New gift helps treat pets at UQ School of Veterinary Science

A donation of state-of-the-art equipment to UQ VETS Small Animal Hospital has empowered the university’s staff and students, while also improving the outcomes of the animals they treat.
A dog named Sparkie was the first patient to benefit from a generous donation by alumna Hilary Huey (Diploma in Physical Education ’70) that funded the purchase of diagnostic equipment.

Dr Donna Spowart from UQ VETS said the equipment used to treat Sparkie had also provided many additional benefits for students, and pets treated at UQ.
“The digital otoscope allowed us to get good visualisation of what was going on in the ear canal so that we could develop an appropriate treatment plan. Using the equipment meant we could share these pictures with the owner to explain the pet’s condition,” said Dr Spowart.
“It also allowed our students to practice visualising ear structures which is something that is otherwise difficult to teach.”
UQ veterinary science students can watch the clinician position the scope, while also viewing the procedure on the big screen. This content can then be uploaded to online teaching platforms, which allows students to study the material.
From a teaching and learning perspective, this equipment achieves many things with the ability to teach multiple students at the same time without them needing to be physically present.
Ms Huey said she was pleased the equipment had an immediate impact on the learning outcomes of students and the treatment outcomes of the animals cared for by UQ VETS Small Animal Hospital.
“This donation has achieved several benefits; UQ has the advantage of having the latest equipment available and it allows for a more productive teaching and learning experience by both staff and students,” she said.
“Having been trained to use such an item, veterinary students might also be inclined to buy it when setting up their own practice.”
The equipment purchased through Ms Huey’s generosity has made it possible to not only diagnose the condition of Sparkie, but will have wider implications for other animals treated at UQ VETS Small Animal Hospital.
“Most importantly, equipment of the highest standard should allow for more effective treatment and management of the animal’s condition, thus facilitating the maximum chance of the creature’s recovery. To me, this is a win-win situation,” said Ms Huey.
The Webb-Jenkins Veterinary Science Endowment Fund, established with a gift from Hilary Huey, provides funds for the Webb-Jenkins Veterinary Travel Scholarships which supports students who undertake practical placements in rural areas, and also small items of equipment.

Studying veterinary science at the University of Queensland

Are you interested in veterinary science? Since its first intake of students in 1936, UQ’s School of Veterinary Science has been recognized for a sustained record of excellence in teaching and learning across the veterinary disciplines and the quality of its research. The school is based at a purpose-built site with first-rate facilities for teaching and research and access to horses, cattle, pigs and poultry.
Program: Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
Location: Gatton, Queensland
Semester intake: February
Duration: 5 years
Application deadline: General application deadline of November 30; however, late applications may be accepted. Candidates are encouraged to apply a minimum of three months prior to the program’s start date.
The UQ School of Veterinary Science has full accreditation with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and with both the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK, enabling UQ graduates to also practice in North America, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Hong Kong and most of Asia.

Apply to UQ Veterinary School!

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Discover more about studying at the UQ School of Veterinary Science ! Contact OzTREKK’s Australian Veterinary Schools Officer Shannon Tilston at shannon@oztrekk.com for more information.