10230 - Special Veterinary Pathology I

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have acquired a thorough understanding of the aetiopathogenesis and the gross and microscopic morphological features of the major diseases affecting the nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, digestive and reproductive systems, the sense organs, liver, and pancreas. The student should acquire skills sufficient to identify a lesion, describe it using the appropriate terminology, and formulate appropriate differential diagnoses based on gross pathological findings.

Course contents

This course forms part of the Integrated Course “Special Veterinary Pathology”. The responsible for grade registration is Prof. Giuseppe Sarli, who teaches the Special Veterinary Pathology II module. The Course is organised into three modules: Module 1 consists primarily of theoretical lectures; Modules 2 and 3 are mainly devoted to practical training.

Upon completion of the Integrated Course in Veterinary Pathology, students will have acquired comprehensive knowledge of the aetiopathogenesis and gross and microscopic morphology of the principal diseases affecting domestic animals. They will also be able to recognise pathological lesions, describe them using appropriate pathological terminology, and formulate differential diagnoses.

The Course contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 10, 22, 24, 25, 29, 34 and 35.

SPECIFIC PREREQUISITES

To facilitate understanding of the course contents, students are expected to have successfully completed the prerequisite courses established within the Degree Programme. Particularly important are previous knowledge and competences in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Parasitology, General Pathology

SPECIFIC CONTENTS

MODULE 1 – THEORETICAL LECTURES (45 HOURS) -Giuliano Bettini

THE LIVER (8 hours). Review of normal anatomy and physiology. Pathophysiology of hepatic failure. Post-mortem changes. Congenital anomalies and developmental disorders: hepatic cysts; portosystemic vascular anomalies. Hepatic rupture. Regressive changes: atrophy, cloudy swelling, steroid hepatopathy, lipidosis, amyloidosis, pigmentary changes, melanosis, jaundice. Hepatic necrosis: causes, distribution patterns; acute hepatodystrophies, nutritional hepatosis. Circulatory disorders: passive congestion, thrombosis, portal hypertension, telangiectasis. Inflammatory diseases:serous hepatitis, leptospirosis, suppurative hepatitis, necrotising hepatitis, viral hepatitis, infectious canine hepatitis, viral hepatitis of lagomorphs; viral hepatitis of swine; Rift Valley fever; chronic active hepatitis; cholangiohepatitis; granulomatous hepatitis. Parasitic diseases:coccidiosis; fasciolosis; echinococcosis; cysticercosis; microascariosis; parasitic interstitial hepatitis. Hyperplastic and regenerative lesions: nodular hyperplasia; Kisselev nodules; extramedullary myelopoiesis. Fibrosis: anatomical classification of hepatic fibrosis; chronic icterogenic hepatopathy of horses; idiopathic hepatic fibrosis. Liver cirrhosis: histogenesis; atrophic cirrhosis; hypertrophic cirrhosis; biliary cirrhosis. Neoplasms: hepatocellular tumours; cholangiocellular tumours; metastatic hepatic neoplasms.

THE PANCREAS (2 hours). Regressive changes: atrophy; necrosis. Pancreatitis: pathogenesis; acute pancreatitis; chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic neoplasms.

THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT (8 hours). Congenital anomalies. Cleft palate. Stomatitis: vesicular stomatitis; papular stomatitis; necrotising, ulcerative and pseudomembranous stomatitis. Specific diseases: Bluetongue; Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Malignant Catarrhal Fever; uraemic stomatitis; feline eosinophilic granuloma complex; lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis; actinobacillary glossitis. Neoplasms of the oral cavity: papilloma; squamous cell carcinoma; melanoma; fibrosarcoma; odontogenic tumours. Salivary glands necrosis; sialadenitis; neoplasms. Oesophagus: Congenital anomalies. Megaoesophagus. Oesophagitis. Parasitic diseases: sarcocystosis; spirocercosis. Neoplasms. Forestomachs of ruminants: Foreign bodies. Ruminal tympany (bloat). Ruminitis: acute superficial ruminitis; deep ruminitis; traumatic ruminitis. Parasitic diseases. Stomach: Gastric dilatation-volvulus. Abomasal displacement. Congenital anomalies. Gastric ulceration. gastro-oesophageal ulcer of swine; abomasal ulcer of cattle. Foreign bodies. Gastritis: acute gastritis; chronic gastritis. Parasitic diseases. Neoplasms. Intestine. Congenital anomalies. Ectopia. Hernia. Intussusception. Volvulus. Foreign bodies. Enterolithiasis. Stenosis. Enteritis: pathophysiology of diarrhoea; classification of enteritis; acute enteritis; chronic enteritis. Specific diseases: colibacillosis; oedema disease; proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis; clostridiosis; drug-induced colitis; mucoid enteropathy; pseudotuberculosis; paratuberculosis; yersiniosis. Intestinal parasitic diseases: coccidiosis; taeniasis; strongylosis; Ascaridiosis. Intestinal tumors.

THE PERITONEAL CAVITY (2 hours). Abnormal contents. Ascites. Peritonitis. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Granulomatous and pyogranulomatous peritonitis. Peritoneal neoplasms. Mesothelioma.

ENDOCRINE GLANDS (5 hours). Pituitary gland. Developmental abnormalities. Pituitary cysts. Adenohypophysitis. Pituitary neoplasms. Syndromes associated with pituitary hypofunction and hyperfunction. Adrenal glands. Regressive lesions. Haemorrhage. Inflammation. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Neoplasms. Syndromes associated with adrenocortical hypofunction and hyperfunction. Cushing's syndrome. Thyroid gland. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Parenchymatous goitre. Colloid goitre. Nodular goitre. Thyroiditis. Autoimmune thyroiditis. Thyroid neoplasms. Parafollicular (C-cell) tumours. Syndromes associated with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Parathyroid glands. Hyperparathyroidism. Chemoreceptor organs. Hyperplasia. Paragangliomas. Endocrine pancreas. Diabetes mellitus. Hyperinsulinism.

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM (6 hours). Bones. Systemic and localized bone malformations. Metabolic alterations of bone tissue. Osteomalacia. Rickets. Osteoporosis. Fibrous osteodystrophy. Hypertrophic osteodystrophies. Osteitis. Periostitis. Osteomyelitis. Granulomatous osteomyelitis. Primary and secondary neoplasms of bone tissue. Osteosarcoma. Muscles. Regressive alterations. Congenital and hereditary myopathies. Arthrogryposis. Congenital myofibrillar hypoplasia. Congenital muscle hyperplasia. Muscular dystrophies. Myasthenia gravis. Nutritional myopathies. Exercise, stress and toxic myopathies. Myositis. Purulent myositis. Gangrenous myosites. Malignant edema. Eosinophilic myositis. Granulomatous myositis. Muscle parasites. Sarcosporidiosis. Toxoplasmosis. Cysticercosis. Trichinellosis. Primary and secondary muscle tumors. Joints. Degenerative arthropathies. Arthritis. Infectious arthritis. Aseptic arthritis. Tumors

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (4 hours). Male reproductive tract. Testis. Developmental abnormalities. Cryptorchidism. Orchitis. Neoplasms. Prostate. Prostatic cysts. Squamous metaplasia. Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostatitis. Neoplasms. External genitalia Canine transmissible venereal tumour (TVT). Penile squamous cell carcinoma. Female reproductive tract. Ovary. Ovarian cysts. Ovarian neoplasms. Uterus. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Endometritis. Pyometra. Metritis. Uterine neoplasms.

NERVOUS SYSTEM (8 hours). Elementary lesions of the nervous system. Congenital and inherited diseases. Hydrocephalus. Circulatory disorders. Embolism. Ischaemia. Cerebral infarction. Functional ischemic encephalopathies. Thrombosis. Cerebral oedema. Meningeal haemorrhages and cerebral haemorrhages. Atrophy. Necrosis. Pathological calcifications. Cholesteatosis of the choroid plexuses. Neurodegenerative diseases. Polioencephalomalacia of ruminants. Salt poisoning. Mycotoxic leukoencephalomalacia. Equine motor neuron disease. Hepatic encephalopathy. Neurotoxicosis. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Inflammation of the central nervous system. Meningitis. Encephalitis and myelitis. Lymphocytic encephalomyelitis. Purulent encephalomyelitis. Granulomatous encephalomyelitis. Parasitic diseases of the nervous system. Protozoan encephalitis. Equine protozoan encephalomyelitis. Coenurosis. Myiasis. Peripheral nervous system disorders. Neoplasms of the nervous system. Meningioma. Astrocytoma. Oligodendroglioma. Esthesioneuroblastoma. Ependymoma. Papilloma and carcinoma of the choroid plexuses. Schwannoma. Neurofibroma. Traumatic neuroma.

THE EYE (2 hours). Blefaritis. Congiuntivitis. Keratitis. Uveitis. Cataratta. Glaucoma. Retinic degeneration. Eye neoplasms.

MODULES 2 and 3 -PRACTICES (15 hours) - Maria Morini and Giuliano Bettini

The practical component of the course is designed to enable students to apply the knowledge acquired during the theoretical lectures. Particular emphasis is placed on developing practical competencies in veterinary pathology, including recognition of gross pathological lesions; systematic description of lesions using internationally appropriate pathological terminology; interpretation of pathological findings; formulation of differential diagnoses based on gross lesions; acquire the ability to rework what has been learned in the theoretical part to set up a differential diagnosis (professional skills).

• Gross pathology laboratory sessions using organs collected from slaughterhouses (6 hours)
• Autopsy exercises on dogs and cats (2 hours)
• Autopsy exercises on pigs (2 hours)
• Histopathology laboratory sessions (2 hours)
• Guided visit to the Veterinary Pathology Museum (1 hour)
• Interactive case-based learning sessions (2 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture slides used during classes are available through the University's Virtuale e-learning platform.

Recommended textbooks include:

• Marcato PS. Patologia Sistematica Veterinaria. 2nd Edition. Edagricole, Bologna.
• McGavin MD, Zachary JF. Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease. Elsevier.
• Maxie MG. Jubb, Kennedy & Palmer's Pathology of Domestic Animals. 6th Edition.

Additional educational material is available through:

• the Veterinary Teaching Portal;
• the Virtuale e-learning platform.

Teaching methods

Module 1 - Theoretical part

Teaching consists of lectures and topic-focused seminars. Selected topics and clinical cases may also be presented and discussed by students working in small groups.

Modules 2 and 3 – Practices

Practical training includes:

• gross pathology laboratory sessions using organs obtained from slaughterhouses;
• participation in diagnostic necropsies performed within the Veterinary Pathology Service;
• histopathology laboratory sessions;
• guided visits to the Veterinary Pathology Museum;
• interactive image-based case discussions.

Attendance at practical activities requires prior completion of the University safety training modules established by the Degree Programme. 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. During laboratory sessions students are required to wear laboratory coats and appropriate footwear. Personal protective equipment (PPE) required for specific activities will be provided.

Assessment methods

The final examination is designed to evaluate whether students have achieved the principal learning outcomes of the course. Specifically, students are expected to demonstrate their ability to:

1. understand the aetiopathogenesis and gross and microscopic features of the principal diseases affecting the organ systems covered in the course;
2. recognise and accurately describe pathological lesions using appropriate pathological terminology;
3. formulate and discuss differential diagnoses based on gross pathological findings and propose appropriate diagnostic procedures leading to a definitive diagnosis.

The examination consists of three integrated components:a written examination; a practical examination; an oral examination. The three components are normally held on the same day, or on consecutive days depending on the number of candidates, and cannot be taken separately.

Students may choose either to sit the examination for Special Veterinary Pathology I only, or to sit the examination for the entire Integrated Course (Specia Veterinary Pathology I and II). Separate examination lists are published for this purpose.

a) Written Examination

The written examination is computer-based and delivered through the University's institutional platform (https://eol.unibo.it/ ). Its purpose is to assess students' theoretical knowledge of the course contents. Students who fail the written test are not eligible to sit the subsequent parts of the examination. The written test includes 20 questions (10 multiple choice questions and 10 short open-ended questions).

Each multiple choice question has four alternatives and only one correct answer. The possible scores are 0 (incorrect) or 1 (correct). Failure to answer is deemed incorrect

- In open-ended questions the score ranges from 0 to 1 depending on the accuracy of the answer and adherence to the question. Failure to answer is scored zero.

- The time allotted for the written test is 60 minutes. The use of textbooks, notes, smartwatches, internet access or artificial intelligence tools is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply with these rules constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

A minimum score of 12/20 is required to proceed to the practical and oral examinations.

b) Practical test.

The aim of the practical test is to ascertain that the student is able to recognize an organ lesion and knows how to describe it using the appropriate terminology. The student is shown a pathological organ or photograph reproducing an organ lesion. The student must recognize the organ and species to which it belongs, identify the lesion and describe it using the standard international descriptive method presented during the course. The candidate is deemed suitable if the test is passed. Students who fail the practical test are required to resit the entire examination.

c) Oral test

The aim of the oral test is to ascertain the student's ability to apply his/her body of knowledge with the necessary logico-deductive skills. The oral test is usually based on the lesion observed in the practical test. The student is asked to formulate a list of differential diagnoses fitting the lesion morphology and to discuss the elements for and against the various hypotheses advanced, suggesting how the final diagnosis could be reached. Test questions are designed to elicit in-depth information on the diseases called into play. Special attention is paid to the student's ability to undertake transverse reasoning and to link the course information with the information acquired from courses attended in previous years.

The oral test score ranges from 0 (zero) to 10 (ten). A total score of at least 6 points is required to pass the test. Students who fail to obtain 6 points are required to resit the entire examination.

The score is assigned by referring to the following evaluation scale:

• 10 points: the student, after having recognized and correctly described the lesion presented, formulates and discusses an exhaustive list of differential diagnoses and demonstrates excellent knowledge of the proposed morbid process, with full mastery of the specific terminology and excellent ability to connect and self-reflection
• 9 points: the student, after having recognized and correctly described the lesion presented, formulates and discusses a complete list of differential diagnoses and demonstrates excellent knowledge of the proposed morbid process, with mastery of the specific terminology and excellent ability to connect and self-reflection
• 8 points: the student, after having recognized and described the lesion presented, formulates and discusses an adequate list of differential diagnoses and demonstrates good knowledge of the proposed morbid process, with mastery of the specific terminology and good ability to connect and self-reflection
• 7 points: the student, after recognizing and describing the lesion presented, proposes a list of differential diagnoses and demonstrates fair knowledge of the proposed morbid process, with a fair mastery of the specific terminology and limited ability to connect and self-reflection
• 6 points: the student, after recognizing and describing the lesion presented, proposes a restricted list of differential diagnoses and demonstrates sufficient knowledge of the proposed morbid process, with sufficient mastery of the specific terminology and limited ability to connect and self-reflection
• 0-5 points: the student, despite having described the lesion presented, is unable to formulate a differential diagnosis and demonstrates insufficient knowledge of the proposed morbid process

The evaluation of the test is communicated at the end of the interview.

Formulation of the final grade

The exam is considered passed if you have obtained a positive result in all the tests; The final mark (out of thirty) is given by the sum of the marks obtained in the written test and in the oral test. You must obtain a minimum final grade of 18/30. If a full score has been obtained in all parts of the exam, a grade of 30 cum laude is awarded.

The negative evaluation does not entail the attribution of a grade, but only a judgment (withdrawn or rejected) reported on the electronic report completed on AlmaEsami, without affectingthe student's academic career. The final grade of the exam is published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/ ) within 5 working days from the date of the exam. Students may refuse the final grade by notifying the course coordinator by email within five working days.

Procedures concerning the booking and dates of the exam sessions

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.

It is not possible to take the exam if the prerequisites identified by the Degree Course Council have not been respected.

Students who do not pass the oral exam are allowed to retake it at the next session, which is usually held at least two weeks after the previous one

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.

Teaching tools

Presentation of Powerpoint slides

Supplementary teaching material on the Veterinary Teaching Portal (https://www.portaledidatticovet.org/) and on the course page on https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Specific facilities in the post mortem rooms

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 Giuliano Bettini

See the website of Maria Morini