Horse Digestive, Blood and Nutrition Pathologies

A complete and total update in Horse Digestive, Blood and Nutrition Pathologies with the most complete and effective Educational program in the online educational market"

Join the elite, with this highly effective educational specialization and open new paths to your professional progress"

Digestive pathologies are the main cause of death in domestic horses. Therefore, they constitute an area of equine medicine and surgery in constant progress and research and for which the clinician practicing ambulatory veterinary medicine must be equipped with a high level of specialization, to ensure the best results for their patients, ensuring at all times the knowledge of diagnostic tools and innovative and quality treatments.

Most digestive pathologies present with symptoms characteristic of what we call acute abdominal syndrome (AAS), or in other words, colicky pain. Addressing these problems is therefore always a challenge for the equine veterinarian. Some of them are mild, almost asymptomatic, but if not detected in time they can lead to loss of sporting performance, animal welfare disorders or serious systemic involvement. Others are conditions of extreme urgency, posing a real danger and even endangering the life of the animals.

They all encompass issues that require an advanced level of knowledge to be able to deal with situations that the specialist-qualified ambulatory clinician will have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.

These topics will deal with the in-depth study of the alterations related to the hematopoietic and immune system, identifiable through the laboratorial study of blood components and detectable through a hemogram and serum biochemistry.

An advanced analysis of the pathophysiological mechanism of allergies, as well as the latest trends in their diagnosis and treatment will be carried out.

Endotoxic shock, a serious complication secondary to certain pathologies of high incidence in equines and in which, without a clear and updated vision to stabilize the patient quickly and effectively, the animal's life can be compromised, will be addressed.

Horse feeding will be covered. Providing proper nutrition with appropriate guidelines is one of the fundamental factors in basic horse care and a frequent reason for consultation in daily clinical practice. Basic physiological functions and physical activity require energy on a continuous basis, so energy metabolism ensures the storage of that energy and provides efficient supply routes. Therefore, the different metabolic pathways, aerobic and anaerobic, and their role in the performance of different sports disciplines will be discussed in depth.

Un completísimo Postgraduate Certificate que te permitirá adquirir los conocimientos más avanzados en todas las áreas de intervención del veterinario especializado en equinos”

This Postgraduate Certificate in Horse Digestive, Blood and Nutrition Pathologies offers you the characteristics of a high-level scientific teaching and technological course.  These are some of its most notable features: 

• The latest technology in online te aching software
• Intensely visual teaching system, supported by graphic and schematic contents, easy to assimilate and understand
• Practical cases presented by practising experts
• State-of-the-art interactive video systems.
• Teaching supported by telepractice
• Continuous updating and recycling systems
• Autonomous learning: full compatibility with other occupations
• Practical exercises for self-evaluation and learning verification
• Support groups and educational synergies: questions to the expert, debate and knowledge forums.
• Communication with the teacher and individual reflection work
• Availability of content from any fixed or portable device with internet connection
• Banks of complementary documentation permanently available, even after the end of the program.

A complete educational program that will allow you to acquire the most advanced knowledge in all the areas of intervention of the equine veterinarian"

Our teaching staff is made up of professionals from different fields related to this specialty. In this way we ensure that we deliver the educational update we are aiming for. A multidisciplinary team of professionals trained and experienced in different environments, who will develop the theoretical knowledge in an efficient way, but, above all, will put at your disposal their practical knowledge from their own experience: one of the differential qualities of this specialization.

The efficiency of the methodological design of this Professional Master's Degree, enhances the student's understanding of the subject. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of e-learning experts, it integrates the latest advances in educational technology. This way, you will be able to study with a range of comfortable and versatile multimedia tools that will give you the operability you need in your training. 

The design of this program is based on Problem-Based Learning: an approach that conceives learning as a highly practical process. To achieve this remotely, we will use telepractice:  with the help of an innovative interactive video system, and learning from an expert, you will be able to acquire the knowledge as if you were actually dealing with the scenario you are learning about. A concept that will allow you to integrate and fix learning in a more realistic and permanent way.

With a methodological design based on proven teaching techniques, this innovative course will take you through different teaching approaches to allow you to learn in a dynamic and effective way"

Our innovative telepractice concept will give you the opportunity to learn through an immersive experience, which will provide you with a faster integration and a much more realistic view of the contents: “learning from an expert”

The contents of this Postgraduate Certificate have been developed by the different experts of this program, with a clear purpose: to ensure that our students acquire each and every one of the necessary skills to become true experts in this field. 

A complete and well-structured program that will take you to the highest standards of quality and success.  

A comprehensive teaching program, structured in well-developed teaching units, oriented towards learning that is compatible with your personal and professional life"

Módulo 1. Aparato digestivo   

Module 1. Digestive system

  
1.1.    Approach to Acute Abdominal Syndrome Evaluation. Treatment Decision  

1.1.1.      Introduction 

1.1.1.1.  Epidemiology of Colic and Predisposing Factors 
1.1.1.2.  Categorization of Diseases Causing Colicky Conditions 

1.1.2.      General Screening Methods 

1.1.2.1.  Medical History 
1.1.2.2.  Assessment of General Condition and Degree of Pain 
1.1.2.3.  Measurement of Vital Signs, Degree of Dehydration, Degree of Tissue Perfusion and Mucous Membranes Status 
1.1.2.4.  Auscultation, Palpation and Percussion of the Abdomen 
1.1.2.5.  Rectal Examination 
1.1.2.6.  Nasogastric Catheterization 

1.1.3.     Advanced Diagnostic Methods 

1.1.3.1.  Blood Biopathology in the Diagnosis of Colic 
1.1.3.2.  Abdominocentesis 
1.1.3.3.  Ultrasound, Radiology, Endoscopy 

1.1.4.      Treatment Decision: Medical or Surgical? When to refer

1.2.    Diagnostic Imaging of the Digestive System in the Field 

1.2.1. Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging in the Field 
1.2.2. Technical Basis 

1.2.2.1. Radiology 
1.2.2.2. Ultrasound 

1.2.3.     Oral Pathology 
1.2.4.     Esophageal Pathology 
1.2.5.     Abdominal Pathology 

1.2.5.1. Digestive system 

1.2.5.1.1. Stomach. 
1.2.5.1.2. Small Intestine 
1.2.5.1.3. Large Intestine 

1.2.5.2. Peritoneal Cavity   

1.3.    Oral cavity Examination Exodontia  

1.3.1.     Exploration of the Head 
1.3.2.     Oral cavity Examination 
1.3.3.     Regional Nerve Blocks for Surgery and Dental Extractions 

1.3.3.1. Maxillary Nerve 
1.3.3.2. Mandibular Nerve 
1.3.3.3. Infraorbital Nerve 
1.3.3.4. Mental Nerve 

1.3.4.     Exodontia Indications and Techniques 

1.4.    Malocclusions. Tumors. Maxillary and Mandibular Fractures Temporomandibular Joint Pathology 

1.4.1.     Malocclusions. Filing 

1.4.1.1. Wear Alterations 

1.4.2.     Tumors. Classification 
1.4.3.     Maxillary and Mandibular Fractures Reparation 
1.4.4.     Temporomandibular Joint Pathology 

1.4.4.1. Alterations and Clinical Signs 
1.4.4.2. Examination and Diagnosis 
1.4.4.3. Treatment and Prognosis 

1.5.    Diseases of the Esophagus and Stomach  

1.5.1.     Oesophageal 

1.5.1.1. Esophageal Obstruction 
1.5.1.2. Oesophagitis 
1.5.1.3. Other Esophageal Alterations 

1.5.2.       Stomach. 

1.5.2.1. Gastric Ulcers 
1.5.2.2. Gastric Impaction 
1.5.2.3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma 
1.5.2.4. Other Stomach Alterations 

1.6.    Small Intestine Diseases 

1.6.1.     Simple Obstruction 
1.6.2.      Proximal Enteritis 
1.6.3.      Inflammatory Bowel Disease 
1.6.4.      Intestinal Lymphoma 
1.6.5.      Strangulating Alterations 
1.6.6.      Small Intestinal Alterations 

1.7.    Large Intestinal Diseases  

1.7.1.      Impactions 

1.7.1.1. Large Colon 
1.7.1.2. Cecum 
1.7.1.3. Minor Colon 

1.7.2.      Large Colon Displacement 
1.7.3.      Colitis 
1.7.4.      Peritonitis 
1.7.5.      Enterolithiasis 
1.7.6.      Other Large Intestinal Alterations 

1.8.    Liver and Biliary Tract Diseases 

1.8.1.      Approach to the Patient with Liver Disease 
1.8.2.      Acute Liver Failure 
1.8.3.     Cholangiohepatitis 
1.8.4.      Chronic Hepatitis 
1.8.5.      Neoplasms 
1.8.6.      Other Liver and Biliary Tract Alterations 

1.9.     Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of the Digestive Tract  

1.9.1.     Infectious Diseases of the Digestive Tract 

1.9.1.1. Salmonellosis 
1.9.1.2. Proliferative Enteropathy 
1.9.1.3. Clostridiosis 
1.9.1.4. Rotavirus 
1.9.1.5. Potomac Equine Fever 
1.9.1.6. Equine Coronavirus 

1.9.2.    Parasitic Diseases of the Digestive Tract 

1.9.2.1. Gastrointestinal Myiasis 
1.9.2.2. Intestinal Protozoa 
1.9.2.3. Intestinal Cestodes 
1.9.2.4. Intestinal Nematodes 

1.10.     Treatment of Medical Colic in the Field  

1.10.1.      Management of the Patient with Colicky Pain 
1.10.2.      Pain Control in Colicky Patients 
1.10.3.      Fluid Therapy and Cardiovascular Support 
1.10.4.      Treatment for Endotoxemia 

Module 2. Hematopoietic System, Immunology and Nutrition  

2.1.    Analytical Interpretation: Blood Count and Serum Biochemistry 

2.1.1.    General Considerations for the Interpretation of Analytical Reports 

2.1.1.1. Essential Patient Data 
2.1.1.2. Sample Collection and Handling 

2.1.2.    Interpretation of Blood Count

2.1.2.1. Red Blood Cells 
2.1.2.2. White Blood Cells 
2.1.2.3. Platelet Cells 
2.1.2.4. Smears 

2.1.3.    Interpretation of Serum or Plasma Biochemistry 

2.1.3.1. Electrolytes 
2.1.3.2. Bilirubin 
2.1.3.3. Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Urea and Symmetrical Dimethylarginine (SDMA) 
2.1.3.4. Proteins: Albumin and Globulins 
2.1.3.5. Acute-Phase Proteins: Fibrinogen, Serum Amyloid A 
2.1.3.6. Enzymes 
2.1.3.7. Glucose 
2.1.3.8. Bicarbonate 
2.1.3.9. Lactate 
2.1.3.10. Triglycerides and Bile Acids 

2.2.    Hematopoietic System Pathologies 

2.2.1.     Hemolytic anemia 

2.2.1.1. Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia 
2.2.1.2. Equine Infectious Anemia 
2.2.1.3. Piroplasmosis 
2.2.1.4. Other Causes 

2.2.2.     Hemorrhagic Anemia

2.2.2.1. Hemoperitoneum and Hemothorax 
2.2.2.2. Gastrointestinal Losses 
2.2.2 3. Losses From Other Origin 

2.2.3.     Non-Regenerative Anemias 

2.2.3.1. Iron Deficiency Anemia 
2.2.3.2. Anemia due to Chronic Inflammation/Infection 
2.2.3.3. Aplastic Anemia 

2.2.4.     Coagulation Alterations 

2.2.4.1. Platelet Alterations

2.2.4.1.1. Thrombocytopenia 
2.2.4.1.2. Platelet Functional Alterations 

2.2.4.2. Alterations of Secondary Hemostasis 

2.2.4.2.1. Hereditary 
2.2.4.2.2. Acquired 

2.2.4.3. Thrombocytosis 
2.2.4.4. Lymphoproliferative Disorders
2.2.4.5. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) 

2.3.    Endotoxic Shock  

2.3.1.     Systemic Inflammation and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) 
2.3.2.     Causes of Endotoxemia in Horses 
2.3.3.     Pathophysiological Mechanisms 
2.3.4.     Endotoxic Shock 

2.3.4.1. Hemodynamic Changes 
2.3.4.2. Multiorgan Dysfunction 

2.3.5.     Clinical Signs of Endotoxemia and Endotoxic Shock. 
2.3.6.     Diagnosis 
2.3.7.     Management 

2.3.7.1. Endotoxin Release Inhibitors 
2.3.7.2. Endotoxin Uptake and Inhibition 
2.3.7.3. Cell Activation Inhibition 
2.3.7.4. Inhibition of the Synthesis of Inflammatory Mediators 
2.3.7.5. Other specific therapies 
2.3.7.6. Support Treatments 

2.4.    Treatment of Hematopoietic Alterations Transfusion Therapy 

2.4.1.     Indications for Transfusion of Whole Blood 
2.4.2.     Indications for Plasma Transfusion 
2.4.3.     Indications for Transfusion of Platelet Products 
2.4.4.     Donor Selection and Compatibility Testing 
2.4.5.     Technique for Whole Blood Collection and Processing of Plasma 
2.4.6.     Administration of Blood Products 

2.4.6.1. Volume of Administration 
2.4.6.2. Administration Techniques 
2.4.6.3. Adverse Reaction Monitoring 

2.5.    Immune System Alterations Allergies.  

2.5.1.     Hypersensitivity Types  
2.5.2.     Pathologies Associated with Hypersensitivity 

2.5.2.1. Anaphylactic Reaction 
2.5.2.2. Hemorrhagic Purpura 

2.5.3.     Autoimmunity 
2.5.4. Most Important Immunodeficiencies in Equines 

2.5.4.1. Diagnostic Tests 
2.5.4.2.  Primary Immunodeficiencies 
2.5.4.3.  Secondary Immunodeficiencies 

2.5.5.     Immunomodulators: 

2.5.5.1. Immunostimulants 
2.5.5.2. Immunosuppressants 

2.6.    Nutrition Basic Principles I  

2.6.1.     Physiology of Gastrointestinal Tract 

2.6.1.1. Oral cavity, Esophagus, Stomach 
2.6.1.2. Small Intestine 
2.6.1.3. Large Intestine 

2.6.2.    Diet Components, Nutrients 

2.6.2.1. Water 
2.6.2.2. Proteins and Amino Acids 
2.6.2.3. Carbohydrates 
2.6.2.4. Fats and Fatty Acids 
2.6.2.5. Minerals and Vitamins 

2.6.3.    Estimation of Horse Weight and Body Condition 

2.7.     Nutrition Basic Principles II 

2.7.1.     Energy and Available Energy Sources 

2.7.1.1. Forage 
2.7.1.2. Starches 
2.7.1.3. Fats 

2.7.2.     Metabolic Pathways of Energy Production 
2.7.3.     Energy Needs of the Horse 

2.7.3.1. In Maintenance 
2.7.3.2. For Breeding and Growth 
2.7.3.3. For the Show/Race Horse 

2.8.     Cachectic Horse Nutrition 

2.8.1.     Metabolic Response 
2.8.2.     Physical Examination and Clinical Signs 
2.8.3.     Blood Analysis 
2.8.4.     Differential Diagnoses 
2.8.5.     Nutritional Requirements 

2.9.    Use of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Medicinal Plants 

2.9.1.     Role of the Microbiota in the Large Intestine 
2.9.2.     Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Symbiotics 
2.9.3.     Medicinal Plants Use 

2.10.    Rational Use of Antibiotics. Bacterial Resistance  

2.10.1.     Responsible Antibiotic Use 
2.10.2.     New Antibiotic Therapies 
2.10.3.     Resistance Mechanisms 
2.10.4.     Main Multi-resistant Pathogens