About 213 Veterinary Respiratory Pathophysiology, Fall 2005

The course learning objectives for Veterinary Respiratory Pathophysiology are: To review the basics of respiratory physiology and structure as a background for understanding abnormal lung function during pathological states. To develop an organized approach for evaluation of the veterinary patient with respiratory disease, including understanding the range of diagnostic methods available (from least-most invasive), learning to interpret results and understand possible complications. To present in detail the various agents of respiratory system disease, including infectious agents, immune and inflammatory mechanisms, and neoplastic transformation. To consider in detail the interaction of these disease-causing agents with major regions of the respiratory system: the upper respiratory tract, the airways, the vasculature, the parenchyma, and the pleura and mediastinum. To describe the state-of-the-art in pulmonary function testing in veterinary patients, including contemporary methods and interpretation. To consider in detail the range of respiratory disease and pathophysiology in major species groups of veterinary patients, including small animals, horses, cattle, swine and small ruminants, and laboratory animals. To integrate through case discussions in the clinical-pathologic conference (CPC) the pathophysiologic principles and case management. This will include group discussion of diagnostic methods, patient assessment, and pathophysiology. Please note that the course as presented here does not contain the full content of the course as taught at Tufts. The included content is based on material the Tufts faculty and instructors choose to include, as well as factors such as content preparation, software compatibility, and intellectual property and copyright restrictions.