Large Animal Practice
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the LARGE ANIMAL PRACTICE course is to provide the student the clinical method allowing the diagnosis of farm animal diseases and management of herd health and reproduction.
This class allows to acquire a systematic approach to clinical examination and clinical procedures including case history and symptoms collection, differential diagnoses formulation, choice of collateral exams and formulation of diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and prophylaxis for the herd.
Regarding reproduction, the class aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge for the clinical management of the most common reproductive disorders of farm animals, including the basic management of male reproducers, the control of the estrous, surgical and obstetric techniques.
Moreover, the course provides the knowledge related to the management of veterinary drugs in farm animals, guiding the students to a responsible and ethical use of veterinary medicines, to the traceability of treatments and the prevention of antibiotic resistance using a one-health perspective.
This class allows to acquire a systematic approach to clinical examination and clinical procedures including case history and symptoms collection, differential diagnoses formulation, choice of collateral exams and formulation of diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and prophylaxis for the herd.
Regarding reproduction, the class aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge for the clinical management of the most common reproductive disorders of farm animals, including the basic management of male reproducers, the control of the estrous, surgical and obstetric techniques.
Moreover, the course provides the knowledge related to the management of veterinary drugs in farm animals, guiding the students to a responsible and ethical use of veterinary medicines, to the traceability of treatments and the prevention of antibiotic resistance using a one-health perspective.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the class the following skills are expected:
Knowledge and understanding
Students have to demonstrate to know and to fully understand the clinical decision making in large animal practice: starting from the knowledge of medical, surgical and reproductive pathology and from clinical symptoms, the student formulates a diagnosis, employing if necessary, the most suitable collateral exams. The student should therefore prescribe or perform a therapeutic or prophylactic treatment for the individual or for the herd. Students will have to demonstrate moreover to know and understand procedures for farm animal reproductive management.
Appling knowledge and understanding
The student must demonstrate to have fully understood the clinical decision-making procedure in large animal practice during theoretical and practical classes in order to diagnose and set a treatment protocol for a large animal and to manage the reproduction and health of the herd.
Making judgments
The student should be able to formulate diagnostic hypotheses based on clinical signs, symptoms, the course of a pathology, and the outcomes of collateral exams. The student should be able to critically and proactively approach the study, drawing not only from the material provided by the teachers and recommended texts but also from databases of scientific information.
Communication
The student should be able to present acquired information using appropriate medical terminology. This will enable the sharing of studied concepts, as well as the results of a clinical examination performed on farm animals, with a view to formulating appropriate therapy and judgment on interventions to improve herd health. Additionally, the student should acquire the ability to communicate these concepts to stakeholders (e.g., both fellow veterinary professionals and livestock owners).
Lifelong learning skills
The student must demonstrate the ability to learn and gather updated information, including conducting bibliographic research, useful for professional growth and independently increasing knowledge of new emerging aspects in the field of farm animal practice
Knowledge and understanding
Students have to demonstrate to know and to fully understand the clinical decision making in large animal practice: starting from the knowledge of medical, surgical and reproductive pathology and from clinical symptoms, the student formulates a diagnosis, employing if necessary, the most suitable collateral exams. The student should therefore prescribe or perform a therapeutic or prophylactic treatment for the individual or for the herd. Students will have to demonstrate moreover to know and understand procedures for farm animal reproductive management.
Appling knowledge and understanding
The student must demonstrate to have fully understood the clinical decision-making procedure in large animal practice during theoretical and practical classes in order to diagnose and set a treatment protocol for a large animal and to manage the reproduction and health of the herd.
Making judgments
The student should be able to formulate diagnostic hypotheses based on clinical signs, symptoms, the course of a pathology, and the outcomes of collateral exams. The student should be able to critically and proactively approach the study, drawing not only from the material provided by the teachers and recommended texts but also from databases of scientific information.
Communication
The student should be able to present acquired information using appropriate medical terminology. This will enable the sharing of studied concepts, as well as the results of a clinical examination performed on farm animals, with a view to formulating appropriate therapy and judgment on interventions to improve herd health. Additionally, the student should acquire the ability to communicate these concepts to stakeholders (e.g., both fellow veterinary professionals and livestock owners).
Lifelong learning skills
The student must demonstrate the ability to learn and gather updated information, including conducting bibliographic research, useful for professional growth and independently increasing knowledge of new emerging aspects in the field of farm animal practice
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
First semester
Prerequisites for admission
The following exams are requested to take this exam:
- Veterinary obstetrics and reproductive disorders
- Veterinary diagnostic imaging, regional anatomy and radiological physics
- Farm animal Infectious and parasitic diseases and herd health management
- Veterinary propaedeutic
- Veterinary anesthesiology, surgical techniques and intensive care
To get the best from lectures and practical clinical training, the student is advised to strengthen knowledges of anatomy, physiology, medical and surgical pathology, reproductive pathology, parasitology, infectious diseases of large animals and public health, clinical propaedeutics, laboratory diagnostics, imaging diagnostics and legislation. A good knowledge of the previously written subjects will allow a better clinical decision-making procedure, to get suitable differential diagnoses and fully understand etiopathogenetic processes, diagnostic tools, prognosis and therapies.
Attendance to lessons and practice is mandatory for at least 75% of the scheduled time.
- Veterinary obstetrics and reproductive disorders
- Veterinary diagnostic imaging, regional anatomy and radiological physics
- Farm animal Infectious and parasitic diseases and herd health management
- Veterinary propaedeutic
- Veterinary anesthesiology, surgical techniques and intensive care
To get the best from lectures and practical clinical training, the student is advised to strengthen knowledges of anatomy, physiology, medical and surgical pathology, reproductive pathology, parasitology, infectious diseases of large animals and public health, clinical propaedeutics, laboratory diagnostics, imaging diagnostics and legislation. A good knowledge of the previously written subjects will allow a better clinical decision-making procedure, to get suitable differential diagnoses and fully understand etiopathogenetic processes, diagnostic tools, prognosis and therapies.
Attendance to lessons and practice is mandatory for at least 75% of the scheduled time.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of a written test and an oral exam:
The written part, lasting a maximum of 1 hour, consists of 25 multiple-choice questions with 4 possible answers, of which 1 is correct: 10 questions related to the LARGE ANIMAL PRACTICE AND HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT module, 10 questions related to the LARGE ANIMAL THERIOGENOLOGY AND NEONATOLOGY module and 5 questions related to the VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION AND DRUG MANAGEMENT IN FOOD ANIMALS module. This part is considered passed with 6 correct answers for the LARGE ANIMAL PRACTICE AND HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT and LARGE ANIMAL THERIOGENOLOGY AND NEONATOLOGY modules and 3 correct answers for the VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION AND DRUG MANAGEMENT IN FOOD ANIMALS module. Multiple-choice questions can either be knowledge-based or specifically designed to assess skills related to the acquisition of clinical reasoning and the application of such knowledge and skills in solving a problem related to a specific clinical case or scenario involving farm animals and the prescription or management of drugs. Passing the written part grants access to the oral exam but does not affect the outcome of the examination or the formulation of the final grade.
The oral part, lasting a maximum of one hour, consists of factual questions or reasoning on individual or herd clinical or reproductive cases and on the management of drugs in livestock animals. During the oral exam, the general knowledge and skills acquired during practical exercises are evaluated, along with the ability to apply such knowledge and skills in interpreting the proposed clinical scenarios and developing solutions to the presented problems (appropriate therapeutic choices, setting up diagnostic and/or prevention plans for the herd). Additionally, the candidate's communication skills, use of appropriate medical terms, and ability to construct a clear, logical, coherent, and concise discourse are assessed.
Excellent grades (27/30 to 30/30) are awarded to students who demonstrate an excellent understanding of the subject, the ability to internalize and rework the topics, the ability to critically discuss the choices made and proposed, the ability to argue the learned topics critically and systematically while suggesting alternative perspectives, the appropriate use of nomenclature, technical terms, and typical expressions of the subject, and concise, precise, and accurate language. Candidates who receive the highest grade are awarded honors when the overall results of the exams far exceed the level expected of a student at the corresponding level of study.
Good to satisfactory grades (22/30 to 26/30) are awarded to students who demonstrate some minor limitations in reworking the theory, the ability to discuss the topics and competencies with limited help from the instructor, and few gross errors in the construction and organization of the discourse.
A sufficient grade (18/30 to 21/30) is awarded to students who demonstrate a superficial knowledge of the subject, limited abilities to understand and elaborate concepts, and the need for frequent intervention from the instructor to help organize the discourse, but a sufficient understanding of the implications related to animal health, herd health, and public health of the actions suggested to solve the problems presented during the exam.
The exam is not considered passed if deficiencies are observed in the factual part and in the understanding of the subjects studied, raising doubts about the judgment abilities regarding a clinical case and doubts about the understanding of the repercussions related to animal health, herd health, and public health, as well as the proposed actions for solving the problems presented in the examination.
The written part, lasting a maximum of 1 hour, consists of 25 multiple-choice questions with 4 possible answers, of which 1 is correct: 10 questions related to the LARGE ANIMAL PRACTICE AND HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT module, 10 questions related to the LARGE ANIMAL THERIOGENOLOGY AND NEONATOLOGY module and 5 questions related to the VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION AND DRUG MANAGEMENT IN FOOD ANIMALS module. This part is considered passed with 6 correct answers for the LARGE ANIMAL PRACTICE AND HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT and LARGE ANIMAL THERIOGENOLOGY AND NEONATOLOGY modules and 3 correct answers for the VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION AND DRUG MANAGEMENT IN FOOD ANIMALS module. Multiple-choice questions can either be knowledge-based or specifically designed to assess skills related to the acquisition of clinical reasoning and the application of such knowledge and skills in solving a problem related to a specific clinical case or scenario involving farm animals and the prescription or management of drugs. Passing the written part grants access to the oral exam but does not affect the outcome of the examination or the formulation of the final grade.
The oral part, lasting a maximum of one hour, consists of factual questions or reasoning on individual or herd clinical or reproductive cases and on the management of drugs in livestock animals. During the oral exam, the general knowledge and skills acquired during practical exercises are evaluated, along with the ability to apply such knowledge and skills in interpreting the proposed clinical scenarios and developing solutions to the presented problems (appropriate therapeutic choices, setting up diagnostic and/or prevention plans for the herd). Additionally, the candidate's communication skills, use of appropriate medical terms, and ability to construct a clear, logical, coherent, and concise discourse are assessed.
Excellent grades (27/30 to 30/30) are awarded to students who demonstrate an excellent understanding of the subject, the ability to internalize and rework the topics, the ability to critically discuss the choices made and proposed, the ability to argue the learned topics critically and systematically while suggesting alternative perspectives, the appropriate use of nomenclature, technical terms, and typical expressions of the subject, and concise, precise, and accurate language. Candidates who receive the highest grade are awarded honors when the overall results of the exams far exceed the level expected of a student at the corresponding level of study.
Good to satisfactory grades (22/30 to 26/30) are awarded to students who demonstrate some minor limitations in reworking the theory, the ability to discuss the topics and competencies with limited help from the instructor, and few gross errors in the construction and organization of the discourse.
A sufficient grade (18/30 to 21/30) is awarded to students who demonstrate a superficial knowledge of the subject, limited abilities to understand and elaborate concepts, and the need for frequent intervention from the instructor to help organize the discourse, but a sufficient understanding of the implications related to animal health, herd health, and public health of the actions suggested to solve the problems presented during the exam.
The exam is not considered passed if deficiencies are observed in the factual part and in the understanding of the subjects studied, raising doubts about the judgment abilities regarding a clinical case and doubts about the understanding of the repercussions related to animal health, herd health, and public health, as well as the proposed actions for solving the problems presented in the examination.
Large animal theriogenology and neonatology
Course syllabus
Course Introduction:
Presentation of the course structure, recommended textbooks, basic knowledge required, organization of practical activities, and exam modalities.
Reproductive Efficiency:
Manual and instrumental clinical examination for assessing reproductive status and efficiency in the female. Criteria for evaluating fertility in individual animals and herds. Manipulation of the estrous cycle: puberty induction, estrus and ovulation synchronization protocols. Brief introduction to the application of reproductive biotechnologies (ovum pick-up, embryo transfer). (3 hours)
Pregnancy Disorders:
Manual and instrumental methods for pregnancy diagnosis, obstetrical terminology, obstetrical examination. Abortions, fetal membrane hydrops, uterine torsion, vaginal prolapse. (3 hours)
Parturition Disorders:
Obstetrical examination in cases of dystocia, use of obstetrical aids, obstetrical techniques, dystocia due to maternal or fetal causes, fetal and maternal operative procedures. Induction of parturition, cesarean section. (3 hours)
Postpartum Disorders:
Lesions related to parturition, uterine prolapse, retained fetal membranes, metritis and endometritis, ovarian cysts. (3 hours)
Neonatology:
Assessment and timing in normal and pathological neonates. (2 hours)
Andrology:
Breeding soundness evaluation. Clinical and ultrasonographic examination of the male reproductive tract; orchitis and testicular/epididymal disorders; diseases of the accessory sex glands; penile and preputial conditions. Male contraception: indications, surgical methods, pharmacological methods. (2 hours)
Presentation of the course structure, recommended textbooks, basic knowledge required, organization of practical activities, and exam modalities.
Reproductive Efficiency:
Manual and instrumental clinical examination for assessing reproductive status and efficiency in the female. Criteria for evaluating fertility in individual animals and herds. Manipulation of the estrous cycle: puberty induction, estrus and ovulation synchronization protocols. Brief introduction to the application of reproductive biotechnologies (ovum pick-up, embryo transfer). (3 hours)
Pregnancy Disorders:
Manual and instrumental methods for pregnancy diagnosis, obstetrical terminology, obstetrical examination. Abortions, fetal membrane hydrops, uterine torsion, vaginal prolapse. (3 hours)
Parturition Disorders:
Obstetrical examination in cases of dystocia, use of obstetrical aids, obstetrical techniques, dystocia due to maternal or fetal causes, fetal and maternal operative procedures. Induction of parturition, cesarean section. (3 hours)
Postpartum Disorders:
Lesions related to parturition, uterine prolapse, retained fetal membranes, metritis and endometritis, ovarian cysts. (3 hours)
Neonatology:
Assessment and timing in normal and pathological neonates. (2 hours)
Andrology:
Breeding soundness evaluation. Clinical and ultrasonographic examination of the male reproductive tract; orchitis and testicular/epididymal disorders; diseases of the accessory sex glands; penile and preputial conditions. Male contraception: indications, surgical methods, pharmacological methods. (2 hours)
Teaching methods
Lectures (2 CFU - 16 hours): Lectures are held in the classroom using slides and/or videos, as well as the review of relevant scientific articles and reviews. All projected materials are also uploaded to the MyAriel platform. Students are encouraged to actively participate in the lessons, building on the knowledge acquired in preparatory subjects.
The aim of the lectures is to provide students with a logical and practical approach to clinical reasoning applied to livestock species, along with knowledge regarding the symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of diseases affecting the male and female reproductive systems.
Additionally, the course is designed to offer guidance for the correct clinical and management approach to obstetrical-gynecological patients, both for improving reproductive function and for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions causing subfertility or infertility.
Practical Training (1 CFU - 16 hours): 16 hours per student for 12 student groups (total of 192 hours) of clinical activities in obstetrical-gynecological, andrological, and reproductive medicine, divided as follows:
8 hours: Farm visit to a bovine facility for reproductive monitoring and management, including transrectal palpations and ultrasound examinations. The session may include discussion of spontaneous clinical cases, clinical examination, collection of signalment and anamnesis, and any necessary instrumental investigations. Findings, differential diagnoses, and the possible need for further investigations will be discussed collectively to reach a diagnosis and determine the most appropriate clinical management and therapy for the patients.
8 hours: Laboratory activities. This module introduces the in vivo and in vitro production of bovine embryos. Many bovine practitioners address subfertility by performing superovulation, artificial insemination, and embryo flushing, with the aim of collecting embryos for embryo transfer. In vivo embryo collection requires microscopic identification based on presence, developmental stage, and quality, as well as potential cryopreservation or transfer to recipient cows. These procedures are usually carried out directly on the farm. Subfertility issues may also be addressed through superovulation followed by ovum pick-up, with the recovered oocytes transferred to a support laboratory for maturation, fertilization, and in vitro embryo production. The practical session will give students the opportunity to work with oocytes and embryos, and to gain familiarity with their handling and identification.
The aim of the lectures is to provide students with a logical and practical approach to clinical reasoning applied to livestock species, along with knowledge regarding the symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of diseases affecting the male and female reproductive systems.
Additionally, the course is designed to offer guidance for the correct clinical and management approach to obstetrical-gynecological patients, both for improving reproductive function and for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions causing subfertility or infertility.
Practical Training (1 CFU - 16 hours): 16 hours per student for 12 student groups (total of 192 hours) of clinical activities in obstetrical-gynecological, andrological, and reproductive medicine, divided as follows:
8 hours: Farm visit to a bovine facility for reproductive monitoring and management, including transrectal palpations and ultrasound examinations. The session may include discussion of spontaneous clinical cases, clinical examination, collection of signalment and anamnesis, and any necessary instrumental investigations. Findings, differential diagnoses, and the possible need for further investigations will be discussed collectively to reach a diagnosis and determine the most appropriate clinical management and therapy for the patients.
8 hours: Laboratory activities. This module introduces the in vivo and in vitro production of bovine embryos. Many bovine practitioners address subfertility by performing superovulation, artificial insemination, and embryo flushing, with the aim of collecting embryos for embryo transfer. In vivo embryo collection requires microscopic identification based on presence, developmental stage, and quality, as well as potential cryopreservation or transfer to recipient cows. These procedures are usually carried out directly on the farm. Subfertility issues may also be addressed through superovulation followed by ovum pick-up, with the recovered oocytes transferred to a support laboratory for maturation, fertilization, and in vitro embryo production. The practical session will give students the opportunity to work with oocytes and embryos, and to gain familiarity with their handling and identification.
Teaching Resources
Richard M. Hopper Bovine Reproduction. Wiley-Blackwell (2014)
R Youngquist, W Threlfall (eds). Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology. Elsevier 2nd Edition 2006. ISBN-10: 0721693237
Manual of the International Embryo Transfer Society : a procedural guide and general information for the use of embryo transfer technology emphasizing sanitary procedures. D. A. Stringfellow, M. Daniel Givens. Editore: International Embryo Transfer Society, Savory, Ill., 2010.
R Youngquist, W Threlfall (eds). Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology. Elsevier 2nd Edition 2006. ISBN-10: 0721693237
Manual of the International Embryo Transfer Society : a procedural guide and general information for the use of embryo transfer technology emphasizing sanitary procedures. D. A. Stringfellow, M. Daniel Givens. Editore: International Embryo Transfer Society, Savory, Ill., 2010.
Large animal practice and herd health management
Course syllabus
Introduction to the Course (1 hour). Textbooks, basic knowledge, course structure, organization of exercises, exam modalities. Course evaluation sheets. Anamnesis and clinical examination, symptom assessment, principles of differential diagnosis, selection of diagnostic tests, prognosis, formulation of suitable therapy for bovine patients, prevention. Reference range for the most important hematological and biochemical parameters in cattle.
Examples of Differential Diagnosis (1 hour). Analysis of an illustrative clinical case applying clinical reasoning to livestock animals and performing differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis of diseases causing edema: clinical appearance and causes of dyscrasic, stasis, inflammatory, and allergic edema. Differential diagnosis of subcutaneous emphysema and icterus in cattle. Differential diagnosis of diseases causing edema associated with ruminal meteorism. Diagnosis of paratuberculosis. Diagnosis and treatment of actinogranulomatosis.
Clinical Approach to Metabolic Pathologies (1 hour). Ketosis, insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus, electrolyte disorders, and their differential diagnosis. Interpretation of a blood gas analysis. Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, mixed acidosis. Meaning of anion gap value and Base Excess. Strong Ion Theory. Strong ion difference (SID) and non-volatile buffers (Atot). Strong Ion Acidosis and alkalosis, Atot acidosis and alkalosis. Therapy for acidosis, alkalosis, and dehydration in cattle.
Clinical Approach to Digestive System Pathologies (7 hours). Neonatal calf diarrhea: epidemiology, clinical evaluation, therapy, prophylaxis. Procedures for reaching the etiological diagnosis and setting up a farm prevention plan. Precision approaches to neonatal calf diarrhea: importance of colostrum administration in preventing calf neonatal diseases; inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI) syndrome. Differential diagnosis of ping sounds. Diagnosis of left and right abomasal displacement, diagnosis of cecal paratopia. Diagnosis of other causes of ileus in young and adult cattle. Left abomasal displacement: etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic options. Omentopexy following right flank laparotomy (Dirksen method, 1967); rolling and abdominal massage (Braun, 1968); ventral omentopexy following left flank laparotomy (Utrecht method) (Lagerweij & Numans, 1968); "Blind Stitch": fixation of the abomasum to the ventral abdominal wall without laparotomy (Hull, 1972); "Toggle suture" (Sterner & Grymer, 1982); abomasopexy under endoscopic control (Janowitz, 1998). Right abomasal displacement: etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic options. Clinical and diagnostic approach to anterior and posterior functional stenoses (syndromes of Hoflund). Traumatic reticuloperitonitis in cattle: etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical signs, laboratory investigations, imaging diagnostics, and setting up the most appropriate therapy. Differential diagnosis of meteorism in young and adult cattle. Rumen cannulation, rumenocentesis, examination of rumen fluid and its diagnostic significance, rumenotomy. Meteorism associated with pneumonia in calves; application of Buff's three-quarters. Rumen acidosis in calves and adult cattle. Etiopathogenesis of acute, sub-acute, and chronic ruminal acidosis. Clinical approach to acute ruminal acidosis in adult cattle and acute ruminal acidosis (rumen drinking) in calves. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approach to S.A.R.A. (sub-acute ruminal acidosis). Ultrasound diagnosis and therapy of digestive, liver, and urinary system pathologies in calves and adult cattle.
Clinical Approach to Bovine Skin Pathologies (1 hour). Clinical appearance and diagnosis of the most frequent skin pathologies in cattle: solar dermatitis from ingestion of photosensitizing essences, from liver insufficiency and in the course of congenital porphyria. Clinical appearance and differential diagnosis of the most frequent pathologies with cutaneous and mucosal repercussions in cattle: Foot and Mouth Disease, Malignant catarrhal fever, Mucosal disease, Papular stomatitis, Calf ringworm, IBR/IPV, Besnoitiosis, Mange, Lice infestation, Dermatomycosis, Cutaneous leukosis, Bovine papillomatosis.
Clinical Approach to Respiratory System Pathologies (2 hours). Clinical approach to bovine respiratory system pathologies, differential diagnosis. Clinical approach to Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD): etiopathogenesis, clinical symptoms, auscultatory findings, evaluation using the Wisconsin calf respiratory scoring chart (WCRSC), evaluation using the California calf respiratory scoring chart in calves before and after weaning, thoracic ultrasonography (TUS), nasal swab, non-endoscopic bronchial lavage or tracheobronchial aspirate execution and interpretation of microbiological findings, choice of therapy and vaccine prophylaxis.
Clinical Approach to Nervous System and Musculoskeletal System Pathologies (2 hours). Permanent recumbency syndrome in cows and calves: definition, causes, pathogenesis, diagnosis, pharmacological therapy, and bovine physiotherapy. Clinical implications of Emergency Special Slaughter (MSU). Examination of cerebrospinal fluid in cattle. Clinical examination of the musculoskeletal and nervous system of cattle. Detection and interpretation of neurological symptoms, differential diagnosis, and treatment of bovine nervous system pathologies. Calf arthrogryposis, etiopathogenesis, clinical forms, diagnosis, therapy.
Clinical Approach to Umbilical Pathologies in Calves (1 hour). Anatomy of the umbilicus and umbilical structures both before and after birth. Umbilical pathologies of calves. Umbilical hernia, excisional hernia, and laparocele. Omphalitis, omphalo-phlebitis, omphalo-arteritis, urachal inflammation, extra- and intra-abdominal umbilical abscess, persistence of the omphalomesenteric duct: etiopathogenesis, clinical appearance, clinical approach, differential diagnosis, ultrasound aspects, and conservative and/or surgical therapy.
Practical training (16 hours). Clinical practice at the clinic for ruminants and swine of the veterinary teaching hospital of the university of Milan: clinical management of patients, taking care of the collection of anamnestic data, performing the clinical examination, eventually accompanied by laboratory investigations. Then students will discuss the findings and the possible need for additional investigations with tutors, to be able to make the diagnosis and set the most correct therapy. Compilation of the clinical records for the visited animals. Acquisition of principles of biosecurity applied to the clinic of farm animals.
Examples of Differential Diagnosis (1 hour). Analysis of an illustrative clinical case applying clinical reasoning to livestock animals and performing differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis of diseases causing edema: clinical appearance and causes of dyscrasic, stasis, inflammatory, and allergic edema. Differential diagnosis of subcutaneous emphysema and icterus in cattle. Differential diagnosis of diseases causing edema associated with ruminal meteorism. Diagnosis of paratuberculosis. Diagnosis and treatment of actinogranulomatosis.
Clinical Approach to Metabolic Pathologies (1 hour). Ketosis, insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus, electrolyte disorders, and their differential diagnosis. Interpretation of a blood gas analysis. Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, mixed acidosis. Meaning of anion gap value and Base Excess. Strong Ion Theory. Strong ion difference (SID) and non-volatile buffers (Atot). Strong Ion Acidosis and alkalosis, Atot acidosis and alkalosis. Therapy for acidosis, alkalosis, and dehydration in cattle.
Clinical Approach to Digestive System Pathologies (7 hours). Neonatal calf diarrhea: epidemiology, clinical evaluation, therapy, prophylaxis. Procedures for reaching the etiological diagnosis and setting up a farm prevention plan. Precision approaches to neonatal calf diarrhea: importance of colostrum administration in preventing calf neonatal diseases; inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI) syndrome. Differential diagnosis of ping sounds. Diagnosis of left and right abomasal displacement, diagnosis of cecal paratopia. Diagnosis of other causes of ileus in young and adult cattle. Left abomasal displacement: etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic options. Omentopexy following right flank laparotomy (Dirksen method, 1967); rolling and abdominal massage (Braun, 1968); ventral omentopexy following left flank laparotomy (Utrecht method) (Lagerweij & Numans, 1968); "Blind Stitch": fixation of the abomasum to the ventral abdominal wall without laparotomy (Hull, 1972); "Toggle suture" (Sterner & Grymer, 1982); abomasopexy under endoscopic control (Janowitz, 1998). Right abomasal displacement: etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic options. Clinical and diagnostic approach to anterior and posterior functional stenoses (syndromes of Hoflund). Traumatic reticuloperitonitis in cattle: etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical signs, laboratory investigations, imaging diagnostics, and setting up the most appropriate therapy. Differential diagnosis of meteorism in young and adult cattle. Rumen cannulation, rumenocentesis, examination of rumen fluid and its diagnostic significance, rumenotomy. Meteorism associated with pneumonia in calves; application of Buff's three-quarters. Rumen acidosis in calves and adult cattle. Etiopathogenesis of acute, sub-acute, and chronic ruminal acidosis. Clinical approach to acute ruminal acidosis in adult cattle and acute ruminal acidosis (rumen drinking) in calves. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approach to S.A.R.A. (sub-acute ruminal acidosis). Ultrasound diagnosis and therapy of digestive, liver, and urinary system pathologies in calves and adult cattle.
Clinical Approach to Bovine Skin Pathologies (1 hour). Clinical appearance and diagnosis of the most frequent skin pathologies in cattle: solar dermatitis from ingestion of photosensitizing essences, from liver insufficiency and in the course of congenital porphyria. Clinical appearance and differential diagnosis of the most frequent pathologies with cutaneous and mucosal repercussions in cattle: Foot and Mouth Disease, Malignant catarrhal fever, Mucosal disease, Papular stomatitis, Calf ringworm, IBR/IPV, Besnoitiosis, Mange, Lice infestation, Dermatomycosis, Cutaneous leukosis, Bovine papillomatosis.
Clinical Approach to Respiratory System Pathologies (2 hours). Clinical approach to bovine respiratory system pathologies, differential diagnosis. Clinical approach to Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD): etiopathogenesis, clinical symptoms, auscultatory findings, evaluation using the Wisconsin calf respiratory scoring chart (WCRSC), evaluation using the California calf respiratory scoring chart in calves before and after weaning, thoracic ultrasonography (TUS), nasal swab, non-endoscopic bronchial lavage or tracheobronchial aspirate execution and interpretation of microbiological findings, choice of therapy and vaccine prophylaxis.
Clinical Approach to Nervous System and Musculoskeletal System Pathologies (2 hours). Permanent recumbency syndrome in cows and calves: definition, causes, pathogenesis, diagnosis, pharmacological therapy, and bovine physiotherapy. Clinical implications of Emergency Special Slaughter (MSU). Examination of cerebrospinal fluid in cattle. Clinical examination of the musculoskeletal and nervous system of cattle. Detection and interpretation of neurological symptoms, differential diagnosis, and treatment of bovine nervous system pathologies. Calf arthrogryposis, etiopathogenesis, clinical forms, diagnosis, therapy.
Clinical Approach to Umbilical Pathologies in Calves (1 hour). Anatomy of the umbilicus and umbilical structures both before and after birth. Umbilical pathologies of calves. Umbilical hernia, excisional hernia, and laparocele. Omphalitis, omphalo-phlebitis, omphalo-arteritis, urachal inflammation, extra- and intra-abdominal umbilical abscess, persistence of the omphalomesenteric duct: etiopathogenesis, clinical appearance, clinical approach, differential diagnosis, ultrasound aspects, and conservative and/or surgical therapy.
Practical training (16 hours). Clinical practice at the clinic for ruminants and swine of the veterinary teaching hospital of the university of Milan: clinical management of patients, taking care of the collection of anamnestic data, performing the clinical examination, eventually accompanied by laboratory investigations. Then students will discuss the findings and the possible need for additional investigations with tutors, to be able to make the diagnosis and set the most correct therapy. Compilation of the clinical records for the visited animals. Acquisition of principles of biosecurity applied to the clinic of farm animals.
Teaching methods
The LARGE ANIMAL PRACTICE AND HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT module is composed by 3 CFU:
Lectures (2 CFU - 16 hours): the aim of lectures is to teach the logical-practical clinical approach applied to farm animals, including clinical argumentations of health problem, formulation of diagnosis, prognosis, therapies or preventive measures. Lectures will be carried out with the help of slides or videos. During the lessons, learning will be constantly verified through questions and appropriate interaction between teacher and students.
Practical training (1 CFU - 16 hours) carried out as follows:
- 16 hour/student of practice exercises at the clinic for ruminants and swine of the veterinary teaching hospital of the university of Milan for 12 groups of students (tot. 192 hours): students, under the guidance of the tutors, actively participate in the clinical management of patients, taking care of the collection of anamnestic data, performing the clinical examination, eventually accompanied by laboratory investigations. Then students will discuss the findings and the possible need for additional investigations with tutors, to be able to make the diagnosis and set the most correct therapy.
Lectures (2 CFU - 16 hours): the aim of lectures is to teach the logical-practical clinical approach applied to farm animals, including clinical argumentations of health problem, formulation of diagnosis, prognosis, therapies or preventive measures. Lectures will be carried out with the help of slides or videos. During the lessons, learning will be constantly verified through questions and appropriate interaction between teacher and students.
Practical training (1 CFU - 16 hours) carried out as follows:
- 16 hour/student of practice exercises at the clinic for ruminants and swine of the veterinary teaching hospital of the university of Milan for 12 groups of students (tot. 192 hours): students, under the guidance of the tutors, actively participate in the clinical management of patients, taking care of the collection of anamnestic data, performing the clinical examination, eventually accompanied by laboratory investigations. Then students will discuss the findings and the possible need for additional investigations with tutors, to be able to make the diagnosis and set the most correct therapy.
Teaching Resources
Educational material published on the MyAriel website: Lesson slides and relevant scientific publications for each topic.
Textbook: Dirksen G, Gründer HD, Stöber M (2004). Medicina interna e chirurgia del bovino. Le Point Vétérinaire Italie, Milano.
Suggested Journals: Veterinary Clinics of North America, Food Animal Practice, Preventive veterinary medicine, Theriogenology, Journal of Dairy Science, Veterinary journal, Livestock Science, Large Animal Review
Textbook: Dirksen G, Gründer HD, Stöber M (2004). Medicina interna e chirurgia del bovino. Le Point Vétérinaire Italie, Milano.
Suggested Journals: Veterinary Clinics of North America, Food Animal Practice, Preventive veterinary medicine, Theriogenology, Journal of Dairy Science, Veterinary journal, Livestock Science, Large Animal Review
Veterinary prescription and drug management in food animals
Course syllabus
Review of current legislation on prescription and drug management in food animals (1 hour).
Traceability of the drugs in food animals (1 hour).
Prudent use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine (1 hour).
Report suspected adverse reactions or inefficacy through the appropriate channel (1 hour).
Electronic veterinary prescription (4 hours): operating flow, prescription, supply of medicines, loading and unloading drugs on a log, recording of treatments, use of the App for mobile devices, management of the list of favorite medicines, drug use in derogation and improper use of drugs, issue of the prescription for food animals, modification of the recipe, veterinary prescription for medicated feed, prescription for own stock, management of drug stock in food animal herds.
Traceability of the drugs in food animals (1 hour).
Prudent use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine (1 hour).
Report suspected adverse reactions or inefficacy through the appropriate channel (1 hour).
Electronic veterinary prescription (4 hours): operating flow, prescription, supply of medicines, loading and unloading drugs on a log, recording of treatments, use of the App for mobile devices, management of the list of favorite medicines, drug use in derogation and improper use of drugs, issue of the prescription for food animals, modification of the recipe, veterinary prescription for medicated feed, prescription for own stock, management of drug stock in food animal herds.
Teaching methods
The VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION AND DRUG MANAGEMENT IN FOOD ANIMALS module is composed by 1 CFU of lectures (8 hours) carried out as follows: interactive lectures concerning veterinary prescription and drug management in large animal practice using the veterinary electronic system (REV).
Teaching Resources
Educational material published on the MyAriel website: Lesson slides and relevant publications for each topic.
Modules or teaching units
Large animal practice and herd health management
VET/08 - VETERINARY CLINICAL MEDICINE - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Pravettoni Davide
Shifts:
Professor:
Pravettoni Davide
1 - 12 turni da 16 per gruppi di studenti
Professor:
Pravettoni Davide
Large animal theriogenology and neonatology
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professors:
Lange Consiglio Anna, Probo Monica
Shifts:
Professor:
Probo Monica
1 - 12 turni da 8 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor:
Probo Monica2 - 12 truni da 8 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor:
Lange Consiglio Anna
Veterinary prescription and drug management in food animals
VET/08 - VETERINARY CLINICAL MEDICINE - University credits: 1
Lessons: 8 hours
Professor:
Pravettoni Davide
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday, 11.00-13.00 a.m., by appointment
Clinica dei Ruminanti e del Suino - Via dell'Università, 6 26900 LODI