Veterinary Internal Medicine Course

Lesson 1 • Systematic Physical Examination

This teaches a reproducible head-to-tail physical exam protocol across species. Findings from the exam anchor all diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

Lesson 2 • Medical History and Signalment

This covers structured history-taking techniques and signalment interpretation. Accurate histories directly shape differential diagnosis lists throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Clinical Reasoning

This presents hypothesis-driven and pattern-recognition approaches to diagnosis. Students apply these frameworks to simple case scenarios immediately.

Lesson 4 • Problem-Oriented Medical Records

This introduces the SOAP format and problem list construction for clinical documentation. Structured records improve diagnostic accuracy and communication.

Lesson 1 • Endoscopy and Biopsy Techniques

This describes indications, technique, and sample handling for endoscopy and tissue biopsy. Histopathology results guide definitive diagnosis in many organ systems.

Lesson 2 • Hematology and Serum Biochemistry

This covers complete blood count and chemistry panel interpretation for common species. Results are linked directly to organ system pathology introduced later.

Lesson 3 • Urinalysis and Cytology

This teaches urine sediment evaluation and basic cytological assessment of body fluids. These skills support diagnosis of urinary, effusion, and mass lesions.

Lesson 4 • Diagnostic Imaging Fundamentals

This introduces radiographic and ultrasonographic principles for thoracic and abdominal evaluation. Imaging interpretation is integrated with physical exam findings.

Lesson 1 • GI Anatomy and Pathophysiology Review

This reviews functional anatomy and the key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying GI disease. This context is essential for interpreting clinical signs and diagnostic findings.

Lesson 2 • Large Intestinal and Colonic Disorders

This examines colitis, constipation, and megacolon in companion animals. It distinguishes large from small bowel diarrhea using clinical and diagnostic criteria.

Lesson 3 • Esophageal and Gastric Disorders

This addresses megaesophagus, gastritis, and gastric dilatation-volvulus diagnosis and treatment. Early recognition of life-threatening conditions is emphasized.

Lesson 4 • Hepatic and Pancreatic Diseases

This covers hepatitis, portosystemic shunts, pancreatitis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Biochemical and imaging findings from Chapter 2 are applied here.

Lesson 1 • Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology

This reviews cardiac cycle, hemodynamics, and compensatory mechanisms relevant to disease. This foundation supports interpretation of all cardiovascular diagnostics.

Lesson 2 • Echocardiography and Cardiac Imaging

This introduces two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography for structural and functional assessment. Imaging findings are correlated with clinical signs and ECG data.

Lesson 3 • Acquired Valvular and Myocardial Disease

This covers myxomatous mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Staging systems guide treatment decisions and monitoring protocols.

Lesson 4 • Heart Failure Management and Arrhythmias

This addresses acute and chronic heart failure therapy and antiarrhythmic drug use. Students select drugs based on mechanism, stage, and species-specific pharmacology.

Lesson 1 • Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders

This covers nasal discharge, brachycephalic syndrome, laryngeal paralysis, and tracheal collapse. Endoscopic and imaging findings direct medical and surgical planning.

Lesson 2 • Respiratory Physiology and Clinical Signs

This reviews gas exchange, ventilation mechanics, and the pathophysiology of dyspnea. Clinical sign localization guides the diagnostic approach to respiratory disease.

Lesson 3 • Lower Airway and Parenchymal Disease

This addresses feline asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia diagnosis and treatment. Bronchoalveolar lavage cytology is interpreted alongside imaging findings.

Lesson 4 • Pleural Space and Mediastinal Disorders

This covers pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and mediastinal masses with diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Thoracocentesis technique and fluid analysis are detailed.

Lesson 1 • Lower Urinary Tract Disease

This covers urolithiasis, feline idiopathic cystitis, and urethral obstruction diagnosis and treatment. Emergency deobstruction technique and prevention strategies are included.

Lesson 2 • Glomerular and Tubular Disorders

This examines glomerulonephritis, amyloidosis, and Fanconi syndrome diagnosis and management. Renal biopsy interpretation is linked to treatment selection.

Lesson 3 • Renal Physiology and Azotemia

This reviews glomerular filtration, tubular function, and the classification of azotemia. Distinguishing prerenal, renal, and postrenal causes directs immediate management.

Lesson 4 • Acute Kidney Injury

This covers causes, staging, and intensive management of acute kidney injury in dogs and cats. Fluid therapy and toxin removal strategies are prioritized.

Lesson 1 • Endocrine Physiology and Testing Principles

This reviews hormonal feedback loops and the rationale for stimulation and suppression tests. Understanding test design prevents misinterpretation of borderline results.

Lesson 2 • Diabetes Mellitus Management

This addresses insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes in dogs and cats. Glucose curve interpretation and insulin dose adjustment are practiced.

Lesson 3 • Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders

This covers hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, and calcium dysregulation. Diagnostic testing and treatment options including radioiodine are compared.

Lesson 4 • Adrenal Gland Disorders

This examines hyperadrenocorticism, hypoadrenocorticism, and pheochromocytoma in dogs and cats. Dynamic testing protocols and treatment monitoring are detailed.

Lesson 1 • Coagulation Disorders

This covers inherited coagulopathies, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and rodenticide toxicity. Coagulation panel interpretation directs specific treatment.

Lesson 2 • Immune-Mediated and Infectious Diseases

This examines systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarthritis, and vector-borne infectious diseases. Serology and PCR testing are applied to confirm diagnoses.

Lesson 3 • Anemia and Erythrocyte Disorders

This covers regenerative and non-regenerative anemias, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and polycythemia. Reticulocyte counts and Coombs testing guide diagnosis.

Lesson 4 • Clinical Oncology Principles

This introduces tumor staging, biopsy interpretation, and chemotherapy protocols for common cancers. Students integrate multi-system knowledge to manage oncology patients.