D0682 - Gait, Biomechanics, and Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Techniques

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student acquires adequate knowledge of the biomechanical and diagnostic aspects of movement in companion animals. In particular, the student: knows the healthy animal body’s patterns, ability of movement and types of gaits; is able to perform a basic clinical evaluation of musculoskeletal system in the healthy animal, aware of what should be observed during all phases of the gait; is able to interpret the semiology and collateral imaging of the musculoskeletal system, mainly related to kinematic and kinetic skills.

Course contents

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization, functioning, and biochemical mechanisms underlying the metabolism of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, and the skin and its appendages, essential for recognizing the normal aspects of clinical relevance in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in topographical anatomy and imaging techniques applicable to these systems, including their relevance to kinetics and kinematics.

The Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.17, 1.21, 1.24.

Specific Course contents:

It will be provided issues on: gait modality in companion animals, clinical approach to locomotor system in sound animals, elements on biomechanics and gait analysis and collateral imaging techniques specifically applied on the musculoskeletal system.

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Concept of movement and Basic concepts of physics of motion and levers (3 hours)
• Different gaits in dogs and horses (2 hours)
• Semiology and Clinical monitoring of Musculo-skeletal (MSK) system (5 hours)
• Gait analysis (2 hours)
• MSK diagnostic imaging with particular focus on MSK Ultrasound (1 hour)
• X-ray examination in hip region (1 hour)

Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• Different gaits and MSK examination (2 hours)
• Kinetic evaluations and monitoring methods (2 hours)
• Ultrasound application on muscular and tendons (2 hours).

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Required and supplementary readings:

• Gillete RL. Athletic & working dog - Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics. ISBN: 978-1-7330244-1-9. 2019
• Brown CM. Dog Locomotion and Gait Analysis. Published byHoflin 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

Lectures and practical lessons.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 60 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter. Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers. The test assignment will last 1.5 h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.
• The second part assesses the acquisition of practical and verbal skills in specific topics within the Integrated Course. This practical examination consists of three different stations: 1) Anatomy, 2) Physiology and Semiology of the nervous system, and 3) Biomechanics and semiology of the musculoskeletal system, and diagnostic imaging of both the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Each station tests a specific practical skill. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass each individual station. The final score for this second part is the arithmetic mean of the scores obtained in each individual station.

The final grade for the Integrated Course is calculated as the weighted average of the written test (60%) and the practical assessment (40%).

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record. Grades for individual parts and the final grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/?lang=en ) within 5 working days of the date of the exam.

Students may reject the final grade one time, by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is prof. Domenico Ventrella.

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://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 (https://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.

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

Teaching tools

PDF of lecture slides.

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Giuseppe Spinella