Feline Medicine
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to allow the student to deepen and complete clinical training in feline medicine by acquiring knowledge that cuts across different disciplines.
The course will mainly focus on practical training by evaluating clinical cases. It will help the student to enhance his practical skills required for managing internal medicine, dermatology, cardiology, obstetrics, nutrition, behavior, diagnostic imaging, and pain therapy specifically in feline species.
The evaluation of clinical cases at University Veterinary Hospital in Lodi will follow cat-friendly requirements and use a problem-oriented approach in different contests. By the end of the course, the student will have acquired the necessary skills to effectively communicate with the pet owner, perform an independent clinical examination using the cat-friendly approach, and develop a proper diagnostic algorithm that includes differential diagnoses. Moreover, the student will have the ability to analyze the results of laboratory diagnostics and medical imaging and use this information to create an accurate prognosis and an effective therapeutic protocol. The student will also learn the main techniques for collecting biological samples and performing dermatological collateral tests.
The course will mainly focus on practical training by evaluating clinical cases. It will help the student to enhance his practical skills required for managing internal medicine, dermatology, cardiology, obstetrics, nutrition, behavior, diagnostic imaging, and pain therapy specifically in feline species.
The evaluation of clinical cases at University Veterinary Hospital in Lodi will follow cat-friendly requirements and use a problem-oriented approach in different contests. By the end of the course, the student will have acquired the necessary skills to effectively communicate with the pet owner, perform an independent clinical examination using the cat-friendly approach, and develop a proper diagnostic algorithm that includes differential diagnoses. Moreover, the student will have the ability to analyze the results of laboratory diagnostics and medical imaging and use this information to create an accurate prognosis and an effective therapeutic protocol. The student will also learn the main techniques for collecting biological samples and performing dermatological collateral tests.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to apply knowledge: by the end of the course, the students should be able to apply their knowledge in identifying the main pathologies and problems that are specific to felines. They should also have a clear understanding of the integrated diagnostic process, starting from the anamnestic collection to formulating a therapeutic plan and drafting a clinical report.
Based on clinical and anamnestic data, students must formulate differential diagnoses, choose and interpret diagnostic investigations to propose an adequate treatment protocol and follow-up plan. The students must identify and propose preventive interventions for common feline pathologies.
Autonomy of judgment: it is essential for a student to have the ability to make his own judgments in a clinical setting. This includes formulating differential diagnoses, selecting the appropriate collateral tests, determining the final diagnosis, prognosis, and developing a suitable treatment plan. The student should also be able to use and integrate information from the main guidelines related to feline medicine independently while managing clinical cases.
Communication skills: the students must possess effective communication skills to collect medical history and interact with the owner during the clinical evaluation. They should be able to use appropriate medical terminology and communicate effectively with other students.
Ability to learn: the student must show proficiency in applying learned concepts to clinical cases, while following cat-friendly principles.
Based on clinical and anamnestic data, students must formulate differential diagnoses, choose and interpret diagnostic investigations to propose an adequate treatment protocol and follow-up plan. The students must identify and propose preventive interventions for common feline pathologies.
Autonomy of judgment: it is essential for a student to have the ability to make his own judgments in a clinical setting. This includes formulating differential diagnoses, selecting the appropriate collateral tests, determining the final diagnosis, prognosis, and developing a suitable treatment plan. The student should also be able to use and integrate information from the main guidelines related to feline medicine independently while managing clinical cases.
Communication skills: the students must possess effective communication skills to collect medical history and interact with the owner during the clinical evaluation. They should be able to use appropriate medical terminology and communicate effectively with other students.
Ability to learn: the student must show proficiency in applying learned concepts to clinical cases, while following cat-friendly principles.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the medical, surgical pathology, therapy, and medical, surgical, and obstetric clinic of small animals.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For a positive evaluation, regular attendance and skills acquisition at the end of the course will be a fundamental prerequisite. The student will be assessed ongoing during the clinical activity, particularly the ability to communicate, integrate information, and apply it to the resolution of clinical cases, and diagnostic approaches and independently develop therapeutic plans and formulate differential diagnoses. The final test will consist of describing a clinical case of feline medicine.
Feline internal medicine
Course syllabus
Students will be involved in the management of feline internal medicine clinical cases, following the most recent cat friendly guidelines relating to all aspects of the veterinary visit, from preparation at home before the visit, to transport to the clinic, to waiting in the veterinary room. aspect, up to the correct methods of collecting the medical history and carrying out the clinical examination. The students will learn how to carry out a complete clinical path in the feline species: under the guidance of the teacher, they will collect the clinical and anamnestic data and carry out the clinical visit, then collectively discussing the findings and the possible need for additional investigations to be able to formulate the definitive diagnosis. The clinical process will be completed by compiling the medical record, drafting the clinical report and any prescriptions necessary for the therapy, and communicating with the owner. The exclusive evaluation of feline patients will allow the student to focus on the peculiarities and pathologies characteristic of this species and their correct diagnosis and management.
The activity will take place as follows: 4-8 hours a day for 1-2 days a week.
The activity will take place as follows: 4-8 hours a day for 1-2 days a week.
Teaching methods
Evaluation of clinical cases relating to cat internal medicine problems at the university teaching hospital of Lodi, reading and interpretation of the main guidelines relating to feline medicine and Cat Friendly Clinic requirements. The possibility of preparing scientific insights into specific topics relating to the clinical cases evaluated through the provision of seminars will also be evaluated.
Teaching Resources
Main guidelines relating to feline medicine (available in PDF format online).
Cat Friendly Clinic Program of the International Society of Feline Medicine - ISFM and related in-depth material (available in PDF format online).
Tasker S. et al. BSAVA Manual of Feline Practice: a Foundation Manual. British Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2013.
Feldman, E.C. et al. Feline Endocrinology. Edra, 2019 (available in ebook format in the Unimi digital library).
Concerning the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature relating to the specific cases observed.
Cat Friendly Clinic Program of the International Society of Feline Medicine - ISFM and related in-depth material (available in PDF format online).
Tasker S. et al. BSAVA Manual of Feline Practice: a Foundation Manual. British Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2013.
Feldman, E.C. et al. Feline Endocrinology. Edra, 2019 (available in ebook format in the Unimi digital library).
Concerning the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature relating to the specific cases observed.
Feline Dermatology
Course syllabus
Students will be involved in the management of clinical cases of feline dermatology. They will learn how to carry out a complete clinical process in cats with skin and/or ear symptoms and the main dermatological collateral tests; under the guidance of the teacher, they will carry out the collection of clinical and anamnestic data, carry out the clinical visit and the necessary collateral tests, of which they will also carry out interpretation and reporting, then collectively discussing the findings and the possible need for additional investigations to be able to formulate the definitive diagnosis. The clinical process will be completed by compiling the medical record, drafting the clinical report and the prescriptions necessary for the therapy and communicating with the owner. The activity will take place as follows: 4-8 hours a day for 1-2 days a week.
Teaching methods
Evaluation of clinical cases relating to cat dermatology problems at the university teaching hospital of Lodi, execution, reading, and interpretation of the main dermatological collateral tests, reading of the main guidelines/reviews relating to feline dermatology. Depending on the student's preparation, the possibility of preparing in-depth analyses of specific topics through the provision of seminars will also be evaluated.
Teaching Resources
Main guidelines/reviews relating to feline dermatology (available in PDF format online).
Marsella R. Clinical approach to feline dermatologic diseases, 2021, Edra (available in ebook format in the Unimi digital library).
Albanese F. Canine and feline skin cytology, 2017, Springer (available in PDF format in the Unimi digital library).
About the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature relating to the specific cases observed.
Marsella R. Clinical approach to feline dermatologic diseases, 2021, Edra (available in ebook format in the Unimi digital library).
Albanese F. Canine and feline skin cytology, 2017, Springer (available in PDF format in the Unimi digital library).
About the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature relating to the specific cases observed.
Feline Behavioural Medicine
Course syllabus
Students will be involved in the management of feline behavioral medicine clinical cases. They will learn how to carry out a complete clinical path: under the guidance of the teacher, they will collect the signaling and anamnestic data, evaluate the cat's behavior and carry out the behavioral visit, then collectively discussing the findings and the possible need for investigations additional information to be able to formulate the definitive diagnosis. In particular, the topics relating to elimination disorders, aggression disorders, anxiety-related disorders and compulsive disorders will be explored in depth. The methods of application of the main behavioral modification and therapy techniques will be discussed. The clinical process will be completed by compiling the medical record, receiving a prescription, drafting the clinical report and communicating with the owner.
The activity will take place as follows: 4-8 hours a day for 1-2 days a week.
The activity will take place as follows: 4-8 hours a day for 1-2 days a week.
Teaching methods
Evaluation of clinical cases relating to cat behavioral medicine problems at the university teaching hospital of Lodi, reading and interpretation of the main guidelines/reviews relating to feline behavioral medicine. The possibility of preparing scientific insights into specific topics relating to the clinical cases evaluated through the provision of seminars will also be evaluated.
Teaching Resources
Main guidelines/reviews relating to feline behavioral medicine (available in PDF format online).
Stelow E. (Ed) Clinical Handbook of Feline Behavior Medicine. Wiley Blackwell, NJ, USA. 2023.
To the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature relating to the specific cases observed.
Stelow E. (Ed) Clinical Handbook of Feline Behavior Medicine. Wiley Blackwell, NJ, USA. 2023.
To the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature relating to the specific cases observed.
Diagnostic Imaging of the feline patient
Course syllabus
Students will be involved in department activities focusing on clinical cases of feline medicine. During the course, a review of the state of the art of the various diagnostic imaging techniques available during the diagnostic process (radiology, ultrasound, CT/MRI, scintigraphy) will be carried out. These techniques will be performed on feline patients possibly referred to the department. The diagnostic findings will be discussed in the team, also including the interested cases present in the archive, relating to the feline patient. The student will be involved in the execution of the various diagnostic techniques, patient management, reporting of the studies performed, relationship with the referring doctor for possible integration of biopsy or interventional techniques, communication with the owner.
The activity will take place as follows: 8 hours a day (8-17 CEST) for 1-2 days a week.
The activity will take place as follows: 8 hours a day (8-17 CEST) for 1-2 days a week.
Teaching methods
In the morning the student will be involved in the training activity which includes the following training events from Monday to Thursday: journal club, book club, mock board, neuroradiology round. These meetings last approximately 1 hour and are carried out in collaboration with other universities and hospital centers between 8-9 am CEST.
At the end of the Department day from 4-5.30pm CEST, all clinical cases and diagnostic reports produced are discussed, under the supervision of at least one Diplomate and one diagnostic imaging resident.
Finally, the activity will be integrated with seminars to implement students' knowledge related to feline patient imaging.
At the end of the Department day from 4-5.30pm CEST, all clinical cases and diagnostic reports produced are discussed, under the supervision of at least one Diplomate and one diagnostic imaging resident.
Finally, the activity will be integrated with seminars to implement students' knowledge related to feline patient imaging.
Teaching Resources
Schwarz T., Johnson V., (Eds.), BSAVA Manual feline and canine imaging. British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, 2008.
Pennick D., D'Anjou M.A., (Eds.), Atlas of Small Animal Ultrasonography. Wiley Blackwell 2015.
Thrall D.E. (Ed.), Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology. Elsevier 2018
Pennick D., D'Anjou M.A., (Eds.), Atlas of Small Animal Ultrasonography. Wiley Blackwell 2015.
Thrall D.E. (Ed.), Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology. Elsevier 2018
Feline cardiology
Course syllabus
The students, starting from the clinical cases of feline cardiology, will learn to know and manage (correct diagnostic and differential diagnostic process, correct therapeutic approach) the main cardiac pathologies in cats and will learn how to carry out a complete cardiological examination; under the guidance of the teacher, they will collect the clinical and anamnestic data, carry out the clinical examination and learn to correctly interpret the specialist instrumental investigations (echocardiographic/ECG/Holter). They will learn to know and correctly use the main drugs for the management of heart disease in cats. They will participate in communication with the owner.
The activity will take place as follows: 4-8 hours a day for 1-2 days a week.
The activity will take place as follows: 4-8 hours a day for 1-2 days a week.
Teaching methods
Active participation (except for the specialist instrumental part) in the management of clinical cases relating to cat cardiology problems at the small animal department of the university teaching hospital of Lodi. Through a collegial "case discussion", the tools will be provided to formulate a correct diagnostic algorithm and a correct interpretation of the main instrumental tests used in cardiology (ECG, Holter; echocardiography). Starting from the clinical case, discussion of the relevant updated literature in order to acquire basic knowledge in feline cardiology.
Teaching Resources
Main guidelines/reviews relating to feline cardiology (available in PDF format online).
Book: Feline Cardiology Etienne Cotè Print ISBN:9780813812427 |Online ISBN:9781118785782 |DOI:10.1002/9781118785782.
Book: Feline Cardiology Etienne Cotè Print ISBN:9780813812427 |Online ISBN:9781118785782 |DOI:10.1002/9781118785782.
Reproductive management in the feline species
Course syllabus
Students will be involved in the practical activity of clinical cases relating to the University Veterinary Hospital of Lodi relating to the reproductive sphere in the feline species. The students will learn, under the guidance of the teacher, the methods of carrying out a clinical-surgical path, from the collection of clinical and anamnestic data to the formulation of the definitive diagnosis and the planning of the therapeutic path, including prescription and drafting of the clinical report. In particular, they will carry out the clinical visit making use of diagnostic imaging and reproductive laboratory methods where indicated, and will address aspects relating to the management of breeding animals, pregnancy, birth and the feline newborn patient, and the pharmacological and surgical control of fertility. , also in reference to cat colonies.
The activity will take place as follows: 4-8 hours a day for 2-4 days.
The activity will take place as follows: 4-8 hours a day for 2-4 days.
Teaching methods
Evaluation of clinical and surgical cases relating to obstetric and gynecological clinical problems in the feline species at the University Veterinary Hospital of Lodi, reading and interpretation of the main guidelines and reviews relating to feline reproduction. The possibility of preparing scientific insights into specific topics relating to the clinical cases evaluated through the provision of seminars will also be evaluated.
Teaching Resources
Main guidelines and reviews relating to feline reproduction (available in PDF format online).
Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS (eds) WB Saunders, Philadelphia 2001.
BSAVA Manual of canine and feline reproduction and neonatalology. England G, von Heimendahl A eds) British Small Animal Veterinary Association 2010.
Concerning the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature relating to the specific cases observed.
Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS (eds) WB Saunders, Philadelphia 2001.
BSAVA Manual of canine and feline reproduction and neonatalology. England G, von Heimendahl A eds) British Small Animal Veterinary Association 2010.
Concerning the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature relating to the specific cases observed.
Feline Nutrition
Course syllabus
Students will be involved in the 360-degree management of feline medicine. In particular, the nutritional aspect will be combined with that of other disciplines to guarantee the health and well-being of the patient. During 4 meetings at the University Veterinary Hospital, as part of the clinical visit, the choice of the most appropriate diet in relation to the patient's conditions will be addressed, examining the nutritional aspects of the main pathologies that can affect the cat.
The activity will take place as follows: 4 hours a day for 1-2 days a week.
The activity will take place as follows: 4 hours a day for 1-2 days a week.
Teaching methods
Visits to the University Veterinary Hospital with formulations of food regimes (industrial; home-made) suited to the patient's clinical condition.
Teaching Resources
Recent presentations and publications in the field of dietetics support nutritional choices made in clinical settings.
Pain Management
Course syllabus
Students will be involved in the 360-degree management of feline medicine. In particular, the aspect of acute and chronic pain therapy will be combined with that of other disciplines to guarantee the health and well-being of the patient. During classroom seminars and exercises at the University Veterinary Hospital as part of the clinical activity, the choice of the most appropriate pain therapy about the patient's conditions will be addressed, delving into the critical aspects of the main pathologies that can affect the cat.
The activity will take place as follows: 4 hours a day for 4 days.
The activity will take place as follows: 4 hours a day for 4 days.
Teaching methods
Theoretical seminar on the pathophysiology of pain and drugs mainly used in the feline species. Clinical activity at the University Veterinary Hospital.
Teaching Resources
DELLA ROCCA-BUFALARI: "Terapia del dolore negli animali da compagnia." 1° ed., 344 pagg., Poletto Editore, maggio 2016.
Diagnostic Imaging of the feline patient
VET/09 - VETERINARY CLINICAL SURGERY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Longo Maurizio
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Longo Maurizio
Feline Behavioural Medicine
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Cannas Simona
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Cannas Simona
Feline cardiology
VET/08 - VETERINARY CLINICAL MEDICINE - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Locatelli Chiara
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Locatelli Chiara
Feline Dermatology
VET/08 - VETERINARY CLINICAL MEDICINE - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Perego Roberta
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Perego Roberta
Feline internal medicine
VET/08 - VETERINARY CLINICAL MEDICINE - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Spada Eva
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Spada Eva
Feline Nutrition
AGR/18 - ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Fusi Eleonora
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Fusi Eleonora
Pain Management
VET/09 - VETERINARY CLINICAL SURGERY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Ravasio Giuliano
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Ravasio Giuliano
Reproductive management in the feline species
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Groppetti Debora
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Groppetti DeboraEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
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