Veterinary Anatomic Pathology 1
A.Y. 2024/2025
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.
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.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Prerequisites for admission
The preliminary knowledge for adequately address the course are those of the course: Patologia generale veterinaria e biochimica clinica.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test possibly completed by an oral test. The written test is made of 20 questions, which focus on the program of both modules that make up the course. Of the 20 questions, 11 (5 open and 6 multiple choice) refer to the contents of the Veterinary Pathological Anatomy 1 module, while the other 9 questions (3 open and 6 multiple choice) refer to the Histopathology and Cytology module. Among the questions there are always 2 gross and 2 microscopic images to comment on. The time given to take the written test is 90 minutes.
Evaluation criteria:
- the maximum score assigned to each question is 0.5 (multiple choice question with 4 options, only one correct answer) or 0-3 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.
-1.5-2.9 points in a 3-point question: good knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and correct use of the terminology of the subject; good order and synthesis.
-0.5-1.4 points in a 3-point question: superficial knowledge of the topics; partial expository clarity and sometimes imprecise use of the terminology of the subject; order and summary acceptable.
-0.0-0.4 points in a 3-point question: 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 30 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 or take a very short oral test which allows to add up to 3 points or lose up to 2 points compared to the written result. The elements taken into consideration for the evaluation of this further test are the following:
1-Evaluation increased compared to that obtained in the written part by 1, 2 or 3 points:
- Broader and more complete knowledge and understanding than that shown in the written part.
- Compared to the written test, there is a better ability to apply theoretical skills in interpreting pathological pictures.
- Compared to the written test, a better ability to interpret and judge pathological pictures and critical knowledge (not purely mnemonic) is highlighted.
- The student answers questions accurately. Expression is clearly, logical and concise. Scientific terms are correctly used. Demonstration of excellent communication skills.
- Compared to the written test, the student demonstrates that he knows very well the limit between basic knowledge and the more complex or not fully clarified aspects worthy of further study.
2-Identical assessment (identical grade to that obtained in the written part).
- Knowledge and understanding similar to those shown in the written part.
- Compared to the written test, an identical ability to apply theoretical skills in interpreting pathological pictures is highlighted.
- Compared to the written test, an identical ability to interpret and judge pathological pictures and critical knowledge (not purely mnemonic) is highlighted.
- He expresses himself quite clearly, logically and concisely. Use scientific terms correctly. Demonstrates good communication skills.
- Compared to the written test, you demonstrate that you know the limit between basic knowledge and the more complex or not completely clarified aspects.
3-Decreased rating (grade lower than that obtained in the written part by 1 or 2 points).
- More limited knowledge and understanding than that shown in the written part.
- Compared to the written test, there is a lower ability to apply theoretical skills in interpreting pathological pictures.
- Compared to the written test, a worse ability to interpret and judge pathological pictures and critical knowledge (not purely mnemonic) is highlighted.
- Expresses himself in a way that is not always clear, logical and synthetic. Use scientific terms acceptably. Demonstrates sufficient communication skills.
Evaluation criteria:
- the maximum score assigned to each question is 0.5 (multiple choice question with 4 options, only one correct answer) or 0-3 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.
-1.5-2.9 points in a 3-point question: good knowledge of the topics; clarity of presentation and correct use of the terminology of the subject; good order and synthesis.
-0.5-1.4 points in a 3-point question: superficial knowledge of the topics; partial expository clarity and sometimes imprecise use of the terminology of the subject; order and summary acceptable.
-0.0-0.4 points in a 3-point question: 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 30 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 or take a very short oral test which allows to add up to 3 points or lose up to 2 points compared to the written result. The elements taken into consideration for the evaluation of this further test are the following:
1-Evaluation increased compared to that obtained in the written part by 1, 2 or 3 points:
- Broader and more complete knowledge and understanding than that shown in the written part.
- Compared to the written test, there is a better ability to apply theoretical skills in interpreting pathological pictures.
- Compared to the written test, a better ability to interpret and judge pathological pictures and critical knowledge (not purely mnemonic) is highlighted.
- The student answers questions accurately. Expression is clearly, logical and concise. Scientific terms are correctly used. Demonstration of excellent communication skills.
- Compared to the written test, the student demonstrates that he knows very well the limit between basic knowledge and the more complex or not fully clarified aspects worthy of further study.
2-Identical assessment (identical grade to that obtained in the written part).
- Knowledge and understanding similar to those shown in the written part.
- Compared to the written test, an identical ability to apply theoretical skills in interpreting pathological pictures is highlighted.
- Compared to the written test, an identical ability to interpret and judge pathological pictures and critical knowledge (not purely mnemonic) is highlighted.
- He expresses himself quite clearly, logically and concisely. Use scientific terms correctly. Demonstrates good communication skills.
- Compared to the written test, you demonstrate that you know the limit between basic knowledge and the more complex or not completely clarified aspects.
3-Decreased rating (grade lower than that obtained in the written part by 1 or 2 points).
- More limited knowledge and understanding than that shown in the written part.
- Compared to the written test, there is a lower ability to apply theoretical skills in interpreting pathological pictures.
- Compared to the written test, a worse ability to interpret and judge pathological pictures and critical knowledge (not purely mnemonic) is highlighted.
- Expresses himself in a way that is not always clear, logical and synthetic. Use scientific terms acceptably. Demonstrates sufficient communication skills.
Veterinary Anatomic Pathology I
Course syllabus
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;
- Prestomaci 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.
Practice activities
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)
Necropsy room practice:
Macroscopic examination of organs with lesions in the anatomical room (5 hours)
Microscope laboratory practice:
Microscopic evaluation of slides (1 hour)
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;
- Prestomaci 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.
Practice activities
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)
Necropsy room practice:
Macroscopic examination of organs with lesions in the anatomical room (5 hours)
Microscope laboratory practice:
Microscopic evaluation of slides (1 hour)
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Classroom practica
- Necropsy room practice
- Microscopy laboratory practice
- Classroom practica
- Necropsy room practice
- Microscopy laboratory practice
Teaching Resources
All slides of the lessons and exercises will be made available on the teacher's MyAriel website.
Other material
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
Other material
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
Lessons
-Introduction to the course. General concepts and practical information (1h)
-The cells. Recognition of various cell types in histological and cytological samples (1h)
- Biopsies. Treatment of the cytological and histological sample: 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: (swelling, hydropic degeneration, vacuolar degeneration and storage pathologies, mucosal degeneration of the epithelia, steatosis, dystrophy) and extracellular (hyaline degeneration, fibrinoid necrosis, amyloidosis) (1.5h)
-Necrosis. Causes. Accidental and apoptosis. Types of accidental necrosis (coagulative and its variants, colliquative). Distinction between necrosis and post-mortal autolysis. Dystrophic and metastatic calcifications (1.5h)
-Acute and chronic nonspecific 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 diagnostic cytology (3h)
Practice
As part of the practice relating to the module: "Veterinary Pathological Anatomy 1" (see above)
-In the classroom. Recognition and description of basic cyto-histopathological aspects (2h)
-In microscope laboratory. Microscopic evaluation and diagnosis of cytological and partly histological samples (1h)
-Optional exercises for groups of students on material given in class ("tasks") through picture's evaluation.
-Introduction to the course. General concepts and practical information (1h)
-The cells. Recognition of various cell types in histological and cytological samples (1h)
- Biopsies. Treatment of the cytological and histological sample: 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: (swelling, hydropic degeneration, vacuolar degeneration and storage pathologies, mucosal degeneration of the epithelia, steatosis, dystrophy) and extracellular (hyaline degeneration, fibrinoid necrosis, amyloidosis) (1.5h)
-Necrosis. Causes. Accidental and apoptosis. Types of accidental necrosis (coagulative and its variants, colliquative). Distinction between necrosis and post-mortal autolysis. Dystrophic and metastatic calcifications (1.5h)
-Acute and chronic nonspecific 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 diagnostic cytology (3h)
Practice
As part of the practice relating to the module: "Veterinary Pathological Anatomy 1" (see above)
-In the classroom. Recognition and description of basic cyto-histopathological aspects (2h)
-In microscope laboratory. Microscopic evaluation and diagnosis of cytological and partly histological samples (1h)
-Optional exercises for groups of students on material given in class ("tasks") through picture's evaluation.
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures
-Classroom practice (individual or in team)
-Microscopy room practice
-Team work practice on schoolwork given during lessons or via social media. Results discussed at the beginning of the next lesson.
-Classroom practice (individual or in team)
-Microscopy room practice
-Team work practice on schoolwork given during lessons or via social media. Results discussed at the beginning of the next lesson.
Teaching Resources
-MyAriel: everything relating to the course is included in a handout published on the Ariel platform within an account with the name: "Histopathology and Cytopathology". The handout is structured so that there are two paired files: one in word, in which there is the textual part of the handout, and one in Powerpoint in which the images recalled from the various chapters of the handout are found
-In the period October-December the course is supported by an Instagram Group whose name is: "ANAPAT 1 - 2024.
-Other material:
for those wishing to delve deeper into diagnostic cytology topics, the best text is in the library:
-Canine and feline cytopathology: a color atlas and interpretation guide / Rose E. Raskin, Denny J. Meyer, Katie M. Boes 2023 - Shelfmark: BV. APAT30. 025
There are also several books online on the university's Minerva website:
-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
-In the period October-December the course is supported by an Instagram Group whose name is: "ANAPAT 1 - 2024.
-Other material:
for those wishing to delve deeper into diagnostic cytology topics, the best text is in the library:
-Canine and feline cytopathology: a color atlas and interpretation guide / Rose E. Raskin, Denny J. Meyer, Katie M. Boes 2023 - Shelfmark: BV. APAT30. 025
There are also several books online on the university's Minerva website:
-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
Histopathology and Cytopathology
VET/03 - VETERINARY PATHOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Caniatti Mario
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Caniatti Mario
Veterinary Anatomic Pathology I
VET/03 - VETERINARY PATHOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Shifts:
1 - 2 turni da 8 ore per un gruppo di studenti
Professor:
Recordati Camilla2- 6 turni da 1 ora per gruppi di studenti
Professor:
Recordati Camilla3 - 2 turni da 2 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor:
Caniatti Mario4 -6 turni da 3 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor:
Recordati Camilla5 - 6 turni da 2 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor:
Caniatti MarioTurno
Professor:
Roccabianca PaolaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Mon-Fry. Appointment needed ([email protected])
Reparto di Anatomia Patologica Veterinaria - Ospedale Veterinario Universitario, Edificio 9 - Via dell'Università 6 - 26900 Lodi