongoing patient care.

Question 23

What are the main types of anesthesia used in veterinary practice?

Answer 23

Intravenous and gaseous anesthesia, used for surgeries and other procedures like imaging and dental work.

Question 24

What is the role of the isolation ward or stable?

Answer 24

To safely house infectious or high-risk patients away from the general hospital population.

Question 25

Name three imaging modalities used in veterinary medicine.

Answer 25

Radiography (X-ray), Ultrasound, and Computed Tomography (CT). ## Footnote Bonus: Endoscopy and MRI are also common.

Question 26

What tasks are handled in the pharmacy area?

Answer 26

Storage and dispensing of medications for inpatients and outpatients, requiring proper inventory and legal compliance.

Question 27

What occurs in the surgery suite?

Answer 27

Sterile surgical procedures with controlled traffic and fully prepped patient and personnel.

Question 28

What are examples of 'wet and dirty' procedures?

Answer 28

Dental work (scaling, extractions), wound irrigation, and abscess treatment – all requiring PPE and specific stations.

Question 29

Why is the laundry/sterilisation area critical in a vet hospital?

Answer 29

It ensures proper cleaning and sterilising of instruments, maintaining hygiene and infection control.

Question 30

What are mobile ambulatory services in vet practice?

Answer 30

Self-contained mobile units that provide on-farm or on-site vet care, often equipped with a pharmacy and all necessary gear.

Question 31

What are the two main components of a general health assessment?

Answer 31

1) Patient History and 2) Patient Examination (including distant inspection and physical exam).

Question 32

What does TPR stand for in a veterinary physical exam?

Answer 32

Temperature, Pulse, Respiratory rate — the basic vital signs to assess general health.

Question 33

When should you begin distant inspection of an animal?

Answer 33

As early as possible — in the waiting room, on arrival, or while collecting history.

Question 34

What is the normal temperature range for a dog or cat?

Answer 34

37.6–39°C ## Footnote Dog: Canine | Cat: Feline

Question 35

What does a pale colour of mucus membranes indicate?

Answer 35

Possible anaemia or poor circulation due to vasoconstriction.

Question 36

What are signs of dehydration based on mucous membranes?

Answer 36

Tacky = mild dehydration, dry = severe dehydration.

Question 37

What is the “capillary refill time” (CRT) and what’s normal?

Answer 37

The time it takes for colour to return to blanched gums; normal is 1–2 seconds.

Question 38

What are normal heart rate ranges in healthy animals?

Answer 38

Dog: 70–120 bpm Cat: 120–180 bpm Cow: 48–84 bpm Horse: 24–44 bpm

Question 39

What does “BAR” stand for in assessing animal demeanour?

Answer 39

Bright, Alert, and Responsive — indicates a normal mental state.

Question 40

Why is starting cranially (nose) and ending caudally (tail) a good exam strategy?

Answer 40

Ensures a thorough, methodical approach to detect abnormalities across the entire body.