Feline Medicine

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.

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.