General Pathology

The theoretical content is delivered through lectures supported by slide presentations, interspersed with active-learning strategies to promote interactive teaching and learning dynamics.
The practical content is taught through laboratory necropsy procedures, microscopic examination of histopathological preparations, and the study, recording and discussion of macroscopic and microscopic lesions that exemplify the theoretical knowledge. Special emphasis is placed on sampling and the correct submission of specimens to diagnostic laboratories according to the intended analysis.

The objective of this Course Unit is to introduce students to Veterinary Pathology, namely the key aspects related to the specific terminology used in the field and the general pathological processes that provide a deeper understanding of all aspects of animal health. It includes the fundamental understanding of how pathological knowledge can be used to identify disease conditions in animals and to support diagnosis and treatment.

Theoretical component

1. Scope of Pathology and basic medical terminology.

2. Aetiology – study of the causes of disease and their interaction with the organism.

3. Degenerative-necrotic, metabolic and pigmentary changes, and intra- and extracellular accumulations.

4. Circulatory disturbances: oedema, congestion, haemorrhage, thrombi, emboli and infarcts.

5. Inflammatory changes, acute and chronic, their consequences and patterns of progression.

6. Alterations in cell growth, differentiation and neoplasia.

7. Study of lesion patterns in common conditions encountered in veterinary practice.

Practical component
Study of cadaveric changes. Descriptive gross pathology. Necropsy techniques and written and photographic recording of lesions and non-pathological changes. Study and interpretation of the most relevant microscopic lesions in veterinary practice. Case studies in different animal species.

NAO