Veterinary Anatomic Pathology 1

A.Y. 2025/2026
5
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
VET/03
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The general objectives of the Veterinary Pathological Anatomy I course are to provide students with the necessary knowledge to recognize, describe, interpret and classify (anatomical-pathological diagnosis) gross and microscopic (histological and cytological) morphological modifications (lesions, alterations) both general rules relating to the respiratory, digestive, integumentary and nervous systems of domestic animals. The student should recognize causes (etiology), development (pathogenesis) and possible evolution of the lesions.
Expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding: the student, at the end of the course, will have to demonstrate knowledge of the main phenomena that induce alterations and/or lesions of tissues and organs, their classification, as well as the relative macroscopic and microscopic morphological equivalents, both histological and cytological relatively to the systems: respiratory, digestive, integumentary and nervous. He/she will have to know the particular importance of some pathologies due to their zoonotic character or their diffusion even at an international level. Finally, he/she will have to know the technical basis of the histology and pathological cytology laboratory, as well as the format of an anatomopathological report and its meaning.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the student must be able to independently describe the most common and/or important gross and microscopic anatomical-pathological findings in the respiratory, digestive, integumentary and nervous systems. The description is followed by an interpretation to reach a diagnosis. He/she will then have to demonstrate the ability to establish correlations between the development of the lesions and the possible functional consequences. Finally, for both histology and cytology, he/she should demonstrate ability to sample and report.
3. Critical and judgment skills: the student must demonstrate the ability to critically argue the information acquired. Identify through the evaluation of the observed findings possible differential diagnoses and the path that can direct a precise diagnosis. Specific exercises on the interpretation of gross and microscopic damage patterns are aimed in this direction.
4. Ability to communicate what learned: the student must demonstrate the ability to express himself using professional and scientifically appropriate terminology, in particular with regard to that relating to lesions, diseases and etiological agents. The exercises aim to stimulate the ability to express oneself and discuss scientifically with peers.
5. Ability to continue studying independently throughout life: the student must demonstrate the ability to use the knowledge acquired to interpret "new" cases or aspects with the help of available sources of knowledge and a solid mental organization. The course will also propose cases that are not completely solved which will stimulate the student's curiosity to investigate further.
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 preliminary knowledge for adequately address the course are those of the course: Anatomy (histology) and Veterinary General Pathology and Clinical Biochemistry.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Enrollment in the exam will be possible after achieving the full attendance and following the registration in SIFA.
The examination will consist of a single-solution written test covering the syllabus of both Modules with a final grade corresponding to the sum of points obtained possibly supplemented by an oral test (see below).
The total score of the written exam allows for the entire range of grades from 0 to 33 and honors (3 points). In assignments receiving the highest grade, honors are awarded when the overall result is well above the level expected by a student at the corresponding level of study.
For the written test, there will be a maximum of 33 questions of different types (multiple choice, open-ended, pictures to interpret, etc.). Of the total number of questions, a maximum of 23 will deal with the contents of the Veterinary Anatomy Pathology 1 module, while a maximum of 10 will deal with the contents Histology and Cytology Pathology module.
Time allocated to the written test is 90 minutes.
The type of questions will include:
1) Multiple choice questions with 4 choice options and only one correct answer. The score given to each question is 0.5 points.
2) Open-ended questions (e.g., fill in tables, list lesions, describe macroscopic or cytological finding, draw up morphological diagnosis, etc.). The score of open questions varies according with the type of questions.
The maximum score assigned to each individual question is provided at the end of the question text.
The numerical estimate of the score assigned to each question corresponds to the following ratings
1) Multiple-choice questions provide only 0 (incorrect answer) or 0.5 points (correct answer).
2) Open-ended questions assessment will result in the following:
Evaluation criteria:
- the maximum score assigned to each question is 0.5 (multiple choice question with 4 options, only one correct answer) or variable points (open question e.g. filling tables, listing lesions, causes, describing a characteristic macroscopic finding, etc.). The maximum score assigned for each individual question is indicated at the end of the text of the question itself.
- full score for each question (0.5 points for multiple choice questions and 3 points for open questions): excellent and in-depth knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and perfect use of the terminology of the subject; excellent order and synthesis.
-intermediate score: good knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and correct use of the terminology of the subject; good order and synthesis.
-low score: superficial knowledge of the topics; partial expository clarity and sometimes imprecise use of the terminology of the subject; order and summary acceptable.
- 0 score: the answer is deficient or severely deficient; insufficient knowledge of the topics; disorganized exposition, devoid of scientific logic and expressed with incorrect terminology of the subject; inadequate order and synthesis.
-Multiple choice questions carry only 0 (wrong answer) or 0.5 points (correct answer)
-The written test in total corresponds to 33 points
In tasks that receive the maximum mark, the "lode" is assigned when the overall result is well above the level expected of a student at the corresponding level of study.

Following communication of the result of the written exam, the student can accept the grade, reject it directly via SIFA. The student has a maximum of 10 days to reject the score before the systems registers it automatically independently from the professor.
Veterinary Anatomic Pathology I
Course syllabus
Anatomical Pathology 1 & Histopathology and cytopathology:
1, 5, 6, 7. 8. 11, 22, 23, 24, 25

1.1 Act in a way that shows understanding of the ethical and legal framework within which veterinarians should work, including professional-, animal welfare-, client-, public health-, societal- and environmental-related aspects.
1.5 Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience concerned and in full respect of confidentiality and privacy.
1.6 Implement principles of effective interpersonal interaction, including communication, leadership, management, team working, mutual respect and other soft skills.
1.7 Prepare accurate clinical and client records, and case reports, when necessary, in a form satisfactory to the relevant audiences.
1.8 Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team in the delivery of services and recognize the contribution of all team members.
1.11 Demonstrate ability to critically analyze evidence, cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts.
1.22 Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results.
1.23 Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history.
1.24 Use basic diagnostic equipment and carry out an examination effectively as appropriate to the case, in accordance with good health and safety practice and current regulations. Understand the contribution of digital tools and artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine.
1.25 Recognize signs of possible notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases as well as abuse of animals and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.

MODULE ANATOMICAL PATHOLOGY 1
Classroom lessons
General part (4 hours)
- Introduction (0.5 hours): introduction to the course, definitions, investigation material of Veterinary Pathological Anatomy, applications of Pathological Anatomy in Veterinary Medicine;
- Post-mortal alterations and ontogenetic alterations (0.5 hours): main categories of congenital alterations, etiology and anatomo-pathological findings;
- Alterations due to physical factors (1 hour): visceral dislocations (ectopias), changes in the lumen, alterations in the contents of hollow viscera and foreign bodies, traumatic injuries, thermal factors, radiation, electricity;
- Circulatory disorders (1 hour): anemia/hyperemia, dehydration/edema, hemorrhage, embolism, ischemia, thrombosis, shock;
- Inflammatory processes (1 hour): acute and chronic.
Special part (12 hours)
- Nasal and paranasal cavities, larynx, trachea (1 hour): ontogenetic alterations, circulation disorders, inflammatory processes, lumen modifications;
- Lung (3 hours): changes in air content, circulation disorders, inflammatory processes, parasitic lesions;
- Oral cavity and esophagus (1 hour): ontogenetic alterations, alterations of physico-chemical origin, lumen modifications, metabolic alterations, inflammatory processes, parasitic lesions;
- Prestomachs and stomach (1 hour): post-mortal alterations, foreign bodies, inflammatory processes, parasitic lesions;
- Intestine (2 hours): ontogenetic alterations, dislocations, foreign bodies, lumen modifications, inflammatory processes, parasitic lesions;
- Liver (2 hours): ontogenetic alterations, metabolic alterations, circulation disorders, inflammatory processes, parasitic lesions;
- Skin and subcutis (2 hours): nomenclature of elementary lesions. Main hereditary diseases, nutritional diseases, diseases from physico-chemical causes, immune-mediated and biological diseases (viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic)
Practice in classroom (10 hours), in necropsy room (5 hours) and in microscope laboratory (1 hour)
During the exercises the student will have to recognise, describe and interpret the most common and important macro and microscopic anatomical-pathological findings. When appropriate, he/she will have to critically discuss the information acquired. The exercises are also intended to stimulate the ability to express oneself on the material under examination and discuss it scientifically.

PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES
A) Classroom practice:
- gross examination and colors (2 hours)
- Recognition and description of basic cyto-histological findings (2 hours)
- The shapes, distribution and progression of the lesions (2 hours)
- The severity and growth of the lesions (2 hours)
- Morphological diagnosis (2 hours)
B) Necropsy room practice:
Macroscopic examination of organs with lesions in the anatomical room (5 hours)

C) Microscope laboratory practice:
Microscopic evaluation of slides (1 hour)
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Classroom practice
- Necropsy room practice
- Microscopy laboratory practice
Teaching Resources
Slides of the lessons and exercises will be made available on the MyAriel website of the course.
A handout will be made available for cytology and histology.
Material for consultation
For those wishing to delve deeper into pathological anatomy topics: in the library, with the BV shelf mark. PATG30. 008 (6), or online on the UNIMI Minerva website: Pathological basis of veterinary disease. Ed. Zachary JF, Mosby/Elsevier 2017
https://web.p.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=24ad46d4-cb84-429a-92f7-817d0f87621c%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=1241958&db=nlebk
Histopathology and Cytopathology
Course syllabus
PROGRAMME MODULE Histopathology and cytopathology
Programme: Lectures (16 hours)

Lectures
-Introduction to the course. General concepts and practical information (1h)
-Cells. Recognition of different cell types in histological and cytological samples (1h)
-Biopsies. Processing of cytological and histological specimens: fixation, processing, routine and special staining (2h)
-Pathogens and their morphology in lesions (1h)
-Adaptive mechanisms: atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, metaplasia, dysplasia (1h)
-Intracellular degenerative processes: (turbid swelling, hydropic degeneration, vacuolar degeneration and accumulation pathologies, mucous degeneration of epithelia, steatosis, dystrophy) and extracellular (hyaline degeneration, fibrinoid necrosis, amyloidosis) (1.5h)
-Necrosis. Causes. Apoptosis and coagulative and colliquative necrosis. Distinction between necrosis and post-mortal autolysis. Dystrophic and metastatic calcifications (1.5h)
-Acute and chronic non-specific inflammatory processes. Specific inflammatory processes (granulomatosis and pyogranulomatosis (2h)
-Neuropathology General concepts of microscopic anatomy. Selection of pathologies with characteristic microscopic lesions (2h)
-Basic elements of cytology and diagnostic histopathology (3h)

Exercises: in the classroom (10 hours), in the anatomy room (5 hours) and in the microscope room (1 hour)
During the exercises, the student will have to recognise, describe and interpret the most common and important anatomo-pathological macro- and microscopic findings. When appropriate, he/she will have to critically argue the information acquired. The exercises are also intended to stimulate the ability to express oneself on the material under examination and discuss it scientifically.
Classroom activities:
- Recognition and description of basic cytohistological aspects (2 hours)
- Macroscopic examination and colours (2 hours)
- The shapes, distribution and pattern of lesions (2 hours)
- Severity of lesions and neoformations (2 hours)
- Morphological diagnosis (2 hours)
Activities in the anatomy room:
Macroscopic examination of organs with lesions in the anatomy room (5 hours)
Activities in the microscope room:
Microscopic evaluation of preparations (1 hour)
-Optional exercises for groups of students on material given in lecture ("homework") through
evaluation of images.
-Group work on assignments given during lectures or through social networking. Such work is generally discussed in the first part of the following lecture.
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Classroom practice
- Necropsy room practice
- Microscopy laboratory practice.
Teaching Resources
-MyAriel: all material relating to the course will be posted on the site and will include proofs of the slides and a handout available in an account with the name: 'Histopathology and Cytopathology'.
-Other material: for those wishing to investigate topics in diagnostic cytopathology, the best text is in the library: Canine and feline cytopathology: a colour atlas and interpretation guide / Ros Raskin, Denny J. Meyer, Katie M. Boes 2023 - Reference: BV. APAT30. 025There are several books available online to students via access on the university's Minerva site
- Cowell and Tyler's Diagnostic Cytology and Hematology of the Dog and Cat. 2020
- Clinical atlas of small animal cytology / Andrew G. Burton 2018
- Veterinary cytology: Sharkey, Leslie C 2021
- Differential diagnosis in small animal cytology: the skin and subcutis. 2019
- Veterinary hematology, clinical chemistry, and cytology 2022
- Equine hematology, cytology, and clinical chemistry 2021
Modules or teaching units
Histopathology and Cytopathology
VET/03 - VETERINARY PATHOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor: Giudice Chiara

Veterinary Anatomic Pathology I
VET/03 - VETERINARY PATHOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Shifts:
Professor: Roccabianca Paola
1 - 2 turni da 8 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor: Roccabianca Paola
2 - 6 turni da 1 ora per gruppi di studenti
Professor: Roccabianca Paola
3 - 2 turni da 2 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor: Giudice Chiara
4 - 6 turni da 3 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor: Recordati Camilla
5 - 6 turni da 2 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor: Giudice Chiara

Professor(s)
Reception:
by e.mail appointment
DIVAS-Viale dell'Università 6 Lodi