Anatomy and Physiology

This course begins with the study of cell structure and progresses through the basic tissues to the study of the organ systems. The histology not only provides the microscopic study of the body but also the correlation between structure and function. Knowledge of the normal structure is necessary to understand the study of abnormal (pathology), which deals with the alteration in the structure and function of the body tissues/organs caused by the disease process. The course also includes the sequence of normal development from gametogenesis and fertilization to the establishment of body form and the development of the fetal membranes, placenta, and various organ systems. Important developmental anomalies occurring in the domestic species, and their various mechanisms leading to these will be discussed.

The basis of this course is the comparative regional anatomy of the main domestic species of animals: horses, ruminants, pigs, and domestic poultry. The course also includes didactic and laboratory sessions in fish anatomy. Emphasis is placed on those topics that are of particular clinical or applied importance. Formal lectures are accompanied by dissection sessions, with appropriate reference to the living animal.

This course describes the basic principles of pharmacology and the importance of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features of drugs and lays the foundation for the clinical application of veterinary medicinal products. The significance of correlating pharmacology with physiology provides a firm understanding of the subject concepts. This course aims to develop student's knowledge about the rational use of therapeutic drugs considering species variations and the drug's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features.

Special emphasis will be given to the clinical use of drugs in both healthy and diseased animals, thereby analyzing species specific sensitivities and adverse/side-effects. In this course, students will be exposed to the basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics that underpin drug use. Classes of drugs covered include, autonomic drugs, anesthetic agents, analgesic drugs, anticonvulsant drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Further, the therapeutic significance of hemostatic/ anticoagulant drugs, anabolic steroids and the important segments of a prescription are detailed. With the clinical use of these drugs in mind, their characteristics and prophylactic/therapeutic efficacy are explained, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the food safety and environmental bio-security.

Information is presented on drugs used in the management of acute inflammation and control of pain, antineoplastic drugs, anthelmintics, insecticides, antimicrobial agents, and antifungal drugs.

The course consists of a series of lectures on the general and systemic anatomy of the carnivores, the dog and cat. The lecture hall discussions (didactic lectures) will be accompanied by dissection of the cadavers in the laboratory. The laboratory sessions include thorough, step by step dissection of the dog and cat cadavers. Whenever necessary, appropriate clinical references and discussions will be incorporated while presenting the content in the class and laboratory session.

In the DVM program, veterinary physiology is covered by two courses: ANPH512/DVM 1 and ANPH513/ DVM 2. Both courses focus on the fundamental mechanisms underlying the normal function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of animals, commensurate with the requirements for a physician providing primary care to a variety of veterinary patients. Students will integrate the acquired knowledge about physiological functions of organ systems and learn to explain mechanisms of whole-body homeostasis. Emphasis is placed on introducing the pathophysiology of diseases, which are commonly seen in veterinary practice. The ANPH512 course covers the following organ systems: nerve & muscle, cardiovascular, hematology (erythron; hemostasis), gastrointestinal, respiratory, and renal physiology. This course also contains independent group work, in which students are exposed to clinical case studies and give short oral and written presentations. Students share responsibility for a collectively earned group grade and demonstrate professional behavior, including communication and teamwork skills.

In the DVM program, veterinary physiology is covered by two courses: ANPH512/DVM 1 and ANPH513/ DVM2. Both courses focus on the fundamental mechanisms underlying normal function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of animals, commensurate with the requirements for a physician providing primary care to a variety of veterinary patients. Students will integrate the acquired knowledge about physiological functions of organ systems and learn to explain mechanisms of whole-body homeostasis. Emphasis is placed on introducing the pathophysiology of diseases, which are commonly seen in veterinary practice.

The ANPH513 course covers the following systems: hematology (erythron; hemostasis); nervous system (i.p. the sensory nervous system); gastrointestinal system including fermenters; metabolism; endocrinology; and reproduction. This course also introduces independent group work, in which students are exposed to clinical case studies and give short oral presentations. Students share responsibility for a collectively earned group grade, and should demonstrate professional behavior including communication and team-working skills.

Basic and clinical aspects of the more common poisonings that affect domestic animals, birds, and wildlife will be considered. Initial lectures introduce basic toxicological principles, calculations, concepts of antidotes as they relate to treatment/prevention of toxic cases, and diagnostic/forensic (investigative) considerations. Emphasis is given to intoxication by pesticides (rodenticides, insecticides, herbicides), heavy metals (arsenic, copper, lead, iron, zinc, etc.), plants, mycotoxins, gases, feed additives, poisonous and venomous animal toxins, household toxins, prescriptions/ recreational/over-the-counter medications, selected industrial pollutants, and to forensic considerations.

The entire EMS experience comprises 38 weeks of extra mural studies. The EMS is divided into 3 phases, each one consisting of one course: pre-clinical experience, preparatory clinical experience, and clinical experience.

This course is the pre-clinical experience component of the EMS course. The focus of the pre-clinical EMS course is for students to gain experience on the management, husbandry, and welfare related to healthy populations of the core species: bovine, ovine, porcine, equine, canine, feline, and avian.