With this intensive program you will learn how to establish an appropriate methodology for animal cardiopathy examination"

Cardiovascular disorders in animals are highly significant because they can affect their quality of life and life expectancy. Advanced knowledge of cardiology is indispensable for large animal veterinarians: ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats), camelids (alpacas, camels and llamas), swine (pigs, wild boars) and equids (donkeys and mules).

Cardiology in ruminants and swine has been limited, for a long time, due to the limited literature and diagnostic limitations, especially in advanced therapeutic procedures. Regarding Equidae, a high number of horses are used for sporting purposes and cardiac pathologies limit their capacity and even force the animal to withdraw from competition. This is more evident the more demanding the equine is in terms of sport and cardiovascular effort. The management of food species differs, but it also affects their production capacity.

In recent years, there has been a boom in the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, such as intracardiac electrocardiograms, electrophysiological mapping in arrhythmias, pacemaker implantation and other intracardiac devices that can be implemented in larger species. These advances, which are necessary for an adequate clinical approach, are not available in books.

Therefore, this professional master’s degree offers a comprehensive and developed syllabus that addresses advanced cardiology topics, providing detailed descriptions of the different procedures performed depending on the species, as well as a guide for clinical decision making and patient selection. It incorporates specialized knowledge on cardiology, embryology, anatomy, physiology and cardiac pathophysiology, essential to understand the different pathologies.

These pathologies are covered exhaustively in the syllabus. Not only does it explain what they consist of and how they are treated, but the student also obtains a specialized clinical management guide for each of the cases, which includes decision making, making this professional master’s degree a very useful tool for veterinarians.

Cardiac pharmacology plays a relevant role. The key to administering effective treatment lies in the knowledge of the mechanism of action of the different drugs that have an effect on the cardiovascular system, especially when the clinical presentation of cardiac patients is sometimes so different and requires personalized medication.     

This unit guides students towards a simple understanding of the action and adverse effects of drugs, which subsequently facilitates an intuitive clinical application. 

The professional master’s degree in Cardiology in Large Animals brings together all the detailed information on the different fields of Cardiology at a high and advanced level of specialization, and is taught by renowned professors in the field of internal medicine, Cardiology and minimally invasive surgery in veterinary medicine.

A unique, key and decisive training experience to boost your professional development"

This professional master’s degree in Veterinary Cardiology in Large Animals contains the most complete and up-to-date educational program on the market. The most important features of the program include:

• Development of practical cases presented by experts in Veterinary Cardiology in Large Animals
• The graphic, schematic, and practical contents with which they are created, provide scientific and practical information on the disciplines that are essential for professional practice
• Latest developments in Veterinary Cardiology in Large Animals
• Practical exercises where self-assessment can be used to improve learning
• Special emphasis on innovative methodologies in Veterinary Cardiology in Large Animals
• Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments
• Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an Internet connection

With this program you will learn how to develop a suitable work methodology to optimize the use of non-invasive diagnostic tests"

The multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide immersive learning programmed to train in real situations.

This program is designed around Problem Based Learning, whereby the specialist must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise during the academic year. For this purpose, the professional will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts in Veterinary Cardiology in Large Animals.  

This program has the best teaching material on the market, which will allow you to study in context, quickly and efficiently"

Combine your studies with your professional work while you increase your knowledge in veterinary cardiology"

The professional master’s degree in Veterinary Cardiology in Large Animals is aimed at facilitating the performance of professionals dedicated to Veterinary Medicine with the latest advances and most up-to-date treatments in the sector.  

Throughout these months you will learn to examine the main aspects involved in the development of congenital heart disease and its progression after birth" 

General Objectives

• Analyze the embryological development of the different cardiac structures
• In-depth development of the fetal circulation and its evolution to the adult animal
• Examine cardiac anatomy and its topography in the thoracic cavity in depth
• Establish the basic principles of cardiovascular functioning
• Generate specialized knowledge in cardiac physiology
• Recognize the mechanisms involved in the genesis of arrhythmias
• Identify the basis of cardiac pathophysiology of syncope and heart failure
• Detail the mechanisms of action, adverse effects and contraindications of drugs used in the cardiovascular area
• Establish a suitable methodology for animal cardiopathy examination
• Identify all clinical signs associated with cardiovascular disease
• Generate specialized knowledge of cardiac auscultation
• Establish the specific clinical approach to animals with a cardiovascular disorder
• Develop a suitable working methodology to optimize the use of non-invasive diagnostic tests
• Analyze the basics of ultrasound to learn the tools useful in the assessment of cardiac function and structure
• Establish solid concepts in the genesis of the electrocardiogram
• Develop a diagnostic protocol based on the electrocardiogram
• Examine the main aspects involved in the development of congenital heart disease and its progression after birth
• Analyze the anatomical-ecocardiographic relationship of complex congenital heart diseases in order to make a simple diagnosis
• Develop the etiology, progression and prognosis of acquired structural heart disorders
• Establish a diagnostic methodology to address acquired structural cardiac disorders and select the appropriate therapeutic management for each of them
• Proper identification of sinus rhythm
• Establish an appropriate methodology for the interpretation of arrhythmias
• Generate specialized knowledge of resting and stress electrocardiograms
• Establish the specific clinical approach to animals with arrhythmia
• Generate specialized knowledge on the most common vascular problems
• Identify all clinical signs associated with each disease
• Establish the specific clinical approach for each pathology
• Determine the prognosis and the most appropriate treatment in each case
• Learn about cardiovascular system adaptations to exercise and how they apply to examining sports horses
• Identify all clinical signs associated with cardiovascular overtraining and undertraining
• Establish cardiovascular fitness assessment methods
• Know the complementary tests used to evaluate horses with heart disease during exercise
• Establish an accurate criterion to address performance decline and sudden death in horses
• Examine in detail how organ imbalances, intoxications and critical pathologies such as shock affect the heart
• Development of systemic diseases related to cardiovascular disorders
• Establish the adaptive and pathological changes manifested by the heart with certain systemic diseases
• Establish therapeutic protocols in systemic diseases affecting the heart, addressing the treatment as a whole
• Generate specialized knowledge in advanced cardiac diagnostic and therapeutic techniques
• Examine the instrumentation required to perform cardiac catheterization and minimally invasive surgery
• Establish the appropriate methodology for the performance of these advanced procedures, including their anesthetic approach
• Strengthen the basis for selecting appropriate cases for cardiac catheterization and minimally invasive surgery
• Develop cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocols

Specific Objectives

Module 1. Cardiac embryology, anatomy and physiology in large animals: equidae, ruminants and swine

• Specify the foundations of embryonic development
• Establish the foundations of possible cardiac malformations
• In-depth examination of the cardiac structure
• Analyze the microscopic characteristics of the heart
• Develop the concepts of the electrical activity of the heart
• Examine the characteristics of cardiomyocytes
• Generate specialized knowledge about ion channels and action potentials

Module 2. Cardiovascular pathophysiology and pharmacology in large animals: equidae, ruminants and swine

• Analyze the arrhythmogenic bases and classify them according to the causative mechanism
• Recognize the main mechanisms underlying syncope
• Differentiate the mechanisms leading to the onset of heart failure
• Establish the different pathways activated in heart failure
• Detail the control of the organism in heart failure
• Describe and detail the pharmacological groups with action on the cardiovascular system
• Specify the indications for antiarrhythmic drugs, their mechanism of action and adverse effects

Module 3. General examination of large animals with cardiovascular pathology: equidae, ruminants and swine

• Develop specialized information on the clinical examination of cardiac patients
• Accurately recognize the normal sounds that can be encountered
• Differentiate between physiological murmurs and pathological murmurs
• Establish differential diagnoses of abnormal rhythms based on irregularity and heart rate
• Establish a work methodology for patients with murmurs and for patients with arrhythmias
• Generate a work methodology for patients with syncope
• Develop a work methodology for animals with heart failure

Module 4. Complementary non-invasive cardiovascular tests in large animals: equidae, ruminants and swine

• Fundamentals of ultrasound physics and imaging principles
• Differentiate the types of echocardiography and analyze their usefulness in different clinical situations
• Recognize all the ultrasound planes described and propose a standardized protocol for evaluating the heart
• Gain insight into the genesis of the electrocardiogram in order to analyze its pattern, the existence of artifacts and morphological anomalies
• Specify the different recording systems and methods used to obtain the electrocardiogram and adapt it to the patient's clinical situation
• Establish a systematic protocol that simplifies the reading of the electrocardiogram
• Identify the main mistakes made when analyzing the electrocardiogram

Module 5. Structural cardiac pathologies in major species: equidae, ruminants and swine

• Generate specific knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of congenital heart disease
• Specify the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for each of them
• Propose a standardized protocol for evaluating the heart when there is a congenital anomaly
• Analyze the etiology and pathophysiology of acquired cardiac disorders in order to understand their evolution, treatment and progression
• Identify clinical, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic markers that provide information to establish the clinical relevance of structural pathologies
• Update knowledge with the latest therapeutic advances in congenital and acquired pathologies of the heart

Module 6. Arrhythmias in major species: equidae, ruminants and swine

• Generate knowledge about the genesis of the electrocardiogram
• Accurate recognition of sinus rhythm and pathological rhythm
• Differentiate all arrhythmias from each other
• Establish differential diagnoses for physiological and pathological arrhythmias
• Know the clinical relevance of arrhythmias
• Establish therapeutic protocols for arrhythmias

Module 7. Pathologies of the endocardium, myocardium, pericardium and vascular system in major species: equidae, ruminants and swine

• Identify the main pathologies affecting blood vessels
• Analyze the origin of the problem and establish the prognosis of myocarditis
• Recognize the clinical and laboratory signs of the main intoxications affecting the myocardium
• Specify the mechanisms of pericardial disease and its consequences
• Establish the prognosis of horses with thrombophlebitis and possible complications
• Identify the symptoms of vasculitis and propose treatment options
• In-depth examination of vascular lesions caused by parasites
• Recognize the signs of horses with vascular fistulas and their implications
• Propose a treatment plan for horses with dilated cardiomyopathy

Module 8. Cardiac response to exercise, sports performance and sudden death in sports horses

• Generate specialized knowledge on the cardiovascular fitness required according to discipline and the different training methods
• Specify the information required in clinical examination of sports horses
• Precisely examine the cardiovascular and hematological adaptations resulting from cardiovascular training
• Analyze the different cardiovascular training methods according to discipline
• Differentiate between the symptoms of overtraining and cardiovascular detraining
• Propose a methodology for assessing cardiovascular fitness of horses
• Establish working protocols for the clinical evaluation of cardiac horses during performance
• Identify cardiac pathologies that decrease performance and cardiac pathologies that increase the risk of sudden death
• Establish criteria for assessing the risk of sudden death in horses

Module 9. Systemic Disorders and Specific Situations Affecting the Heart in Large Animals: Equidae, Ruminants and Swine

• Specify the specific risks of electrolyte disturbances in patients
• Examine the specific risks of critical states such as shock
• Develop the most common endocrine pathologies and establish their relationship with the heart
• Develop specialized knowledge of cardiorenal syndrome and establish its treatment
• Differentiate between primary and secondary cardiac pathologies
• Establish the complications associated with the administration of sedative and anesthetic drugs routinely used in daily clinical practice

Module 10. Advanced cardiac procedures: interventionism, minimally invasive surgery and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in major species: equidae, ruminants and swine

• Analyze the specific risks posed by anesthesia
• Develop appropriate anesthetic protocols that allow for safe anesthesia
• Adequately select cases that can undergo cardiac catheterization and minimally invasive surgery, establishing a risk-benefit ratio
• Develop in-depth knowledge of the instruments used in cardiac catheterization and minimally invasive surgery techniques
• Differentiate the types of existing pacemakers and defibrillators
• Integrating electrical cardioversion as a routine treatment option in the equine clinic
• Examine the complications that arise during cardiac catheterization and minimally invasive surgery procedures and establish protocols for dealing with these complications
• Establish up-to-date protocols for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in foals and adult horses

A path to achieve training and professional growth that will propel you towards a greater level of competitiveness in the employment market"