General Comparative Pathology and Laboratory Analysis

Aim of Comparative General Pathology and Laboratory Analyses is to provide students with knowledge related to causes and mechanisms of disease, at a cellular and tissue level with possible general involvement. Knowledge concerning pathophysiology and the main defensive systems of the animal and their failure in course of disease will be provided as well. Examples with particular emphasis on the comparative aspects of disease mechanisms in companion animals will be shown. Along with theoretical information, aim of the course is to introduce students to the techniques employed in a diagnostic laboratory, from the execution to the interpretation of specific analyses able to recognize pathological and physiopathological conditions in companion animals, to be applied for the disease prevention.

Students are expected to learn mechanisms, causes and consequences of inflammatory, degenerative, adaptative, neoplastic and metabolic disorders on the animal system, including the pathophysiological changes associated with these diseases (e.g blood changes, fever) and possible differences among animal species. Dysfunctions of the immune system will be learned as well.
Students will be also able to apply the main techniques of the diagnostic biological laboratory, including the interpretation of laboratory results and the identification of blood cells in different animal species.