Small Animal Reproduction
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim is to allow students to complete clinical training by the practical learning of "day-one competences", the minimum skills required to entry into the different roles of the veterinary profession. For this purpose, the teaching activity is organized as a specific practical training on different aspects of reproduction in domestic carnivores through outpatient activity, which includes diagnostic imaging, surgical and laboratory activity. An active participation of the students is provided as they will be involved in the medical and/or surgical management of patients affected by obstetric, gynecological or andrological disorders, as well as in the management of neonates and mammary diseases, and in the execution of the most common assisted reproduction techniques.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate the acquired "day-one competences". They will be able to perform a clinical consultation (knowledge and applied understanding) and to select collateral tests that the clinical case might require. They will also know how to define a prognosis and a therapeutic plan (independent judgment). Communication skills will be demonstrated by the appropriate use of scientific terminology, but also by the use of a common language in order to establish an effective communication with the owner of the animal.
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
It is advisable to have acquired knowledge of Pathology of Reproduction, Artificial Insemination and Obstetrics of small animals.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be assessed during all the practical activities of the course. At the end the student must demonstrate that he/she is able to set the clinical protocol in case of reproductive problems, pathologies of the genital system and mammary diseases, when it is necessary to manage the optimal time for mating or artificial insemination or when neonates require assistance. In particular, he/she must describe the clinical visit, the choice of collateral tests to be performed and the differential diagnoses to be taken into consideration. Finally, he/she should propose any appropriate therapies. The candidate will also be prepared on the management of the pet owner and on the methods of surgical approach. Minimum approval grade is 18 and the maximum grade is 30 "cum laude" (with honors).
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
Course syllabus
Insights into the most common physiological and pathological aspects in the reproduction of small animals, mainly on the management of the stud and the bitch, from mating to parturition. Students will be involved in the practical activity of clinical reproduction cases attending the Hospital. They will learn, under the guidance of the teacher, the methods of carrying out a clinical-diagnostic path in reproduction, including diagnostic imaging and laboratory methods. The activity will take place 4-6 hours a day for 3-4 days.
Teaching methods
Practical evaluation of clinical cases on physiological and pathological conditions of the reproductive system o dogs and cats at the Hospital (clinics, ultrasound room and laboratories). Interpretation of the main guidelines and reviews relating to the reproduction of small animals.
Teaching Resources
-Main small animal reproduction guidelines and reviews (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 neonatology. England G, von Heimendahl A eds) British Small Animal Veterinary Association 2010.
Depending on the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature for 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 neonatology. England G, von Heimendahl A eds) British Small Animal Veterinary Association 2010.
Depending on the clinical cases evaluated, the student may be asked to research and discuss the most appropriate scientific literature for the specific cases observed.
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
Course syllabus
The students, under the guidance of the teacher, will be involved in the clinical and surgical management of the most common physiological and pathological conditions in obstetrics, gynecology and the mammary gland of small animals, possibly also with endoscopic techniques. In particular, they will learn pregnancy assistance procedures and address aspects of surgical sterilization in small animals and feline colonies. The activity will take place 4-6 hours a day for 6-8 days.
Teaching methods
Practical evaluation of clinical cases on the physiological and pathological conditions in the obstetrics, gynecology and the mammary gland of small animals attending the Hospital (visiting room, surgical room, endoscopic room, ultrasound room, laboratories, skill lab and, depending on the case, nursery room). Interpretation of the main guidelines and reviews on the reproduction of small animals.
Teaching Resources
-Guidelines and reviews on small animal reproduction (available as PDF online).
-Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS (eds) WB Saunders, Philadelphia 2001.
-Small Animal Surgery. Welch Fossum T (ed) Elsevier 2018.
-Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS (eds) WB Saunders, Philadelphia 2001.
-Small Animal Surgery. Welch Fossum T (ed) Elsevier 2018.
SURGERY OF REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Course syllabus
The Module consists of 16 hours of clinical work divided as follows:
- Clinical examination (clinical episodes or controls): history collection, general and special objective examination, Provet compilation, discharge and electronic prescription chart compilation independently under the supervision of the professor: 2 hours.
- Perioperative management of the surgical patient: preparation of the patient with trichotomy and disinfection, preparation of the surgical room and the instruments and technology necessary for the surgical act, patient positioning, including discharge phase, communication with recovery ward): 2 hours.
- Assisting at the operating table: dressing of the surgeon, preparation of the attendant, preparation of the operating field, direct assistance to the surgical procedure: 6 hours.
- Surgical procedures: first-person independent performance under the supervision of the professor of the most common interventions concerning the male and female genital system or as assistant in cases of more complex surgery: 4 hours.
- Discussion of clinical cases: diagnostic-therapeutic approach, complications surgical/oncologic outcome: 2 hours.
- Clinical examination (clinical episodes or controls): history collection, general and special objective examination, Provet compilation, discharge and electronic prescription chart compilation independently under the supervision of the professor: 2 hours.
- Perioperative management of the surgical patient: preparation of the patient with trichotomy and disinfection, preparation of the surgical room and the instruments and technology necessary for the surgical act, patient positioning, including discharge phase, communication with recovery ward): 2 hours.
- Assisting at the operating table: dressing of the surgeon, preparation of the attendant, preparation of the operating field, direct assistance to the surgical procedure: 6 hours.
- Surgical procedures: first-person independent performance under the supervision of the professor of the most common interventions concerning the male and female genital system or as assistant in cases of more complex surgery: 4 hours.
- Discussion of clinical cases: diagnostic-therapeutic approach, complications surgical/oncologic outcome: 2 hours.
Teaching methods
Clinical work to be carried out with clinical cases spontaneously afferent to the University Veterinary Hospital in the following settings:
a) Consultation rooms (under supervision of clinical/academic staff)
First opinion vs specialized consultation vs postoperative recheck
- Recording of the patient
- Clinical History collection (discussion)
- Physical examination vs specialized examination (discussion)
- Proposal of differential diagnosis (discussion)
- Discussion with clinical staff on the decisional algorithm for diagnostic procedures
- Follow the patient in the diagnostic procedures (X-rays, ultrasonography, endoscopy, etc.)
- provide a diagnosis, adequate treatment and prognosis
- Write the clinical report and drug prescription (if needed)
b) Surgical theatre (under supervision of clinical/academic staff)
- Recording the patient
- Clinical History collection (Discussion)
- Clinical examination for surgical treatment and anesthesiology protocol (Discussion)
- Explanation of surgical treatment and anesthesiology protocol and possible complications (Discussion)
- Cooperation in the owner consent taking for surgical treatment and anesthesiology protocol
- Discussion of the surgical treatment/technique, postoperative care and potential complications
- Discussion anesthesiologic and analgesic protocol based on surgical treatment plus postoperative analgesic protocol
- Preoperative procedures for patient:
Preparation of the surgical site involves a series of steps such as clipping of hair, removal of dirt and oils, and removal of microbes.
Draping
- Preoperative procedures- surgical staff
Scrubs, scrubs hands and applications of specific surgical dress
- Preparation of the surgical site
- Assistant at surgical procedures/ performing some surgical procedures
- Planning postoperative care and communication with hospitalization service
- Follow/ recheck the patient in hospitalization service
- Write the surgical report
- Write the form for histopathologic exam (surgical biopsy)
- Discussion with clinical staff of the surgical case/ cases. Write the clinical report and drug prescription (if needed)
a) Consultation rooms (under supervision of clinical/academic staff)
First opinion vs specialized consultation vs postoperative recheck
- Recording of the patient
- Clinical History collection (discussion)
- Physical examination vs specialized examination (discussion)
- Proposal of differential diagnosis (discussion)
- Discussion with clinical staff on the decisional algorithm for diagnostic procedures
- Follow the patient in the diagnostic procedures (X-rays, ultrasonography, endoscopy, etc.)
- provide a diagnosis, adequate treatment and prognosis
- Write the clinical report and drug prescription (if needed)
b) Surgical theatre (under supervision of clinical/academic staff)
- Recording the patient
- Clinical History collection (Discussion)
- Clinical examination for surgical treatment and anesthesiology protocol (Discussion)
- Explanation of surgical treatment and anesthesiology protocol and possible complications (Discussion)
- Cooperation in the owner consent taking for surgical treatment and anesthesiology protocol
- Discussion of the surgical treatment/technique, postoperative care and potential complications
- Discussion anesthesiologic and analgesic protocol based on surgical treatment plus postoperative analgesic protocol
- Preoperative procedures for patient:
Preparation of the surgical site involves a series of steps such as clipping of hair, removal of dirt and oils, and removal of microbes.
Draping
- Preoperative procedures- surgical staff
Scrubs, scrubs hands and applications of specific surgical dress
- Preparation of the surgical site
- Assistant at surgical procedures/ performing some surgical procedures
- Planning postoperative care and communication with hospitalization service
- Follow/ recheck the patient in hospitalization service
- Write the surgical report
- Write the form for histopathologic exam (surgical biopsy)
- Discussion with clinical staff of the surgical case/ cases. Write the clinical report and drug prescription (if needed)
Teaching Resources
-Chirurgia dei piccoli animali, Fossum, ed Edra, 2021
-Chirurgia veterinaria dei piccoli animali Spencer A. Johnston Karen M. Tobias, ed Delfino, 2020
-Chirurgia veterinaria dei piccoli animali Spencer A. Johnston Karen M. Tobias, ed Delfino, 2020
NEONATOLOGY
Course syllabus
Neonatal physiology and neonatal viability evaluation (2 h).
Neonatal diseases, clinical management of the healthy and the sick newborn (14 h).
Neonatal diseases, clinical management of the healthy and the sick newborn (14 h).
Teaching methods
Introduction to neonatology and the principles of management of the normal and the sick newborn, followed by clinical activity at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Lodi and neonatal clinical evaluation at dog breeder facilities.
Teaching Resources
-Small Animal Pediatrics. Peterson ME & Kutzler MA, Saunders, Philadelphia, 2010. ISBN: 9781780343440.
-Neonatologia Veterinaria. Edises, Napoli, 2012. ISBN: 9788879597388.
-Scientific papers and state of the art.
-Neonatologia Veterinaria. Edises, Napoli, 2012. ISBN: 9788879597388.
-Scientific papers and state of the art.
ASSISTED REPRODUCTION
Course syllabus
Cycle monitoring (4 hours), techniques of artificial insemination (4 hours), semen collection and manipulation (4 hours), gamete cryoconservation (4 hours).
Teaching methods
Introduction seminars to the topics and practical activities in the consultation rooms and laboratory.
Teaching Resources
-Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS (eds) WB Saunders, Philadelphia 2001. ISBN: 0721656072.
-Scientific papers and state of the art.
-Scientific papers and state of the art.
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING IN REPRODUCTION
Course syllabus
Ultrasonography applied to reproductive physiopathology of female (8 hours) and male (8 hours
Teaching methods
Introduction seminars to the topics and practical activities in the consultation rooms.
Teaching Resources
-Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS (eds) WB Saunders, Philadelphia 2001. ISBN: 0721656072.
-Scientific papers and state of the art.
-Scientific papers and state of the art.
ANDROLOGY
Course syllabus
Male reproductive system pathophysiology, clinical and surgical management of male reproductive system's diseases, elective orchidectomy, andrology lab activities (16 h).
Teaching methods
Clinical and surgical management of patients admitted at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Lodi, and orchidectomies performed on stray dogs and cats enrolled in population control programs.
Teaching Resources
-Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS (eds) WB Saunders, Philadelphia 2001. ISBN: 0721656072.
-Scientific papers and state of the art.
-Scientific papers and state of the art.
ANDROLOGY
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Veronesi Maria Cristina
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Veronesi Maria Cristina
ASSISTED REPRODUCTION
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Luvoni Gaia Cecilia Rita
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Luvoni Gaia Cecilia Rita
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING IN REPRODUCTION
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Luvoni Gaia Cecilia Rita
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Luvoni Gaia Cecilia Rita
NEONATOLOGY
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Veronesi Maria Cristina
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Veronesi Maria Cristina
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 2
Practicals: 32 hours
Professor:
Groppetti Debora
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Groppetti Debora
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Pecile Alessandro
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Pecile Alessandro
SURGERY OF REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Professor:
Pecile Alessandro
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Pecile Alessandro