Unit ELEMENTS OF GENERAL VETERINARY PATHOLOGY

Course
Animal science
Study-unit Code
85011406
Curriculum
In all curricula
Teacher
Chiara Brachelente
Teachers
  • Chiara Brachelente
Hours
  • 54 ore - Chiara Brachelente
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2025
Offered
2026/27
Learning activities
Caratterizzante
Area
Discipline della sanità animale
Sector
VET/03
Type of study-unit
Obbligatorio (Required)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
Italian
Contents
Principles of general veterinary pathology. Concept of injury and disease, evaluation of morphological, biochemical damage and alteration of homeostasis. Causes of disease, modifications of stationary systems and necrosis. Acute and chronic inflammation. Outcomes of the inflammatory process and wound healing. Immune system disorders. Hepatic, renal and pulmonary pathophysiology.
Reference texts
Patologia generale veterinaria. James F. Zachary. A cura di M. Castagnaro e L. Mechelli L. 4 Edizione. Edra, 2018
Educational objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide the student with the basic knowledge (knowledge) of the main pathological mechanisms of diseases. The main knowledge acquired ("know") will be:
- knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the injury, damage and disease;
- knowledge of functional and morphological alterations associated with stationary system modifications and cellular and extracellular degenerative events
- knowledge of the physiopathological mechanisms of reactive and inflammatory processes and alterations of the immune system
- causes and effects of hepatic, renal and pulmonary metabolic disorders.
The main skills (ie the ability to apply the acquired knowledge) ("knowing how") will be:
- the ability to deduce the ways in which an etiological agent of various nature can produce damage
- the ability to recognize and describe the morphological aspects of a macroscopic lesion in order to interpret its meaning and formulate a morphological diagnosis
Prerequisites

Teaching methods
The course is organized as follows:
- Theoretical lessons: classroom lectures related to the course topics
- Practical lessons: the lessons consist of a first introductory part to the explanation of the methods of description of macroscopic lesions and of the formulation of the morphological diagnosis followed by exercises in class on slides or in necroscopic room on cadavers or viscera.
Other information

Learning verification modality
The final examination consists of a single oral exam, conducted by an Examination Board composed of at least two lecturers. The exam, with an average duration of approximately 20-30 minutes per student, covers the topics addressed during the course and listed in the extended programme. The oral exam is aimed at assessing the student’s knowledge of the main pathogenetic mechanisms underlying injury, damage and disease, the ability to connect morphological and functional alterations with the pathological processes studied, and the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the description and interpretation of macroscopic lesions. The exam may include questions on the theoretical contents of the course and the discussion of examples or images of macroscopic lesions, in order to assess both the student’s knowledge of the topics and the ability to apply this knowledge to the recognition, description and interpretation of the main pathological processes. The assessment takes into account the correctness and completeness of knowledge, reasoning ability, appropriate use of scientific terminology and clarity of presentation. The final mark is expressed out of 30 and the exam is passed with a minimum mark of 18/30. For students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders, compensatory and/or dispensatory measures are provided in accordance with current regulations and University procedures.
Extended program
"Action of pathogens on animal organisms"
Definition of homeostasis and change in homeostasis. Physical, chemical and biological causes of diseases. Morphological and biochemical lesions.
Predisposing and determinants causes of diseases.

"Cellular adaptations of growth and differentation"
Hyperplasia, hypertrophy, atrophy, hypoplasia, hypotrophy

"Cell death"
Necrosis and apoptosis.

"Acute and chronic inflammation"
Morphologic patterns of acute and inflammation. Outcome of inflammation. Wound healing.

"Disorders of the immune system"
Hypersensitivity. Autoimmunity. Immune deficiency.

"Changes in hepatic function"
Hepatic failure and its correlation with animal production.

"Changes in renal function"
Renal failure and its correlation with animal production.

"Changes in pulmonary function"
Lung failure and its correlation with animal production.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile