B9281 - BIOMECCANICA E TECNICHE DIAGNOSTICHE

Learning outcomes

He/she knows the healthy animal body’s patterns, ability of movement and types of gait. Is able to perform a basic clinical evaluation of musculoskeletal system in the healthy animals. Is able to interpret the semiology of collateral imaging of the musculoskeletal system, mainly related to kinematic and kinetic skills.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “B9097 - PHYSIOLOGY OF SPECIES OF VETERINARY INTEREST.”


Upon completion of the integrated course, the student will know and understand the main physiological mechanisms underlying animal body function, with particular reference to the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems; muscle contraction and its neural control; general and metabolic endocrine physiology; and the physiology of the digestive system, including the associated neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms and their role in maintaining homeostasis.
The student will also acquire fundamental knowledge regarding animal behavior and ethological observation and investigation methods aimed at assessing animal welfare. Regarding the biomechanics and clinical examination of the musculoskeletal system, the student will understand the movement and gait patterns of healthy animals, be able to perform a basic clinical assessment of the musculoskeletal system, and interpret the essential elements of ancillary imaging techniques related to kinetics and kinematics.


The Integrated Course “PHYSIOLOGY OF SPECIES OF VETERINARY INTEREST” contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.16, 1.18.


SPECIFIC COURSE PREREQUISITES:
To better understand the course content, it is recommended that the student has already acquired knowledge regarding cell function and musculoskeletal anatomy.


SPECIFIC COURSE CONTENT:
The syllabus is structured as follows:
Theoretical lectures:
• Elements of biomechanics (1 hour)
• Gait types in dogs and horses (2 hours)
• Clinical approach to the musculoskeletal system in healthy animals (2 hours)
• Clinical assessment methods for joint range of motion and Muscle circumference (1 hour)
• Diagnostic techniques for kinetic and kinematic analysis (1 hour)
Practical sessions:
• Practical clinical approach with postural assessment in veterinary medicine (3 hours x 4 groups)

Readings/Bibliography

The course teaching material is available on the Virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Recommended texts:
• Gillete RL. Athletic & working dog - Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics. ISBN: 978-1-7330244-1-9. 2019
• Brown CM. Dog Locomotion and Gait Analysis. Published by Hoflin Pub Ltd, 1986
• Torres B. Objective Gait Analysis. 2nd chapter in Duerr F. “Canine Lameness”. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2020
• Bockstahler-Wittek-Levine-Maierl-Millis. Essential facts of physical medicine, rehabilitation and sports medicine in companion animals. VBS VETVERLAG GMBH, 2019
• Koch D, Fischer MS. Diagnosing Canine Lameness. Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, New York, 2020.

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical classroom lectures and practical sessions held at DIMEVET teaching facilities.


Given the nature of the activities and teaching methods involved, participation in this course requires the successful completion of e-learning modules 1 and 2, as well as module 3 (specific training on health and safety in the study environment). Information regarding dates and attendance requirements for module 3 can be found in the dedicated section of the Veterinary Medicine website.
Wearing a lab coat and suitable footwear is mandatory for participation in practical sessions.

Assessment methods

There is a single exam for the integrated course.

For the specific course, the assessment method consists of a written test featuring both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required to pass.

A failing result does not result in a numerical grade being recorded; instead, a status (either "withdrawn" or "failed") is entered into the electronic record on AlmaEsami. Consequently, it does not affect the student's academic record.

The results of individual test components and the final exam grade will be published on the recording professor's "Virtuale" platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/) within 5 working days of the exam date.

Students may reject their grade once by notifying the recording professor via email within 5 working days.

The recording professor for this course is Prof. Maria Laura Bacci.

Students may register for exam sessions via AlmaEsami (http://almaesami.unibo.it/). Exam sessions are scheduled within the windows specified in the academic calendar. Additional exam sessions are reserved for students who have exceeded the standard duration of their degree program (*fuori corso*).

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti) well in advance. That office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students; these proposals must be submitted to the professor for approval at least 15 days in advance, so that the professor can assess their suitability in relation to the course's learning objectives.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be held in the classroom using PowerPoint presentations and in-class quizzes.


Should students encounter difficulties in understanding the subject matter, the professor is available for a clarification meeting by appointment via email. Please consult Professor Giuseppe Spinella’s website for further details.

Office hours

See the website of Giuseppe Spinella