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Domestic Animal Medicine and Surgery I

Code: 102622 ECTS Credits: 7
2025/2026
Degree Type Year
Veterinary Medicine OB 4

Contact

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

Teachers

Yvonne Espada Gerlach
Felix Angel Garcia Arnas
José Pastor Milán
María Teresa Peña Giménez
Rafael Ruiz de Gopegui Fernandez
Sònia Añor Torres
Maria Carmen Diaz-Bertrana Sanchez
Jaime Miguel Martorell Monserrat
Lluis Ferrer Caubet
Maria Montserrat Rivera Del Alamo
Laia Maria Solano Gallego
Javier Moll Sanchez
Rosa Novellas Torroja

Teaching groups languages

You can view this information at the end of this 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 and Contextualisation

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)

Competences

  • Apply the basic cures that guarantee the correct function of the reproduction cycle and the resolution of obstetric problems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the general bases of medical and surgical treatments.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of English to communicate both orally and in writing in academic and professional contexts.
  • Diagnose different individual and collective animal diseases, and know about prevention measures, with emphasis on zoonoses and notifiable disease.
  • Diagnose the most common diseases using different general and instrumental techniques.
  • Have basic knowledge of the profession, and in particular of the organisation and functions of professional practice.
  • Recognise when euthanasia is necessary and perform it humanely by employing the appropriate method.

Learning Outcomes

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

Content

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)


Block of Medicine Bases on Evidence – Analysis and discussion of clinical cases DA:
Medicine bases on evidence: concepts and practical application.

Critical analysis of topics (critically appraised topics - CAT). Students, grouped in 3-4 people groups, will analyse a clinical question in a critical way (CAT) and deliver the written solution before the end of the course.

Discussion and analysis of the clinical case 1.

Discussion and analysis of the clinical case 2.

Discussion and analysis of the clinical case 3.


Block IMAGE
Diagnostic imaging of cardiac pathologies
Diagnosis by image of respiratory pathologies
Diagnostic imaging of urinary and adrenal pathologies
Diagnosis by image of skull and spine pathologies
Diagnostic imaging of gastrointestinal pathology
Diagnostic imaging of pathology of liver, spleen,pàncrees
Diagnostic imaging of pathologies of the reproductive system

Reproduction Block

Reproductive problems of the female
Infertility
Mammary pathology
Problems of childbirth and postpartum
Reproductive problems of the male


Block Internal Medicine
Oral cavity.
Esophageal diseases.
Stomach and intestine diseases

Pancreatic diseases

Hepatic diseases

Acquired heart valve diseases.
Cardiopaties congenital.
Thyroid.
Diabetes.
Adrenal endocrinopathies.
Acute and chronic renal failure.
ITU and urolithiasis.
Hematological abnormalities: anemia.
Hematological abnormalities:leukocytes and leukograms.
Diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Respiratory tract diseasesbaixes.
Cardiomyopathies.


Surgery Block

Dentistry.
Oral cavity: Lips, palate and nostrils. Congenital diseases, cleft lip, cheiloplasty. Fissure of the primary and secondary palate. Oronasal fistulas. Neoplasms of the oral cavity. Types and treatments. Mandibulectomy Maxilectomy
Ear pathology and auricular pavilion: bruises, wounds. External, average and internal otitis. Polyps. Surgical treatments: Resection of the lateral wall of the vertical duct (Zeppo). Complete ablation of the vertical conduit. Total ablation of the external auditory canal. Miring otomy, osteotomy of the tympanic bull.
upper respiratory tract I (flat nasal tumors / nostrils) Rhinitis. Sinusitis. Obstructive airway syndrome in brachycephalics.
Pathology of the larynx itraquea: laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal collapse. Collapse of trachea, tracheotomy and permanent tracheostomy. Tracheal resections
Thorax I: Costal wall. Approaches (sternotomy-thoracotomy). Drenatges.Lobectomies. Pericardiectomy Diaphragmatic hernia. chylothorax
Digestive surgery: Gastrotomy, foreign bodies. Partial gastrectomy. Delayed gastric emptying.
Pyloroplasty. Dilation / Stomach twisting. Gastropexy
Intestinal Surgery: foreign bodies. Intussuscepció intestinal. Volvulus Enterotomies, Enterectomy.
Female reproductive system surgery. Anatomical memory, tubal ligation, ovariohysterectomy, cesarean section, pyometra. Mastectomies Male castration.
Urinary bladder surgery. Cystotomy Urethra.Uretrostomy.
Hernias Umbilical, inguinal, scrotal hernias. Congenital and acquired.

Specialties Block

Ophthalmology:
- Ophthalmologic examination
- Diagnostics Main ocular diseases in small animals

Neurology:
- Diseases of the spinalcordDiseases
- Diseases of the brain

Dermatology: "Diagnostic approach to the dermatological patient"

Traumatology:
- Introduction to traumatology
- Internal fixation methods

Exotic:
- The first visit to mammals
- Clinical techniques in mammals

 

 


Activities and Methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
Clases 62 2.48 2, 8, 3, 4, 6, 5, 7, 12, 9, 11, 10, 15
Type: Autonomous      
Estudio 107 4.28 2, 8, 3, 4, 6, 5, 7, 13, 12, 9, 11, 10, 14, 15

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

Continous Assessment Activities

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

  • 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.


Groups and Languages

Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.

Name Group Language Semester Turn
(TE) Theory 1 Catalan/Spanish first semester afternoon