Course syllabus
(2820) VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY

Academic term 2026/2027

Spanish course syllabus

  1. Identification

    1. About the course

      Academic Term
      2026/2027
      Degree
      GRADO EN VETERINARIA
      Course
      VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
      Code
      2820
      Year
      TERCERO
      Course type
      OPTATIVA
      Number of groups
      1
      ECTS
      3.0
      Estimation of workload
      90.0
      Timeline
      1º Cuatrimestre
      Languages
      English
      Academic Term 2026/2027
      Degree

      GRADO EN VETERINARIA
      Course VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
      Code 2820
      Year TERCERO
      Course type OPTATIVA
      Number of groups 1
      ECTS 3.0
      Estimation of workload 90.0
      Timeline 1º Cuatrimestre
      Languages English

    2. Teaching staff

      • PERES RUBIO, CAMILA Professor: GRUPO 1 Group coordination: GRUPO 1 Course coordinator

        Category

        INVESTIGADOR/A "RAMON Y CAJAL"

        Area

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Department

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Email / Personal web page / Online tutoring sessions

        camila.peres@um.es Online tutoring sessions: No

        Phone number and office hours

      • CERON MADRIGAL, JOSE JOAQUIN Professor: GRUPO 1 Group coordination:

        Category

        CATEDRATICOS DE UNIVERSIDAD

        Area

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Department

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Email / Personal web page / Online tutoring sessions

        jjceron@um.es Online tutoring sessions: Sí

        Phone number and office hours

        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Martes         		Hours:
        10:00-11:00         		Place:
        868884722, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.019 (DESPACHO PROF. JOSE J. CERÓN MADRIGAL)
        Remarks:
        Previa cita por e-mail o aula virtual
        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Lunes         		Hours:
        10:00-11:00         		Place:
        868884722, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.019 (DESPACHO PROF. JOSE J. CERÓN MADRIGAL)
        Remarks:
        Previa cita enviada por e-mail o aula virtual
      • MARTINEZ SUBIELA, SILVIA Professor: GRUPO 1 Group coordination:

        Category

        CATEDRATICOS DE UNIVERSIDAD

        Area

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Department

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Email / Personal web page / Online tutoring sessions

        silviams@um.es Online tutoring sessions: Sí

        Phone number and office hours

        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Jueves         		Hours:
        11:00-12:00         		Place:
        868887168, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.011
        Remarks:
        null
        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Miércoles         		Hours:
        11:00-12:00         		Place:
        868887168, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.011
        Remarks:
        null
        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Martes         		Hours:
        11:00-12:00         		Place:
        868887168, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.011
        Remarks:
        null
      • TECLES VICENTE, FERNANDO Professor: GRUPO 1 Group coordination:

        Category

        CATEDRATICOS DE UNIVERSIDAD

        Area

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Department

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Email / Personal web page / Online tutoring sessions

        ftecles@um.es Online tutoring sessions: Sí

        Phone number and office hours

        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Jueves         		Hours:
        09:00-10:00         		Place:
        868887082, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.021 (DESPACHO PROF. FERNANDO TECLES VICENTE; JUAN D. GARCÍA MTEZ.)
        Remarks:
        null
        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Miércoles         		Hours:
        09:00-10:00         		Place:
        868887082, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.021 (DESPACHO PROF. FERNANDO TECLES VICENTE; JUAN D. GARCÍA MTEZ.)
        Remarks:
        null
        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Martes         		Hours:
        09:00-10:00         		Place:
        868887082, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.021 (DESPACHO PROF. FERNANDO TECLES VICENTE; JUAN D. GARCÍA MTEZ.)
        Remarks:
        null
      • TVARIJONAVICIUTE, ASTA Professor: GRUPO 1 Group coordination:

        Category

        CATEDRATICOS DE UNIVERSIDAD

        Area

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Department

        MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA ANIMAL

        Email / Personal web page / Online tutoring sessions

        asta@um.es Online tutoring sessions: Sí

        Phone number and office hours

        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Jueves         		Hours:
        10:00-11:00         		Place:
        868887168, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.011 (DESPACHO PROF. SILVIA MTEZ SUBIELA)
        Remarks:
        previa cita via email o AV
        Duration:
        A         		Day:
        Miércoles         		Hours:
        10:00-11:00         		Place:
        868887168, Hospital Clínico Veterinario B1.4.011 (DESPACHO PROF. SILVIA MTEZ SUBIELA)
        Remarks:
        Previa cita via email o AV

  2. Presentation

    Clinical Pathology is defined as the discipline focused on the study (performance and interpretation) of laboratory procedures useful for the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of the treatment of pathological problems that affect domestic and wild animals.

    Despite the importance of this discipline, today there is no specific subject of Clinical Pathology in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Murcia that includes all the specialties that should be included in this discipline such as: general laboratory principles, hematology, clinical chemistry. and clinical cytology. The objective of this elective course is to provide the student with advanced training in these areas.

    In the United States of America and much of Europe, the figure of the veterinary clinical pathologist is fully recognized, and specialists in this discipline fill positions of great responsibility in private companies and industries dedicated to research and animal health, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, veterinary schools and in administration of public institutions.

  3. Conditions of access to the course

    1. Incompatibilities

      There are no records

    2. Requirements

      There are no records

    3. Recommendations

      - Subject(s) that must have been passed: General Pathology and Propedeutics

      - Essential knowledge: Basic knowledge of laboratory medicine and pathophysiology. Fluency in the English language.

      - Recommended knowledge: Use of bibliographic sources such as magazines and books.

      - Other observations: Highly motivated students would be welcome in this course.

  4. Competencies

    1. Basic competencies

      • CB1: Que los estudiantes hayan demostrado poseer y comprender conocimientos en un área de estudio que parte de la base de la educación secundaria general, y se suele encontrar a un nivel que, si bien se apoya en libros de texto avanzados, incluye también algunos aspectos que implican conocimientos procedentes de la vanguardia de su campo de estudio
      • CB2: Que los estudiantes sepan aplicar sus conocimientos a su trabajo o vocación de una forma profesional y posean las competencias que suelen demostrarse por medio de la elaboración y defensa de argumentos y la resolución de problemas dentro de su área de estudio
      • CB3: Que los estudiantes tengan la capacidad de reunir e interpretar datos relevantes (normalmente dentro de su área de estudio) para emitir juicios que incluyan una reflexión sobre temas relevantes de índole social, científica o ética
      • CB4: Que los estudiantes puedan transmitir información, ideas, problemas y soluciones a un público tanto especializado como no especializado
      • CB5: Que los estudiantes hayan desarrollado aquellas habilidades de aprendizaje necesarias para emprender estudios posteriores con un alto grado de autonomía

    2. Degree competencies

      • CG2: Comprender y expresarse en un idioma extranjero en su ámbito disciplinar, particularmente el inglés.
      • CG3: Ser capaz de gestionar la información y el conocimiento en su ámbito disciplinar, incluyendo saber utilizar como usuario las herramientas básicas en TIC.
      • CG6: Capacidad para trabajar en equipo y para relacionarse con otras personas del mismo o distinto ámbito profesional.
      • CG7: Desarrollar habilidades de iniciación a la investigación.
      • CG8: Capacidad de análisis y síntesis.
      • CG9: Capacidad de aplicar los conocimientos en la práctica.
      • CG11: Capacidad de aprender.
      • CG13: Resolución de problemas.
      • CG14: Toma de decisiones.
      • CG18: Diseño y gestión de proyectos.
      • CE1: Conocimiento genérico de los animales, de su comportamiento y bases de su identificación.
      • CE2: Estructura y función de los animales sanos.
      • CE6: Conocer los aspectos básicos de los distintos agentes biológicos de interés veterinario.
      • CE8: Conocimiento y diagnóstico de las distintas enfermedades animales, individuales y colectivas, y sus medidas de prevención, con especial énfasis en las zoonosis y en las enfermedades de declaración obligatoria.
      • CE9: Bases generales de los tratamientos médico-quirúrgicos.
      • CE16: Realizar la historia y la exploración clínica de los animales.
      • CE17: Recoger y remitir todo tipo de muestras con su correspondiente informe.
      • CE18: Realizar técnicas analíticas básicas e interpretar sus resultados clínicos, biológicos o químicos.
      • CE19: Diagnosticar las enfermedades más comunes, mediante la utilización de distintas técnicas generales e instrumentales, incluida la necropsia.
      • CE20: Identificar, controlar y erradicar las enfermedades animales, con especial atención a las enfermedades de declaración obligatoria y zoonosis.
      • CE24: Asesorar y llevar a cabo estudios epidemiológicos y programas terapéuticos y preventivos de acuerdo a las normas de bienestar animal, salud animal y salud pública.
      • CE31: Asesoramiento y gestión, técnica y económica, de empresas de ámbito veterinario en un contexto de sostenibilidad.
      • CE32: Analizar, sintetizar, resolver problemas y tomar decisiones en los ámbitos profesionales del veterinario.
      • CE33: Trabajar en equipo, uni o multidisciplinar, y manifestar respeto, valoración y sensibilidad ante el trabajo de los demás.
      • CE36: Redactar y presentar informes profesionales, manteniendo siempre la confidencialidad necesaria.
      • CE38: Conocer y aplicar el método científico en la práctica profesional incluyendo la medicina basada en la evidencia.
      • CE39: Saber obtener asesoramiento y ayuda profesionales.
      • CE40: Ser consciente de la necesidad de mantener actualizados los conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes de las competencias profesionales mediante un proceso de formación continuada.

    3. Transversal and course competencies

      • CM1 Realizar una correcta toma de muestras biológicas para análisis laboratorial
      • CM2 Aprender el correcto manejo, procesamiento y análisis de muestras biológicas de distinta índole
      • CM3 Aprender a interpretar datos analíticos para llegar a un correcto diagnóstico
      • CM4 Aprender a buscar y gestionar información dentro del ámbito veterinario y utilizarla para la resolución de casos clínicos

  5. Contents

    1. Theoretical contents

      Block 1: General clinical pathology

      Theme 1: Definition

      • DEFINITION AND GENERAL CONCEPTS OF VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
      • FACTORS INFLUENCING LABORATORY RESULTS: Biological and analytical factors (pre-instrumental, instrumental, post-instrumental)

      Theme 2: Test results

      CLINICAL APPLICATION OF TESTS RESULTS: Reference Values, Units of Measurement, Validation of Tests for Clinical Use.

      Theme 3: Equipment

      EQUIPMENT FOR VETERINARY PRACTICE LABORATORIES - Basic equipment, Mid-range equipment, Advanced equipment for referral laboratories.

      Block 2: Haematology

      Theme 1: The haemogram.

      TESTS IN HAEMATOLOGY: THE HAEMOGRAM - Packed cell volume (PCV)/haematocrit (Hct) and total proteins. Erythrocyte (RBC) count, Haemoglobin and indices. Leukocyte total and differential count. Platelet count, morphology and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV). Histograms. Blood smear evaluation.

      Theme 2: Blood smear

      EVALUATION OF BLOOD SMEAR RBCs AND RETICULOCYTES - RBC morphological evaluation. Reticulocyte count and evaluation.

      Theme 3: Erythrocyte disorders

      ERYTHROCYTE DISORDERS - Polycythemias (erythrocytosis) and different types of anaemias

      Theme 4: Leukocytes

      LEUKOCYTES - Types of leukocytes: functions and interpretation of changes in blood values. Morphological changes. General patterns of WBC disorders.

      Theme 5: Haemostasis

      HAEMOSTASIS - Normal haemostasis. Clinical signs of haemostatic disorders. Sample collection and storage. Laboratory evaluation of haemostasis. Haemostatic disorders.

      Block 3: Clinical biochemistry

      Theme 1: Glucose

      GLUCOSE - Physiological characteristics and measurement. Abnormalities.

      Theme 2: Lipids

      LIPIDS AND KETONE BODIES Lipids: Physiological characteristics and abnormalities. Ketone bodies: types and causes of increase.

      Theme 3: Proteins

      PROTEINS - Physiological characteristics. Measurement: serum protein and electrophoresis. Acute Phase Proteins.

      Theme 4: Liver

      LIVER - Tests for detecting hepatocellular injury, cholestasis and hepatic dysfunction.

      Theme 5: Pancreas and gastrointestrinal tract

      EXOCRINE PANCREAS AND GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.

      Theme 6: Urinary system

      URINARY SYSTEM - Urinalysis. Serum/plasma Urea and Creatinine concentration. Urine protein to creatinine ratio.

      Theme 7: Muscles

      MUSCLES - Tests for detecting: myocyte injury and myocyte activity.

      Theme 8: Endocrine

      ENDOCRINE TESTS - Thyroid Adrenocortical Other hormones: parathyroid, insulin, growth hormone, progesterone.

      Theme 8: Saliva as an analytical sample

      Saliva analysis

      Block 4: Cytology

      Theme 1: Introduction

      • INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL CYTOLOGY - Specimens. Specimen handling. Advantages and limitations.
      • CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME BENIGN LESIONS - Inflammation, Haematoma, Lipoma, Cyst, Sialocoele.
      • CYTOLOGY OF NEOPLASTIC MASSES - Benign Neoplasms. Cytological criteria of malignancy.
      • CYTOLOGY OF LYMPH NODES

      Theme 2: Masses, organs and body fluids

      CYTOLOGY OF MASSES AND ORGANS ANALYSIS OF BODY FLUIDS - Transudate, Modified transudate, Exudate, Neoplastic effusions, Others: haemoperitoneum, uroperitoneum, chylous effusion, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, lavages.

    2. Practical contents

      • Practical activity 1: Seminars

        Students will make a speech about one topic related to Veterinary Clinical Pathology The topics will be proposed by the professors and could include the following ones:

        Topic (Description)

        1. Glucose (Physiological characteristics and measurement. Abnormalities)
        2. Lipids and ketone bodies(Physiological characteristics and abnormalities. Ketone bodies: types and causes of increase)
        3. Proteins(Physiological characteristics. Measurement: serum protein and electrophoresis.)
        4. Liver(Tests for detecting hepatocellular injury, cholestasis and hepatic dysfunction)
        5. Exocrine pancreas and gastrointestinal tract(Test for detecting pancreatic diseases (insufficiency as well as pancreatitis) and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract)
        6. Muscles(Tests for detecting: myocyte injury and myocyte activity)
        7. Cytology: Introduction(INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL CYTOLOGY: Specimens Specimen handling Advantages and limitations. CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME BENIGN LESIONS - Inflammation, Haematoma, Lipoma, Cyst Sialocoele. CYTOLOGY OF NEOPLASTIC MASSES- Benign Neoplasms, Cytological criteria of malignancy. CYTOLOGY OF LYMPH NODES)
        8. Cytology: Masses, organs and body fluids(CYTOLOGY OF MASSES AND ORGANS ANALYSIS OF BODY FLUIDS - Transudate, Modified transudate, Exudate, Neoplastic effusions, Others: haemoperitoneum, uroperitoneum, chylous effusion, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, lavages)
        Related to:
        • Block 1: General clinical pathology
        • Block 2: Haematology
        • Block 3: Clinical biochemistry
        • Block 4: Cytology

      • Practical activity 2: Clinical cases resolution

        Students will solve different clinical cases related with the diverse aspects of the subject. Clinical cases will be previously available on line in order to allow each student to study the case and solve it.

        Related to:
        • Theme 3: Erythrocyte disorders
        • Theme 4: Leukocytes
        • Theme 5: Haemostasis
        • Theme 1: Glucose
        • Theme 2: Lipids
        • Theme 3: Proteins
        • Theme 4: Liver
        • Theme 5: Pancreas and gastrointestrinal tract
        • Theme 6: Urinary system
        • Theme 7: Muscles
        • Theme 8: Endocrine
        • Theme 1: Introduction
        • Theme 2: Masses, organs and body fluids

      • Practical activity 3: Clinical rotation at the laboratory

        Students will help in laboratory routine work, including sample handling and processing, analyses and interpretation of clinical cases

        Related to:
        • Block 2: Haematology
        • Block 3: Clinical biochemistry
        • Block 4: Cytology

  6. Training activities

    Training Activity Methodology Hours In-person
    AF1: Lección Magistral en Grupo Único 36.0 40.0
    AF2: Seminarios en Grupos Reducidos, 30 alumnos 18.0 40.0
    AF3: Prácticas de laboratorio, salas especiales (disección, necropsias, museo anatómico), planta piloto de tecnología de alimentos, mataderos o salas informáticas en grupos reducidos, 15-20 alumnos por profesor. 31.5 40.0
    AF8: Tutorías grupales programadas, en grupos de 8-10 alumnos. 4.5 40.0
    Total 90.00

  7. Course schedule

    https://www.um.es/web/estudios/grados/veterinaria/2026-27#horarios

  8. Assessment systems

    Identifier Name of the assessment tool Assessment criteria Weighting
    S12 Prueba de evaluación continua a la finalización de cada tema.

    CRITERIA:

    • Conceptual knowledge
    • Capacity for analysis and synthesis
    • Ability to use and understand appropriate vocabulary

    Multiple choice exams with 10 questions with 4 possible answers. Incorrect answers will not be penalized. Rating: 0-10 points, it is necessary to obtain at least 5 points to pass.

    The S12 assessment is recoverable; please refer to the Observations section for further details.

    		 50.0
    SE3 Elaboración individual de informes.

    CRITERIA:

    • Capacity for analysis and synthesis
    • Critical thinking
    • Analyze, synthesize, solve problems and make decisions in the professional fields of the veterinarian
    • Written communication with use of appropriate vocabulary
    • Search and manage information related to the activity
    • Interpret results of basic analytical techniques

    This test will be graded from 0 to 10 points and will have a specific weight of 50% of the final grade. The following elements will be considered: Reports (Seminars and/or clinical cases). Being necessary to obtain at least 5 points to pass.

    The SE3 assessment is not recoverable:please refer to the Observations section for further details.

    		 50.0

  9. Exam dates

    https://www.um.es/web/estudios/grados/veterinaria/2026-27#examenes

  10. Learning outcomes

    • Students learn how to set up a basic laboratory for veterinary analysis
    • Students know to interpret correctly a haemogram of the most common veterinary species
    • Students know how to interpret correctly serum biochemical profile of the most common veterinary species
    • Students know the basic interpretation of cytology from masses, organs, and body fluids

  11. Bibliography

    Group: GRUPO 1

    Further reading

  12. Remarks

    SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

    Those students with disabilities or special educational needs may contact the Service of Attention to Diversity and Volunteering (ADYV - https://www.um.es/adyv) to receive guidance on better use of their training process and, where appropriate, the adoption of measures of equalization and improvement for inclusion, under the Rectoral Resolution R-358/2016. The treatment of information about this student body, in compliance with the LOPD, is strictly confidential.

    ASSESSMENT

    In the assessment process, Article 135.1(v) of the Statutes of the University of Murcia, Article 8.6 of the Student Assessment Regulations (REVA), and Instruction SG 18/2026 issued by the Secretary General of the University of Murcia, which interprets these provisions, shall apply. The instruction is available at the following link: https://sede.um.es/sede/documento/normativa/instruccion-del-secretario-general-sg-18-2026-sobre-la-interpretacion-y-aplicacion-del-art-135-1-v-estatutos-umu/24199.pdf

    Students are also reminded that Article 22.1 of the Student Assessment Regulations (REVA) provides that "any student who engages in fraudulent conduct, including the improper misrepresentation of identity or authorship, or who is in possession of means or instruments that facilitate such conduct, shall receive a grade of zero in the assessment process and may, where appropriate, be subject to disciplinary sanctions following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings."

    REMARKS FROM THE TEACHING STAFF

    SAFETY:

    Due to biosafety reasons, in laboratory practices, students must wear white coats, gloves and, if necessary, masks The laboratories have eyewash Appropriate ways for the disposal of solid waste, glass and sharp material, biological material and reagents will be used

    Total or parcial recording of lessons, seminars or practices is not allowed, unless professor authorisation.

    ASSESSMENT

    • S12 assessment: This assessment component may be retaken through a written examination during the official final examination periods (graded on a 0–10 scale). A minimum score of 5 out of 10 is required to pass the course. Students must have attended at least 80% of the scheduled class hours to be eligible to sit the examination.
    • SE3 assessment: This assessment component is not recoverable, as it consists of group-based assignments completed during the course under the guidance and supervision of the teaching staff. These activities must be carried out within the designated teaching period, following a schedule that requires coordination between students and educators.

    Esta asignatura se encuentra vinculada de forma directa con el Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible 15 - Vida y Ecosistemas Terrestres.