Obstetric Veterinary Nursing

It is recomended basic knowledge of Animal Reproduction.

In order to achieve the proposed skills, the teaching / learning process is based on:

• Theoretical exposition of the contents using audiovisual media to demonstrate certain physio-pathological mechanisms.
• Practical classes: real case studies; discussion of nursing techniques to be applied in physiological and / or pathological situations of the different reproductive phases; demonstration by the teacher of practices related to the different themes; execution by students of nursing care to be provided in each of the situations.

To develop competences in order to provide nursing care to females of different animal species, from breeding, through pregnancy, delivery, puerperium and lactation, in health and pathology situations.
Acquire skills to care for newborns.

The Curricular Unit is divided into two modules, each with the following syllabus:

Module 1

• Fertilization, embryonic development, maternal recognition of pregnancy, placentation in different animal species.
• Obstetrics of livestock species, namely:

1. Pregnancy: physiological alterations, diagnosis of pregnancy, duration, nutrition and anomalies in different livestock animal species.
2. Childbirth: physiology and stages. Parturition: eutocic and dystocic. Causes of dystocia and medical resolution
3. Caesarean section, management of newborns and postoperative care in farm animals and horses.
4. Management and supervision of the newborn, during recovery and during breastfeeding. Pathology of the mammary gland.
5. Puerperium: phases and variation factors. Postpartum female care. Disorders and their consequences on fertility. Particularities in production animals, horses.
6. Pathology of the reproductive system in production animals, horses.
7. Knowledge about the main andrological pathologies.

Module 2

• Obstetrics in companion animals, namely:

1. Pregnancy: physiological alterations, diagnosis of pregnancy, duration, nutrition and anomalies.
2. Childbirth: physiology and stages. Parturition: eutocic and dystocic. Causes of dystocia and medical resolution.
3. Caesarean section, newborn management and post-operative care.
4. Management and supervision of the newborn, during recovery and during breastfeeding.
5. Pathology of the mammary gland.
6. Puerperium: phases and variation factors. Postpartum female care. Disorders and their consequences on fertility.
7. Pathology of the reproductive system.
8. Pharmacological and surgical contraceptive methods.

NAO

England, G. 2013. Dog Breeding, Whelping and Puppy Care. NJ, EUA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Greer, M. L. 2014. Canine Reproduction and Neonatology. WY, EUA: Teton NewMedia.
Johnston, S. D., Kustitz, M.V.R., Olson, P.N. 2008. Canine and Feline Theriogenology., Filadélfia: W. B. Saunders Company.
Kustritz, M., V., R. 2010. Clinical canine and feline reproduction. Iowa, EUA: Wiley-Blackwel.
McKinnon, A. O., Squires, E. L., Vaala W. E., Varner, D. D. 2011. Equine Reproduction. EUA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Mullineaux, E. 2007. BSAVA Manual of Pratical Veterinary Nursing. Quedgeley, Enland: British Samll Animal Veterinary Association.
Noakes, D. E., Parkinson, T., England, G. 2009. Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics. Filadélfia: W.B. Saunders Company.
Senger, P.L. 2004. Pathways to pregnancy and parturition. USA: Current Conceptions, Inc.
Tempkin, B. B. 2015. Sonography scanning principles and protocols. USA: Elsevier Saunders.