Introduction to Veterinary Cardiology: The Heart of Animal Health

This exciting module covers the anatomy, physiology, and introductory pathology of the heart using the dog as a model species. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the structure and function of animal cardiovascular systems, the underlying principles of cardiovascular physiology, and basic principles of veterinary cardiology.

Module leader: Mel Chapman

Staff who will deliver sessions on the module: Mel Chapman, Fay Penrose, Hannah Hodgkiss Geere, Karen Noble

Aims

To equip students with knowledge about the structure of the heart.
To explore the physiological mechanisms governing heart function
To teach students the basics of diagnosing and managing heart diseases in animals, including the use of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies such as pharmacological treatments.

Content

The following topics will be considered on the module:

Introduction to the Cardiovascular System
Physiology of the Heart
Anatomy of the Heart
Veterinary examination of the heart
Diagnostics in cardiac disease Practical session in clinical skills
Group presentation of cases assigned in session 3

Structure

The module will be delivered over a three-week period in six two-hour sessions (four hours per week, total 12 hours contact time).

The course will be interactive in nature, with the sessions highly focused on understanding, interpretation, and expression: encouraging students to put theory into practice throughout. The indicative schedule is as follows:

Session one: Introduction to the Cardiovascular System

The functional anatomy of the heart and great vessels

The circulatory system of the adult mammal
The main differences between blood vessel types (arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules and veins) and how this relates to their function.

The movement of blood with reference to pressure differences in the heart and vessels.

Delivery: Session will be interactive and use discussion and guided self-discovery. Examples of real-life cases and anecdotes from the vets and specialists teaching the topic will be given.

Session two: Physiology of the Heart

The Cardiac Cycle (in terms of diastole, systole, and heart sounds)

Cardiac Output and Stroke Volume (Heart rate, preload, afterload and contractility)

Heart Rate Control and autonomic regulation (sympathetic and parasympathetic influence on cardiac parameters).

Delivery: Sessions will be taught through real life cases, guided self-discovery and through small group discussion.

Session three: Anatomy of the Heart

Practical dissection of sheep heart (dissection Health and Safety briefing plus dissection guide will be provided prior to the use of scalpel or scissors).

Delivery: Individual specimens with step-by-step instruction and guidance for the dissection. Time given in session for some consolidation of understanding and questioning. 1:1 discussion with lecturers and specialists on the day.

Session four: Veterinary examination of the heart

Basic diagnostic tools for assessing cardiac health (auscultation, ECG, radiography, ultrasound, blood pressure)

Common cardiac diseases seen in animals (limited to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Mitral valve regurgitation). Medications that alter the circulatory system (in terms of rate, contractility, fluid balance and blood pressure)

Delivery: This session will involve the use of IT and video’s to show real life cases and work through the diseases.

Session five: Diagnostics in cardiac disease Practical session in clinical skills

Auscultation of the heart (using the simulated model or a live dog)

Positioning a dog and a cat for a chest Xray

Ultrasound of wrists (students will do this on themselves)

Taking the blood pressure of a live dog

Delivery will be practical, hands-on work. All students will be briefed on health and safety when working with animals before they are able to interact with the dogs. Dogs will be selected by temperament and ease of working.

Session six: Group presentation of cases assigned in session 3

Students will have been allocated a real-life case and a list of cardiac medications. Their task is to work in small groups of 3, and to discuss the anatomy of the heart and to explore the altered physiology of the failing anatomy. Students will then advise on the diagnostic toolskit required to assess the disease process and select an appropriate medication from the list and explain how it will work to help the failing heart do a better job.

Teaching methods

The teaching approach will include the following:

Taught sessions
Small group working
Practical activities
Presentations
Real world examples and cases

Assessment

Assessment will be by:

Group presentation (worth 50% of the overall mark)
Multiple choice/short answer papers (worth 50% of the overall mark).

Standard University policies apply regarding late submission of assessments.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

Identify and discuss normal structure and function of the heart and major blood vessels of the dog.
Explain the cardiac cycle and the regulation of heart rate and discuss the physiology and pharmacology of heart disease.
Demonstrate the use of appropriate diagnostic tools in the canine cardiac patient and be able to identify normal from abnormal results.

Skills

Key skills that will be developed:

Collaboration and teamwork, through group discussions, activities and tasks in class, and collaborative research
Communication skills
Problem solving
Manual clinical skills and diagnostic imaging skills

Reading

The University Library website provides access to many relevant books, as well as academic journals and databases.