A complete and total update in Equine Medicine and Surgery with the most complete and effective educational program in the online educational market"

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. 

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

This Postgraduate diploma in Digestive and Blood Disorders in Horses. Nutrition and Extended Therapeutic Protocols in Ambulatory Practice offers you the characteristics of a course of high scientific, teaching and technological level. These are some of its most notable features: 

• Latest technology in online teaching software
• Highly visual teaching system, supported by graphic and schematic contents that are 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
• Self-regulating 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
• Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an Internet connection
• Banks of complementary documentation permanently available, even after the end of the training

A complete training 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 provide you with the training 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 service the practical knowledge derived from their own experience: one of the differential qualities of this training. 

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. In this way, you will be able to study with a range of easy-to-use and versatile multimedia tools that will give you the necessary skills you need for your specialization.  

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. 

You will learn to develop and advance in depth in the diseases that affect the digestive tract from the stomach to the rectum, assessing the stage of the pathologies that appear" 

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

The contents have been developed by different experts, with a clear purpose: to ensure that our students acquire each and every one of the skills necessary 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"

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 hemogram: 

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 disorders: 

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 

Module 3. Advanced Therapeutic Protocols and Toxicology  

3.1. Sedation and Total Intravenous Anesthesia  

3.1.1. Total Intravenous Anesthesia 

3.1.1.1. General Considerations 
3.1.1.2. Patient and Procedure Preparation 
3.1.1.3. Pharmacology 
3.1.1.4. Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Short-Term Procedures 
3.1.1.5. Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Procedures of Medium Duration 
3.1.1.6. Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Long-Term Procedures 

3.1.2. Sedation for On-Station Procedures 

3.1.2.1. General Considerations 
3.1.2.2. Patient Preparation/Procedure 
3.1.2.3. Technique: Bolus and Continuous Intravenous Infusions 
3.1.2.4. Pharmacology 
3.1.2.5. Drug Combinations 

3.2. Pain Relief in Horses  

3.2.1. Detection of Pain in Hospitalized Patients and Multimodal Analgesia 
3.2.2. Types of NSAIDs 
3.2.3. Alpha-2-Agonists and Opioids 
3.2.4. Local anesthetics 
3.2.5. Other Drugs Used for Pain Control in Equines 
3.2.6. Complementary Therapies: Acupuncture, Shockwaves, Chiropractic, Laser 

3.3. Correction of the Hydro-Electrolytic Balance  

3.3.1. General Considerations on Fluid Therapy 

3.3.1.1. Objective and Key Concepts 
3.3.1.2. Organic Fluid Distribution 
3.3.1.3. Assessment of Patient Needs 

3.3.2. Types of Fluid 

3.3.2.1. Crystalloids 
3.3.2.2. Colloids 
3.3.2.3. Supplements 

3.3.3. Routes of Administration 

3.3.3.1. Intravenous 
3.3.3.2. Oral 

3.3.4. Practical Principles of Fluid Therapy Calculation 
3.3.5. Associated Complications 

3.4. Specific Considerations of Acid-Base Equilibrium in Horses  

3.4.1. Specific Considerations of Acid-Base Equilibrium in Horses 

3.4.1.1. Assessment of the Patient's Acid-Base Status 
3.4.1.2. Role of Bicarbonate, Chloride and Anion Gap 

3.4.2. Metabolic Acidosis and Alkalosis 
3.4.3. Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis 
3.4.4. Compensatory Mechanisms 
3.4.5. Base Excess 

3.5. Pharmacological Considerations in the Sport Horse  

3.5.1. Equestrian Sports Regulation 
3.5.2. Doping 

3.5.2.1. Definition 
3.5.2.2. Medication Control Objectives 
3.5.2.3. Sampling and Accredited Laboratories 
3.5.2.4. Classification of Substances 

3.5.3. Types of Doping 
3.5.4. Withdrawal Time 

3.5.4.1. Factors Affecting Withdrawal Time 

3.5.4.1.1. Detection Time 
3.5.4.1.2. Regulatory Policies 
3.5.4.1.3. Animal Disposal Rate 

3.5.4.2. Factors to Consider in Determining Withdrawal Time 

3.5.4.2.1. Dose Administered 
3.5.4.2.2. Formulation  
3.5.4.2.3. Route of Administration 
3.5.4.2.4. Individual Pharmacokinetics 
3.5.4.2.5. Sensitivity of Analytical Procedures 
3.5.4.2.6. Sample Behavior Matrix 
3.5.4.2.7. Environmental persistence of substances and environmental pollution 

3.6. Intensive Care of the Neonatal Foal  

3.6.1. Types of Catheters, Infusion Sets, Nasogastric and Urinary Probes for the Maintenance of Intensive Care in the Foal 
3.6.2. Types of Fluids, Colloids, Plasmotherapy and Hemotherapy 
3.6.3. Total and Partial Parenteral Feeding 
3.6.4. Antibiotic Therapy, Analgesia and Other Important Medications 
3.6.5. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 

3.7. Adult Intensive Care  

3.7.1. General Intensive Care Considerations 
3.7.2. Intensive Care Procedures and Techniques 

3.7.2.1. Vascular Access: Maintenance and Care 
3.7.2.2. Arterial and Venous Pressure Monitoring 

3.7.3. Cardiovascular Support 

3.7.3.1. Shock. 
3.7.3.2. Supportive Drugs: Inotropes and Vasopressors 
3.7.3.3. Support Strategies 

3.7.4. Respiratory Support 

3.7.4.1. Management of Respiratory Distress 

3.7.5. Critically Ill Patient Nutrition 
3.7.6. Neurological Patient Care 

3.7.6.1. Medical and Supportive Management of the Neurological Horse 

3.7.6.1.1. Trauma 
3.7.6.1.2. Encephalopathies and Myeloencephalopathies 

3.7.6.2. Specific Management of the Recumbent Horse 

3.8. Toxicology I  

3.8.1. Digestive System Toxicology 
3.8.2. Liver Toxicology 
3.8.3. Toxicology Affecting the Central Nervous System 

3.9. Toxicology II  

3.9.1. Toxicology Producing Clinical Signs Related to the Cardiovascular and Hemolymphatic Systems. 
3.9.2. Toxicology Producing Clinical Signs related to the Skin, Musculoskeletal System and General Condition. 
3.9.3. Toxicology Producing Clinical Signs Related to the Urinary System. 
3.9.4. Toxicological Problems Causing Sudden Death. 

3.10. Euthanasia Procedures  

3.10.1. General Considerations 

3.10.1.1. Geriatric Horse 

3.10.2. Mechanisms of action for Hypothermia. 
3.10.3. Chemical Euthanasia Methods 
3.10.4. Physical Euthanasia Methods 
3.10.5. Euthanasia Protocol 
3.10.6. Confirmation of Death 

This training will allow you to advance in your career comfortably"