Learning objectives
Students will acquire the knowledge and the understanding of the clinical and therapeutic approach of the andrological-gynecological diseases and artificial insemination program, of the post-partum period, the assistance of the newborns in farm and companion animals. In particular, they will focus their attention in the general and particular objective examination of the male, female, and newborn, such as in the diagnostic procedures (ultrasound investigations of reproductive structures and microscopic investigations of seminal material). They will have to understand the data collected and apply their knowledge and understanding of the case with a professional approach, demonstrating that they possess the appropriate skills for the diagnosis and therapy (surgical and medical) of the pathologies of the male and female genital apparatus, of the management of the physiological and pathological pregnancy, physiological and pathological puerperium and evaluation of equine, bovine and canine semen. Students will acquire, in the topics mentioned, learning skills, independence of judgment and communication and learning skills.
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
The obstetric Clinic internship takes place at the departmental facilities for pets (dogs, cats, non-conventional animals) and farm animal (cattle, horses, sheep). The students actively participate to the clinical examinations, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and patients follow-up. The patients daily attend the university teaching veterinary hospital (OVUD). In particular, the learners participate and collaborate to the surgical activities related to the male and female genital apparatus and diseases of pets and non-conventional animals, assisting the teachers to the surgical, anesthesiological activities and during the management of caesarean sections, newborns and postpartum problems. During shifts in the intensive care unit, students follow the post-surgical period (therapies and follow up). The students participate at the collection, evaluation and preparation of equine semen doses from the stallions managed by the obstetric clinic during the breeding season; they participate in the evaluation of the refrigerated/frozen semen within the artificial insemination program for the mares admitted to the OVUD and to the gynecological/ultrasound evaluation, and to neonatal foal assistance (care to the mare and the newborn). Finally, they participate to the gynecological-diagnostic checks on cows and sheep at the OVUD; such as to the hospitalized calves and to the newborn lamb assistance. About the swine field, all learners have the opportunity to follow, according to turn, a freelancer (contract professor for the internship in question) that deals with pig breeding (artificial fertilization, delivery room, weaning) in farms in the area.
Full programme
Pregnancy Diagnosis in the mare. Methods of pregnancy diagnosis (clinical and laboratory diagnosis). Diseases and accidents of gestation. Abortion. Multiple Pregnancy. Uterine torsion. Therapeutic abortion Introduction to Parturition Physiology. Induction of Delivery. Caesarian Dissection. Hemolytic Icterus. Peri-partum Diseases and accidents, Post-partum hemorrhages Rupture of the uterus and vagina, Infertility and hypofertility in the Mare, Irregularity of Estrous Cycle and Anaestrus, Ovary alterations, Reproductive System Diseases, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology of Bovine Male Genital System. Introduction to Techniques for Estrous Synchronization in the cow. Introduction to Pregnancy Physiology, Pregnancy Diagnosis. Induction of Parturition, Caesarian Dissection
Neonatology: Neonatal Asphyxia Congenital Patent Urachus, Meconium Retentio. Peri-partum Diseases and accidents: post-partum hemorrhages , rupture of uterus and vagina, dismetabolic diseases
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology of Canine and Feline Male: GenitalTract, Congenital anomalies, Testicular and Epididymal Acquired Diseases , Neoplasm of testicle, Acute and chronic Orchitis and Epididimitis, Penis and Preputial Acquired Diseases .Estrous Cycle, Vaginal Cytology . Samples Techniques, Clinical Relevance . Mating: sexual behavior of the bitch, Artificial insemination, Semen Collection Techniques, Artificial insemination. ultrasonography in domestic animals (Equine, Bovine, Canine, Swine)
Surgical procedures for ovariohysterectomy in bitch and queen, orchiectomy in dog and cat,
Bibliography
Manual of small animal reproduction and neonatology. 2nd ed. Edited by: England G, Von Heimendahl A. Published by BSAVA, 2010;
Arthur’s Ostetricia e Riproduzione Veterinaria. 8nd ed. Edited by Noaked D.E, Parkinson T.J, England G.C.W. Published by: Giraldi Editore, 2008;
Neonatologia veterinaria di Castagnetti, Taverne Veronesi (Autore), EdiSES, 2012;
https://dairycattlereproduction.com/
Teaching methods
The activity of training in the Obstetric Clinic field is carried out both inside and outside the university structures, in specially established public structures, according to the University procedures. Teaching is provided by professors and subject experts of the Section of Obstetric Clinic as well as by the companies’ tutors, graduated in Veterinary Medicine, and assessed at the end of the period by the academic tutor, on the basis of a report by the company tutor and the attendance check.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning verification systems are not provided. The credits are credited on the basis of the certified attendance (75% minimum) and the judgment of the company tutor.
Other information
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