Training Course 08 A: Innovation and Nutritional Safety for the Health and Longevity of the Dog, Cat and Horse

A.Y. 2022/2023
8
Max ECTS
128
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/18 VET/03 VET/05 VET/06 VET/08 VET/09 VET/10
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
To provide innovative and in-depth knowledge in the area of pet and horse nutrition management. Modern nutrition is based on a correct balance between the quantity, quality and functionality requirements of the diet. Proper diet planning and management is an important factor in improving health and longevity, as well as preventing many diseases. In this training activity, the main issues relating to the modern nutrition of dogs, cats and horses will be addressed in line with the changed living conditions of animals, the nutritional dietary assessment of diets including alternative diets, the assessment of nutrition status. through clinical indicators and evaluations, knowledge of aging processes and health status. The training proposal, therefore, proposes an integrated approach to animal dietology.
Expected learning outcomes
The expected results, also in relation to the path taken by the student, are aimed at the acquisition of specific knowledge/skills:
- Identification of the ideal food for the animal-owner combination. Communication strategies for maximizing the success of a diet using appropriate, effective and understandable language for clients.
- Knowledge of the quality and safety requirements of dry and wet foods.
- Critical use of food in the feeding of pets for the prevention of diseases and for raising the longevity threshold.
- Evaluation of the physical condition, well-being and nutritional status of the animal and advise the client on nutritional interventions in relation to the main diseases of the dog, cat and horse.
- Formulation of diets and food plans that contrast the biological processes of aging.
- Communication skills and future self-study for continuous updating.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge necessary to deal with the contents of the teaching are Animal Nutrition and Veterinary Medical Pathology
Assessment methods and Criteria
A final interview is scheduled to verify the skills acquired in the four teaching units
Clinical rotation
Course syllabus
In the document of the Day one competences "(DOCs), drawn up by the European Coordinating Committee on Veterinary Training, there is a list of knowledge and skills that the new graduate must possess. The electronic logbook lists the practical skills that the student must acquire to satisfy what is reported in the DOCs document. The hospital rotation is aimed at making the student acquire the skills and competences shown in the electronic logbook which from time to time it will be appropriate to apply on patients and case studies assigned.
Teaching methods
Practical work on referred for visit and hospitalized patients and on biological material provided for diagnostic purposes at the Teaching Veterinary Hospital. The work will be carried out by the students individually or in groups under the direct guidance of the teachers. All students will carry out activities in the Companion Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in the Ruminant and Swine Clinic, in Equine Clinic and in the facilities of the diagnostic services.
Teaching Resources
No specific reference material is foreseen. In relation to the activities carried out from time to time, students may be asked to research and discuss scientific literature on specific cases observed.
Nutritional Evaluation of Petfoods. Feeding compliance
Course syllabus
The program includes the knowledge of the quality and safety requirements for the formulation of dry and wet foods. Critical reading of the nutritional label. Acquisition of knowledge and skills in order to adapt the nutritional proposal to the owner. How to influence behaviors and build customer loyalty. Communication strategies for maximizing the success of a diet using appropriate, effective and understandable language for clients.
Teaching methods
Classroom meetings are planned in which students are invited to actively participate also in order to refine communication techniques. Meetings are also planned at industries producing pet food.
Teaching Resources
The course topics will be available by slide presentations from the teacher and uploaded on ARIEL platform
Innovation nutrition for healthy aging
Course syllabus
Knowledge of factors influencing animal welfare, health and that extend the life (role of breed, weight); Knowledge of formulation of balanced diets or special diets to combat degenerative processes and aging; Reducing the gap between lifespan and healthspan; development of innovative nutrition strategies to prevent cronic diseases.
Teaching methods
The main objective of this teaching will be focalized on the link between diet, health, lifestyle and longevity. Considering the lengthening life expectancy of pets, both the improvement of the knowledge of the ageing process and proper nutrition will be the keys for the development of strategies to improve the quality of life.
Teaching Resources
The course topics will be available by slide presentations from the teacher and uploaded on ARIEL platform
Clinical nutrition consultation
Course syllabus
The program provides for the collection of an accurate and significant clinical / nutritional medical history of dogs and cats; the assessment of the animal's clinical conditions, well-being and nutritional status; the adoption of the most appropriate dietary solutions to suggest to the owner. Nutritional interventions in the field of the main pathologies of dogs and cats will be discussed and interpreted with the teacher: obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, liver diseases, kidney diseases and urolithiasis, gastro-intestinal and dermatological diseases, orthopedic problems. Enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Teaching methods
The course takes place within the nutritional consultancy activated at the University Veterinary Hospital during the clinical examinations.
Teaching Resources
NUTRITION AND FEEDING OF DOG AND CAT
Edagricole di New Business Media srl
Horse nutrition
Course syllabus
The first part of the course will consider the two horse feeding systems suggested by INRA and NRC. The second part of the course will focus on the main horse nutrition-related pathologies.
The course will also consider the foal, the gestating mare, the adult, and the old horse nutrition, together with the diet quality and the mean retention time with special regard to the increase of the health status of the animal and the prevention of nutritional-related pathologies in the last part of the horse life.
Teaching methods
The topics of the course will be available as power point presentations on ARIEL platform. the course will be based on the evaluation of horse diets focused on increase the health status of the animal with different training sessions and works-groups.
Teaching Resources
The course topics will be available by slide presentations from the teacher and uploaded on ARIEL platform
Clinical nutrition consultation
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor: Fusi Eleonora
Clinical rotation
VET/03 - VETERINARY PATHOLOGY
VET/05 - INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS
VET/06 - PARASITOLOGY AND ANIMAL PARASITIC DISEASES
VET/08 - VETERINARY CLINICAL MEDICINE
VET/09 - VETERINARY CLINICAL SURGERY
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
Practicals: 64 hours
Horse nutrition
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor: Agazzi Alessandro
Innovation nutrition for healthy aging
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor: Rossi Luciana
Nutritional Evaluation of Petfoods. Feeding compliance
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor: Bontempo Valentino
Professor(s)
Reception:
11:30-13:00
Lodi
Reception:
to be arranged by phone or e-mail
Lodi Campus. Office n. T024
Reception:
Monday to friday, on request (via e-mail)
Teacher's office
Reception:
every day (with previous appointment by e-mail)
Lodi, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS)
Reception:
Wednesday, 11.00-13.00 a.m., by appointment
Clinica dei Ruminanti e del Suino - Via dell'Università, 6 26900 LODI
Reception:
10 a.m. - 11,30 am. Every Wednesday
Ufficio-Settore didattico Palazzina Studi, I piano, Lodi (Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria)
Reception:
on appointment
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, via dell'università 6, Lodi