Veterinary Obstetrics and Pathology of Reproduction
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the students scientific knowledge on physiological reproductive processes of female genital system considering clinical aspects of estrous cycle, pregnancy, parturition and puerperium in small and large animals. In addition, knowledge on pathologies affecting the female genital system of these species are provided. A further aim of the course is to provide students with practical training in assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding at the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate their acquired knowledge on clinical aspects of female reproductive events, etiopathogenesis and symptoms of pathologies of female genital system in small and large animals.
Applying knowledge and understanding students will acquire ability on estrous cycle monitoring for the determination of the optimal breeding/insemination time and basic techniques of artificial insemination and embryo transfer in these species.
Autonomy of judgement: will be improved by the study of the literature on specific topics and in the comparison between the different pathologies and techniques of insemination.
Communication skills: It is also expected that students could demonstrate communication skills and proper use of scientific terminology that will allow them to successfully attend other courses in the same field as the course in Obstetrical-Gynecological Clinics of the fifth year.
Ability to continue the study autonomously throughout life: the course will educate the student to find and update information following the path that the teacher implements in the preparation of his/her presentations.
Applying knowledge and understanding students will acquire ability on estrous cycle monitoring for the determination of the optimal breeding/insemination time and basic techniques of artificial insemination and embryo transfer in these species.
Autonomy of judgement: will be improved by the study of the literature on specific topics and in the comparison between the different pathologies and techniques of insemination.
Communication skills: It is also expected that students could demonstrate communication skills and proper use of scientific terminology that will allow them to successfully attend other courses in the same field as the course in Obstetrical-Gynecological Clinics of the fifth year.
Ability to continue the study autonomously throughout life: the course will educate the student to find and update information following the path that the teacher implements in the preparation of his/her presentations.
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
Propedeutical (barrier) exam: Anatomical Pathology 2.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge acquired during the theoretical lessons and during the practical exercises. In particular, the student passes the test if he/she proves to have learned the physiological and pathological aspects of animal reproduction and he/she is able to understand the disorders of the genital system from the etiopathogenetic point of view. In addition, the student must have acquired the fundamentals of assisted reproduction techniques.
The exam consists of a written test (1 hour) consisting of two parts, one for each module.
Reproductive pathology, artificial insemination and obstetrics in small animals: there are 3 open questions (two short and one that can be treated in a more detailed way). For each correct answer correspond: 6 points for the short questions and 18 points for the longest for a maximum of 30 points.
Reproductive pathology, artificial insemination and obstetrics in farm animals and horses: 15 multiple choice questions or short answers are foreseen. Each correct answer corresponds to 2 points for a maximum of 30 points.
The tests are passed when a minimum of 18 points are obtained in each of the two module. The average of the two tests generates the final mark of the integrated course. If only one of the two tests is passed, its validity is maintained for the next 6 exam sessions that the student will have to use to pass the second test and obtain the final mark.
The exam consists of a written test (1 hour) consisting of two parts, one for each module.
Reproductive pathology, artificial insemination and obstetrics in small animals: there are 3 open questions (two short and one that can be treated in a more detailed way). For each correct answer correspond: 6 points for the short questions and 18 points for the longest for a maximum of 30 points.
Reproductive pathology, artificial insemination and obstetrics in farm animals and horses: 15 multiple choice questions or short answers are foreseen. Each correct answer corresponds to 2 points for a maximum of 30 points.
The tests are passed when a minimum of 18 points are obtained in each of the two module. The average of the two tests generates the final mark of the integrated course. If only one of the two tests is passed, its validity is maintained for the next 6 exam sessions that the student will have to use to pass the second test and obtain the final mark.
Large animals reproductive disorders, artificial insemination and obstetrics
Course syllabus
Lectures and Practice exercises
· Etiopathogenesis, description and diagnosis of pathologies of female genital system
· Estrous synchronization
· Sperm collection, evaluation and preservation
· Artificial insemination
· Embryo transfer
· Clinical aspects of estrous cycle and estrous monitoring
· Clinical aspects of pregnancy and pregnancy diagnosis
· Clinical aspects of parturition and puerperium
· Hints to disorders of pregnancy parturition and puerperium: introduction to the course of Clinical Obstetrics (5th year)
· Etiopathogenesis, description and diagnosis of pathologies of female genital system
· Estrous synchronization
· Sperm collection, evaluation and preservation
· Artificial insemination
· Embryo transfer
· Clinical aspects of estrous cycle and estrous monitoring
· Clinical aspects of pregnancy and pregnancy diagnosis
· Clinical aspects of parturition and puerperium
· Hints to disorders of pregnancy parturition and puerperium: introduction to the course of Clinical Obstetrics (5th year)
Teaching methods
Attendance is mandatory. In the lectures (16 hours), basic notions concerning the pathologies of the female reproductive system and obstetrics are taught in order to prepare students for the clinical activity of the following year. Furthermore, notions are given on artificial insemination and embryo transfer techniques. Classroom exercises (8 hours) are focused on basic principles of artificial insemination and ultrasonography, furthermore students have the opportunity to practice on animal models (insemination techniques and obstetric procedure: 6 hours) and with "ex vivo" organs (artificial insemination techniques and pathologies evaluation 2 hours). There will also be demonstrations of the use of ultrasonography for the evaluation of the female reproductive system.
Teaching Resources
- Teaching material containing all presentations is deposited on the ARIEL platform
- Reproductive pathologies of domestic animals, McEntee , Academic Press, 1990
- Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology, 2nd Edition, Saunders, 2007
- Equine reproduction, Mc Kinnon, Voss, 2nd Edition, Wiley Blackwell, 2011
- Reproductive pathologies of domestic animals, McEntee , Academic Press, 1990
- Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology, 2nd Edition, Saunders, 2007
- Equine reproduction, Mc Kinnon, Voss, 2nd Edition, Wiley Blackwell, 2011
Small animals reproductive disorders, artificial insemination and obstetrics
Course syllabus
LECTURES
Functional anatomy of reproductive organs
Clinical aspects of estrous cycle and estrous monitoring
Clinical aspects of pregnancy and pregnancy diagnosis
Clinical aspects of parturition and puerperium
Hints to disorders of pregnancy parturition and puerperium: introduction to the course of Clinical Obstetrics (5th year)
Etiopathogenesis and description of female genital system disorders (vagina, uterus, oviducst and ovaries)
Semen collection, evaluation and cryopreservation
Techniques of Artificial Insemination
PRACTICALS WITH SMALL GROUPS OF STUDENTS
Questionnaire for reviewing reproductive endocrinology
Evaluation of colpocytological smears: analysis of microscopical images
Performing a Spermiogram
Practice of Artificial Isemination
Functional anatomy of reproductive organs
Clinical aspects of estrous cycle and estrous monitoring
Clinical aspects of pregnancy and pregnancy diagnosis
Clinical aspects of parturition and puerperium
Hints to disorders of pregnancy parturition and puerperium: introduction to the course of Clinical Obstetrics (5th year)
Etiopathogenesis and description of female genital system disorders (vagina, uterus, oviducst and ovaries)
Semen collection, evaluation and cryopreservation
Techniques of Artificial Insemination
PRACTICALS WITH SMALL GROUPS OF STUDENTS
Questionnaire for reviewing reproductive endocrinology
Evaluation of colpocytological smears: analysis of microscopical images
Performing a Spermiogram
Practice of Artificial Isemination
Teaching methods
Compulsory attendance. In the lectures (16 hours), students are involved by stimulating their interest and encouraging them to participate by asking questions and asking to summarize parts already covered in the previous lessons.
In the practical exercises, the student is guided in order to help him/her achieve his /her own independent judgment, evaluate biological samples and learn diagnostic and assisted reproduction techniques dedicated to small animals. In particular, both classroom exercises (8 hours) with the participation of small groups of students and the use of questionnaires and exercises with biological samples (semen evaluation 4 hours and colpocitology 2 hours) are planned. Furthermore, exercises with animal models (2 hours) are also planned to learn methods such as colpocitology smear collection and artificial insemination.
In the practical exercises, the student is guided in order to help him/her achieve his /her own independent judgment, evaluate biological samples and learn diagnostic and assisted reproduction techniques dedicated to small animals. In particular, both classroom exercises (8 hours) with the participation of small groups of students and the use of questionnaires and exercises with biological samples (semen evaluation 4 hours and colpocitology 2 hours) are planned. Furthermore, exercises with animal models (2 hours) are also planned to learn methods such as colpocitology smear collection and artificial insemination.
Teaching Resources
- Arthur's Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics. David E. Noakes, Timothy J. Parkinson, Gary C. W. England, Geoffrey H. Arthur (eds) - WB Saunders Company Limited, London, 8th Edition, 2001. ISBN: 0702025569
- Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS (eds) WB Saunders, Philadelphia 2001. ISBN: 0721656072
Slides of the Lectures in Ariel
- Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS (eds) WB Saunders, Philadelphia 2001. ISBN: 0721656072
Slides of the Lectures in Ariel
Large animals reproductive disorders, artificial insemination and obstetrics
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Lessons: 16 hours
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1 TURNO PER TUTTI GLI STUDENTI DA 8 ORE
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