Management of Inherited Diseases Behavior and Welfare of Cat and Dog

The aim of the course is providing the students with a tool for the study of the main inherited diseases that affect domestic animals (dog, cat), their managing, behaviour and welfare.

The purpose of the course is teaching the student about the management of hereditary diseases, in particular molecular diagnostics available at the main international laboratories. Ample time will be dedicated to the application of new technologies from genomics sequencing of dogs and cats. The focus of genetic part is describing the main DNA tests that are available and that allow a more successful diagnosis and a more efficient genetic screening.

The aim of the course will focus also on dog and cat behavior and welfare, considering communication and learning principles. Lessons about the preventions of behavioral problems will be given in order to improve a successful animal-human relationship. The main objective of the behavior and welfare part will be to describe the ethogram of the dog and cat, providing the basic notions to ensure a correct condition of welfare.

Knowledge and understanding
demonstrate knowledge of the basic genetics and qualitative genetics; understanding of goals and methods of the selection schemes applied to the breeding of dogs and cats
demonstrate knowledge in dogs and cats ethogram and in training and learning protocols
Applying knowledge and understanding
read results of parentage tests. Manage genetic evaluation information
improve a successful animal-human relationship and prevent the main behavioral problems
Making Judgements
be able to interpret genetic evaluation to advise breeders regarding the selection of breeding animals
- be able to read the body language of dogs and cats and to prevent eventually behavioural problem and to improve the welfare of these animals in their specific environment in respect of their ehological needs
Communication skills
students must be able to correctly use the specific scientific and technological terminology
Learning skills
develop an ability of learning related to the professional context