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Domestic Animal Medicine and Surgery I

Code: 102622
Credits: 7
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Veterinary Medicine OB 4

Contact lecturer

Name :
Rafael Ruiz de Gopegui Fernandez
Email :
rafael.ruiz@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Lluís Ferrer Caubet
David Prandi Chevalier
Josep Pastor Milán
Maria Teresa Peña Giménez
Rafael Ruiz de Gopegui Fernandez
Sònia Añor Torres
María Carmen Diaz-Bertrana Sanchez
Jaume Martorell Monserrat
null
Maria Montserrat Rivera Del Alamo
Laia Maria Solano Gallego
Xavier Moll Sanchez
Rosa Novellas Torroja

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

There are no official prerequisites for taking the subject. However, it is convenient for the student to have completed and passed the first three grades, especially Pathology, Exploratory methods, Animal reproduction, Pharmacology, Surgery and Anesthesiology.

Objectives

Medicine and Surgery of Companion Animals I is a compulsory subject during the fourth year of veterinary degree. This subject is totally theoretical and the practices will be carried out in the subject Medicine and Surgery of Companion Animals II that is taught in the same course. It is essential and basic for subsequent clinical studies. The most frequently diagnosed diseases in the clinic of small animals will be studied. In this subject the description of the medical-surgical anomalies of the different organs and systems is explained, including the study of the etiology, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis
The specific objectives for the student are:

  •     To understand and apply the principles of medicine based on evidence.
  •     To learn how to approach a clinical case by following the problem oriented approach (POA).
  •     To know the most used surgical techniques in veterinary
  •     To know the diseases derived from reproduction, childbirth and puerperium, as well as their treatment
  •     To know the bases of pharmacotherapy and its application
  •     This subject includes activities carried out in English, identified in this teaching guide as DA (English Teaching)

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of English to communicate both orally and in writing in academic and professional contexts.
  2. Identify and prevent problems related with handling of animals that negatively affect their health.
  3. Identify congenital and acquired diseases that affect the proper absorption of foods.
  4. Identify the most frequent metabolic disorders.
  5. Identify disorders of the locomotor apparatus and especially those of members and hooves.
  6. Identify neurological diseases and the most relevant ones that can sporadically affect the proper systemic functions of animals.
  7. Describe the etiology, etiopathogeny, diagnosis and treatment of the most frequent medical and surgical diseases in small, equine and livestock animals.
  8. Recognise pathological changes in X-rays and echographies of simple cases and interpret them properly.
  9. Interpret basic pathological X-rays and echographies.
  10. Identify and recognise the medical and surgical problems associated to the male and female reproduction apparatus in different animal species.
  11. Identify, treat and prevent the causes that lead to anoestrus and alter normal cyclicity.
  12. Identify, treat and prevent the causes of infertility in male and females.
  13. Identify, treat and prevent problems that alter lactation and the functionality of the mammary gland.
  14. Identify, treat and prevent the problems that affect neonates.
  15. Recognise the limitations of medicine and the general state of sick animals.
  16. Identify whether the quality of life of affected animals is good enough and, if it is not, identify euthanasia as an alternative humanitarian procedure.

Contents

The learning process of the contents of the subject takes place in an integrated way by attending the theoretical or master classes and the materials in the Virtual Campus for the development of self-learning activities.


Theoretical contents:


Main language(s) of instruction: Spanish (18 hours), English (21 hours), Catalan (18 hours)



Syllabus in English

Topic Block / Content Title Duration Original Language
BLOCK 1: EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE (EBM)
1 Introduction to CATs and Evidence Based Medicine 1h CAT
2 Time to apply the acquired knowledge (I & II) 1h ENG
3 Time to apply the acquired knowledge (III) 1h ENG
4 Feed back CATS: comments and evaluation 1h ENG
BLOCK 2: INTERNAL MEDICINE (IM)
5 IM-1: Oral cavity 1h CAS
6 IM-2: Esophageal disease 1h ENG
7 IM-3: Gastropathies 1h CAS
8 IM-4: Enteropathy I 1h ENG
9 IM-5: Enteropathy II 1h ENG
10 IM-6: Pancreas 1h CAT
11 IM-7: Renal AKI 1h ENG
12 IM-8: Renal CKD 1h ENG
13 IM-9: Diabetes (Part I) 1h CAS
14 IM-9: Diabetes (Part II) 1h CAS
15 IM-10: Addison 1h CAS
16 IM-11: Cushing 1h CAS
17 IM-12: Urology 1h CAS
18 IM-13: Acute and chronic hepatopathies 1h CAT
19 IM-14: Anemia - IMHA 1h ENG
20 IM-15: Leukocytes 1h ENG
21 IM-16: Hypothyroidism / Hyperthyroidism (Part I) 1h CAS
22 IM-16: Hypothyroidism / Hyperthyroidism (Part II) 1h CAS
23 IM-17: Valvulopathy 1h ENG
24 IM-19: Cardiomyopathies 1h CAS
25 IM-20: Upper respiratory tract diseases 1h CAT
26 IM-21: Lower respiratory tract diseases 1h CAT
BLOCK 3: DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING (I)
27 I-1: Digestive pathology 1h CAT
28 I-2: Liver-spleen-pancreas 1h CAT
29 I-3: Urinary 1h CAT
30 I-4: Cardiac pathology 1h CAT
31 I-5: Respiratory pathology 1h CAT
32 I-6: Skull and spine pathology 1h CAT
BLOCK 4: SURGERY (Sx)
33 Sx-1: Reproductive 1h CAS
34 Sx-2: Oral cavity 1h CAS
35 Sx-3: Dentistry 1h CAT
36 Sx-5: Upper respiratory tract surgery 1h CAT
37 Sx-6: Larynx and trachea pathology 1h CAT
38 Sx-7: Thoracic surgery 1h CAS
39 Sx-9: Digestive surgery 1h CAT
40 Sx-10: Digestive/intestinal surgery 1h CAT
41 Sx-11: Intestinal surgery 1h CAT
42 Sx-12: Urinary 1h CAS
43 Sx-13: Thoracic cavity surgery 1h CAS
44 Sx-14: Hernias (Part I) 1h CAS
45 Sx-14: Hernias (Part II) 1h CAS
46 Sx-15: Ears 1h CAS
BLOCK 5: SPECIALTIES
47 Derma-1: Diagnostic approach I 1h ENG
48 Derma-2: Diagnostic approach II 1h ENG
49 Neuro-1: Encephalopathies 1h ENG
50 Neuro-2: Myelopathies 1h ENG
51 R-1: Reproductive and Testicular pathology 1h ENG
52 R-2: Prostatic pathology 1h ENG
53 R-3: Ovarian and Uterine pathology 1h ENG
54 R-4: Vaginal and Mammary pathology 1h ENG
55 R-5: Pathology of the peri-partum 1h ENG
56 R-6: Penile and preputial pathology 1h ENG
57 O-1: Introduction and Examination 1h CAS
58 O-2: Frequent diseases 1h CAS
59 Trauma-1: Introduction 1h CAT
60 Trauma-2: Internal fixation 1h CAT
61 Exotics-1: General and clinical pathology 1h CAT
62 Exotics-2: Clinical and cases 1h CAT



Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Clases 62 2.48 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Estudio 107 4.28 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Theory classes during academic year will be face to face. 

Theoretical learning will be acomplished through formal lectures in the classroom.

Lectures will be taught through PPT presentations  including videos and pictures so that the student can follow the explanations.

Necessary and basic bibliography will be listed so that the student completes knowledge and supplements learning with additional text consulting.

Most  lectures will be given in english (DA)

A methodology of critical analysis of clinical questions (CAT) will be  applied and the discussion of clinical cases will be done following a problem oriented approach.

 

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Examen 37,5% 2 0.08 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Analysis and discussion of clinical cases 15% 1 0.04 1, 7, 10, 15, 16
Attendance and participation in class. 10% 1 0.04 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 15, 16
Examen 37,5% 2 0.08 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16

9. Evaluation System:

• Continuous Assessment:

  • Assessment activities and their weight in the final grade:
  • Evidence-Based Medicine: Critical Appraisal Topic (CAT): 15%
  • Evaluation of attendance and participation in class: 10%
  • First midterm exam: 37.5%
  • Second midterm exam: 37.5%
  • Evaluation Criteria for Each Activity:
  • Midterm exams: Multiple-choice format. A minimum score of 5/10 is required to pass each midterm. English proficiency is assessed through lectures, supplementary materials, and exam questions provided in English.
  • Critical Appraisal Topic (CAT): Assessment includes the submitted written resolution and an oral summary of the CAT presented by students in groups of 2–4. AI us is restricted acording to model 2.
  • Attendance and participation in class: Regular attendance of lectures and constructive participation in discussions and proposed activities will be assessed.
  • At least 10 short quizzes will be conducted throughout the course, strategically distributed across different lecture sessions.
  • Each quiz will consist of a single multiple-choice question related to the core content of that day’s lecture.
  • Quizzes are individual, mandatory, and brief (3–5 minutes).
  • Only students physically present in class will be allowed to take the quiz. Late submissions or submissions by absent students will not be accepted.
  • The total set of ≥10 quizzes will be worth 40 points.
  • Each questionnaire will count proportionally so that their total adds up to 10% of the final grade.
  • Students who are unable to attend all sessions will still have the opportunity to earn part of that score.
  • The final grade for this component will be calculated by summing the points obtained and converting the total to a scale of 10.
  • This grade will account for 10% of the final course grade.
  • Grade Review Procedure:
  • Students have the right to review the results of their assessment activities. The standard review procedure is as follows:
  • The review process begins 24 hours after the grades are published.
  • Requests must be submitted via email to the course instructor, explaining the reason for the review.
  • The review is conducted individually and in person at a scheduled date and time.
  • Any grade modifications will be documented.
  • Remedial Process for Continuous Assessment:
  • Passing both midterms is mandatory to pass the course. If one or both midterms are failed, they must be retaken during the designated recovery exam.

• Single Assessment:

  • Description of the Single Exam:
  • The single assessment consists of a comprehensive test covering all course content. It includes multiple-choice questions and an essay topic. The score from this test represents 100% of the final grade.
  • EvaluationCriteria for the Single Exam:
  • Multiple-choice questions will be graded by assigning a value to each question. For the essay, evaluation will focus on topic comprehension, synthesis and analytical skills, clarity and precision in the explanation, and correct use of scientific terminology.
  • An evaluation rubric will be provided for the essay, detailing the assessment criteria and their weight.
  • Remedial Process for the Single Assessment:
  • The single assessment exam will be held on the same day, time, and location as the final continuous assessment exam. It may be retaken on the official recovery date set for the course.

• General Rules for Assessment Tests:

  • Written Tests: At the beginning of each test, students will receive the exam statements in English for courses taught in English, and in Catalan for courses taught in those languages, following assessment regulations. The score and time allotted will be indicated at the start of the test.
  • Required Materials: Student ID and writing materials.
  • Multiple-Choice Exams: Questions will have 2 to 4 options, with only one correct answer. Wrong answers will incur a penalty based on the formula:
  • Grade = Correct Answers – (Wrong Answers / (Number of Options – 1))
  • Final Grade: The final grade is calculated by weighting the results of the continuous assessment activities (15% clinical cases, 10% attendance, 37.5% each midterm). In the single assessment, the test accounts for 100% of the final grade.
  • Subjects with Thematic Modules: (Not applicable)
  • Grade Improvement: (Not provided in this document)
  • Criteria for “Not Evaluated” Grade: A student will receive a “Not Evaluated” grade if they do not attend any theoretical exam.
  • The commission of any irregularity in an assessment activity (academic fraud, plagiarism, or improper use of AI, unless such use is expressly authorized in the course syllabus), which may lead to a significant variation in the grade, will result in a grade of 0 for that activity. In the event that the course syllabus stipulates that obtaining a minimum grade in this assessment activity is an essential requirement to pass the subject, or if multiple irregularities occur in the assessment activities of the same subject, the final grade for this subject will be 0. Furthermore, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who commits any of these irregularities.
  • Warning about Possible Modifications:
  • “The proposed assessment may undergo modifications depending on possible restrictions to in-person attendance, which cannot be anticipated.”

Bibliography

Internal medicine and clinical pathology

  1. Stockham, S.L., Scott, M.A. (2024). Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (3.ª ed.). Wiley.
  2. Ettinger, S.J., Feldman, E.C., Côté, E. (2024). Ettinger’s Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (9.ª ed.). Elsevier.
  3. Morgan, R.V. (2008). Handbook of Small Animal Practice (5.ª ed.). Saunders.
  4. Fidalgo, L.E., Rejas, J., Ruiz de Gopegui, R., Ramos, J.J. (2003). Patología Médica Veterinaria: Libro de texto para la docencia de la asignatura. Publicaciones Universidad de León.
  5. Nelson, R.W., Couto, C.G. (2019). Small Animal Internal Medicine (6.ª ed.). Elsevier.
  6. Johnson, L.R. (2024). Canine and Feline Respiratory Medicine (3.ª ed.). Wiley.
  7. Norsworthy, G.D. (2018). The Feline Patient (5.ª ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.

8.     Ruiz de Gopegui R. (2016). Enfermedades infecciosas caninas: manual práctico. Grupo Asís Biomedia, Zaragoza.

9.     Ruiz de Gopegui R. (2022). Manejo de las enfermedades respiratorias caninas y felinas. Edra, Barcelona.

Surgery

  1. Bojrab, M.J., Waldron, D.R., Toombs, J.P. (2014). Current Techniques in Small Animal Surgery (5.ª ed.). Teton NewMedia.
  2. Brinker, W.O., Piermattei, D.L., Flo, G.L. (2016). Brinker, Piermattei and Flo’s Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Repair (5.ª ed.). Elsevier.
  3. Harari, J. (2004). Small Animal Surgery Secrets (2.ª ed.). Hanley & Belfus.
  4. Hedlund, C.S., Taboada, J. (2002). Clinical Atlas of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases in Small Animals: The Case Based Approach. Schlutersche.
  5. Fossum, T.W. (2018). Small Animal Surgery (5.ª ed.). Elsevier.
  6. Ruberte, J., Sautet, J., Navarro, M., Carretero, A., Pons, J. (1995). Atlas de Anatomía del Perro y del Gato. Ed. Multimédica.
  7. Slatter, D.H. (2003). Textbook of Small Animal Surgery (3.ª ed.). Saunders.

Dermatology and dentistry

  1. Gorrel, C., Andersson, S., Verhaert, L. (2013). Veterinary Dentistry for the General Practitioner (2.ª ed.). Saunders.
  2. Hnilica, K., Patterson, A.P. (2017). Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide (4.ª ed.). Elsevier.

Obstetrics

  1. Senger, P.L. (2003). Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition (2.ª ed.). Current Conceptions.
  2. Noakes, D.E., Parkinson, T.J., England, G.C.W. (2009). Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics (9.ª ed.). Saunders.
  3. Feldman, E.C., Nelson, R.W. (2004). Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction (3.ª ed.). Saunders.
  4. Johnston, S.D., Root Kustritz, M.V., Olson, P.N.S. (2001). Canine and Feline Theriogenology. Saunders.
  5. Prats, A. (2004). Neonatología y Pediatría Canina y Felina. Interamericana.
  6. Morrow, D.A. (1986). Current Therapy in Theriogenology 2. Saunders.

Diagnostic imaging

  1. Burk, R.L. (2003). Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasonography: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text. Saunders.
  2. Capello, V., Lennox, A.M., Widmer, W.R. (2008). Clinical Radiology of Exotic Companion Mammals. Wiley-Blackwell.
  3. Dennis, R., Kirberger, R.M., Barr, F.J., Wrigley, R.H. (2010). Handbook of Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: Techniques and Differential Diagnosis. Elsevier.
  4. Kealy, J.K., McAllister, H., Graham, J.P. (2010). Diagnostic Radiology and Ultrasonography of the Dog and Cat (5.ª ed.). Saunders.
  5. Nyland, T.G., Mattoon, J.S. (2002). Small Animal Diagnostic Ultrasound (2.ª ed.). Saunders.
  6. Penninck, D., d’Anjou, M.A. (2008). Atlas of Small Animal Ultrasonography. Wiley-Blackwell.
  7. Thrall, D.E. (2013). Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology (6.ª ed.). Saunders.
  8. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Abdominal Imaging (2009). Editado por R. O’Brien y F. Barr. BSAVA.
  9. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Musculoskeletal Imaging (2006). Editado por F. Barr y R. Kirberger. BSAVA.
  10. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Thoracic Imaging (2008). Editado por T. Schwarz y V. Johnson.

 Complementary bibliography, online resources, and other materials: scientific journal articles specifically indicated in the lessons or topics covered in class, referenced on the virtual campus. The course is organized into modules on the virtual campus to display the necessary and supplementary materials for the classes.

Software

Not necessary any special software.

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TE) Theory 1 Catalan/Spanish first semester morning-mixed