35544 - Physiopathology of Animal Reproduction

Learning outcomes

The teaching course "Physiopathology of animal reproduction" aims to provide students the knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of diseases of the reproductive tract as well as the main causes related to reproductive phases (puberty, pregnancy, parturition, puerperium), besides of infertility causes in domestic species. Student will be able to recognize macroscopic and microscopic aspects, peculiar of diseases of the female genital apparatus, using a correct terminology. He will be able to formulate and discuss, from a macroscopic lesion, a list of differential diagnoses and suggest methods to reach a final diagnosis. The skills acquired are preparatory to obstetrical-gynecological clinic.

At the end of the course:

·         KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ABILITY- the student knows the etiopathogenesis of diseases of the female reproductive system, the correct terminology, the characteristic lesions induced by the disease.

·         ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING -  the student is able to:

o   recognize genital tract diseases and causes of female infertility, create a list of differential diagnoses through the evaluation of a macro or microscopic lesion

·         LEARNING SKILLS, JUDGEMENT AUTONOMY, COMMUNICATION SKILLS- the student is able to:

o   define potential diseases from the observation of pathological organs

o   communicate with colleagues and tutor own deductions;

o   use additional resources available in the faculty (Veterinary Teaching Portal, search engines on the web, etc. ..) to solve the problems proposed.

Course contents

Course presentation: basic notions for course attendance

Anatomy and physiology hints: basic notions for clinical approach

Collateral exams useful for genital apparatus lesions evaluation

Genital tracts disorders  

Infertility 

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material consists of recommended books and of material ​​available for students in the website.

 

In particular, the following books are recommended:

 

- Sali. Manuale di teriogenologia bovina, Ed. Agricole Bologna, 1996

- McKinnon, Voss. Equine reproduction, Lea & febiger, Philadelphia, 1993

-S.D. Johnston, M.V. Root Kustritz, P.N.S. Olson, Canine and feline theriogenology W.B. Saunders Company, 2001.

-Feldman E.C., Nelson R.W., Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction, Saunders Comp, Philadelphia, 1999.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 36 hours including 27 hours of frontal lessons and 9 hours of practical lessons.

a. Frontal lessons

During lectures, PowerPoint presentations supplemented by numerous clinical cases useful to the description of various diseases will be used. For a better understanding, when available, images of microscopic and macroscopic pathological organs.

In detail, the disease will be treated according to the following scheme:

·         causes of disease: etiologic agent

·         pathogenetic mechanisms

·         pathological micro-macroscopic aspects

b. Practical lessons

In order to carry out practical lessons, students will be divided into 4 groups. Each group will attend the same hours of lesson and will be possibly composed by about 25 students.

Practical lessons are conducted in the laboratory by evaluating cytological and anatomical specimens related to clinical cases. This activity could be integrated with video and photos. In both cases group work will be stimulated in order to improve students ability of communication. The use of anatomical specimens and models will be useful to learn the most common clinical skills.

Assessment methods

Written test

The purpose of the written test is to evaluate if the student achieved an adequate store of knowledge about the course topics. If the written test is not successful, the student cannot take the oral examination.

During the written test the student have to answer to 10 questions (8 multiple choice questions and 2 short essay questions ).

Every multiple choice question has 4 options, and only one correct answer. The score can be 0 (zero) or 2. In short essay questions the score can be from 0 (zero) to 2. The non-response is considered incorrect (0) in both the type of question.

The time available to the student for the written test is 30 minutes. During the test is not allowed the use of support material as textbooks, notes, and computer media. The test is passed and gives access to the oral examination if the student has achieved a score of at least 12 points.

 

Oral examination

The purpose of the oral examination is to evaluate the skill of the student to apply his store of knowledge and to correctly perform logical-deductive connections. Usually the oral examination is based on the presentation of a clinical case, possibly supported by the viewing of images and/or videos. The student is asked to make a list of differential diagnoses and to discuss what elements are pros and cons of the various hypotheses, and to suggest how to reach the final diagnosis and to decide the treatment plan. During the examination the student have to answer to in-depth questions related to the topic discussed.

Is very important that the student uses a correct lexicon and that he reasons transversally, connecting all the topics of the course and the knowledge from previous courses.

The score can be from 0 (zero) to 10. The examination is passed if the student has achieved a score of at least 6 points. If the student obtains a lower score, he has to repeat the entire examination (written and oral).

 

The final grade (out of thirty) will result from the sum of the 2 scores. If the student obtains a full score in both the examinations, the final mark can be 30 cum laude.

Teaching tools

The lectures are carried out in the classroom using PC and video projector.

The practical lessons are performed in the laboratory, clinic and surgery room using anatomical preparations, models and animals afferent to the Department.

Office hours

See the website of Barbara Merlo