03795 - Veterinary Toxicology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will understand the aetiology, kinetics, dynamics, and symptoms of toxic substances of veterinary interest for an adequate differential diagnosis and the adoption of specific therapeutic measures. Specifically, the student will be able to: - understand the kinetics and mechanism of action of toxicants of major veterinary interest; - recognize intoxications based on symptoms, reaching a differential diagnosis with other causes of intoxication or pathologies of different nature. Additionally, the student will understand the application of emergency and specific therapeutic interventions.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology.”

The course covers the main topics related to veterinary toxicology, providing the student with:
• Basic knowledge of the different categories of toxic substances of veterinary interest;
• Awareness of the concept of xenobiotic residues and understanding of the related toxicological and regulatory aspects;
• A methodological approach aimed at identifying the main toxicological emergencies in dogs and cats and the necessary basis for their treatment.
A significant part of the course is organized into various topics structured in the same procedural manner: each topic is configured and completed through discussion on the approach and management of a toxicological problem.
The "Veterinary Toxicology" course is divided into two modules: Module 1 (taught by Prof. Andrea Barbarossa) and Module 2 (tought by Prof. Massimo Giunti).

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale learning platform (virtuale.unibo.it).

For further insights, the following texts are recommended:

• Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles, 3rd Edition (Ramesh C. Gupta), Academic Press

• Tossicologia Veterinaria (Luigi Intorre, Valentina Meucci), Idelson Gnocchi

• Small Animal Toxicology, 3rd Edition (Michael E. Peterson, Patricia A. Talcott), Elsevier

• Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 3rd Edition (Deborah Silverstein, Kate Hopper), Elsevier

Teaching methods

The course includes traditional lectures (29 hours in total) integrated with interactive small group sessions involving active discussion with the tutor on various levels of the problem treated (4 groups, 4 hours per group). 

Given the activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance in this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1, 2, and 3 of the e-learning health and safety training for study environments.

Assessment methods

The assessment methods include an oral presentation during the course and a final written test.

The oral examination involves small groups of students presenting a PowerPoint presentation on a topic assigned during the course, following the template provided on the Virtuale platform, with a maximum duration of 20 minutes. Each group member will be evaluated individually on the clarity of his presentation, the quality of the slides, and the level of detail according to the following scheme:
• 1 point: inadequate presentation and poor slides quality;
• 2 points: decent presentation and adequate slides with sufficient depth;
• 3 points: excellent presentation and effective slides with an excellent level of depth.

The final written test consists of 27 multiple-choice questions, of which only one is correct. Each correct answer is worth 1 point, while incorrect or missing answers are worth 0 points. Students have 60 minutes to complete the test. No supporting materials such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices are allowed during the test. The test is considered passed with a minimum of 18 correct answers. Students can register for the written test using the AlmaEsami platform.

The use of AI tools is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

The final assessment of the "Veterinary Toxicology" course is given by the sum of the score obtained for the oral presentation (maximum 3 points) and the outcome of the written test (maximum 27 points). The weighted average between this score and that of the "Veterinary Pharmacology and Pharmacy" course constitutes the final grade of the Integrated Course expressed in thirtieths.

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (almaesami.unibo.it). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Presentazioni PowerPoint presentations

WooClap platform

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Barbarossa

See the website of Massimo Giunti