Courses Overview

Approve:The University of Milan

Prof. Giuliano Ravasio

Head of the Operative Unit of Veterinary Anesthesia and Intensive Care at Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Dr. Petra Schnitzer

med vet, GP-Cert (Exotic Animals), MANZCVS (Australasian Wildlife), Diplomate American College of Exotic Pet Medicine

Dec 1-3, 2026  |  Shanghai, China

---

Course Overview

The Exotic Animal Course 2026 offers a complete, modular training system designed for veterinarians seeking advanced skills in reptile medicine, avian medicine, small mammal medicine, and exotic animal anesthesia and diagnostic imaging. This program provides an in-depth, practice-oriented curriculum led by internationally recognized exotic veterinary specialists.

1. Fully Modular Structure Covering All Major Exotic Species

The course consists of four independent modules, allowing participants to follow a full structured pathway or choose targeted training based on their clinical needs:

· Module 1: Reptiles – reptile husbandry, diagnostics, medicine, surgery

· Module 2: Birds – avian infectious diseases, endoscopy, pediatrics, soft-tissue and orthopedic surgery

· Module 3: Small Mammals – dentistry, oncology, GI surgery, ophthalmology

· Module 4: Exotic Animal Anaesthesia & Diagnostic Imaging – advanced protocols and imaging interpretation across species

This flexible structure is ideal for veterinarians and exotic clinicians seeking progressive or species-specific training.

2. Advanced and Comprehensive Exotic Animal Curriculum

The program covers a wide range of essential and advanced clinical skills, including:

· Husbandry, nutrition, and behavior for reptiles, birds, and small mammals

· Systemic disease diagnosis & treatment (GI, respiratory, urogenital, neurology, hepatology, etc.)

· Regenerative medicine: TLRP, stem cell therapy, therapeutic lasers

· Advanced diagnostic imaging: ultrasound, radiography, CT interpretation

· Endoscopy and minimally invasive procedures

· Soft-tissue, orthopedic, and complex surgical techniques

· Focused training on key clinical challenges such as:

· PBFD, Psittacosis, Polyomavirus in birds

· Rabbit abscesses and guinea pig dental disease

· Reptile internal medicine and surgical management

This ensures both breadth and depth for optimal clinical application.

3. High-Value Hands-On Practical Labs

Each module includes dedicated Practical Labs, ensuring strong skill development through real procedures:

· Hematology and cytology

· Diagnostic ultrasound

· Endoscopy and endoscopic surgery

· Reptile and avian surgical techniques

· Ophthalmic and orthopedic procedures

· CT case interpretation and interactive imaging sessions

with specific skills varying by module.

4. World-Class Faculty of Exotic Animal Specialists

The teaching team features leading experts with:

· ECZM or DACEPM board certification

· PhD-level academic qualifications

· University teaching posts and extensive clinical experience

Their expertise ensures scientifically accurate, clinically relevant, and up-to-date training aligned with modern exotic veterinary standards.

5. Specialized Module for Anaesthesia & Imaging

Module 4 provides advanced, highly practical training on two of the most challenging areas in exotic practice:

· Exotic animal anesthesia and analgesia

· Reptile, avian, and small mammal imaging techniques

· Real clinical case interpretation sessions

 

---

Curriculum

*Course Details & Instructor Subject to Adjustments.

Please refer to the final official announcement for the most up-to-date information.

Day 1 

● Reptile anesthesia and analgesia (G Ravasio)

● Avian anesthesia and analgesia  (G Ravasio)

● Small mammal anesthesia and analgesia  (G Ravasio)

● Zoo animal and wildlife anesthesia  (G Ravasio)

 

Day 2 

● Imaging techniques in Reptile medicine (P Schnitzer)

● Imaging techniques in Avian medicine (P Schnitzer)

● Imaging techniques in Small Mammal Medicine (P Schnitzer)

● Advanced Avian Ultrasound (P Schnitzer)

★Day 3 - Wet Lab

● Exotic animal anaesthesia techniques (G Ravasio)

● Exotic animal anaesthesia practical cases (G Ravasio)

● Exotic animal imaging cases part 1 (P Schnitzer)

● Exotic animal imaging cases part 2 (P Schnitzer)

---

Instructor

Prof. Giuliano Ravasio

Head of the Operative Unit of Veterinary Anesthesia and Intensive Care at Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Associate Professor of Veterinary Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at the University of the Study of Milan (Italy).

DVM and PhD, University of Milan.

Resident of the European College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ECVAA) (2013-2016)

Scientific member of ethical committee for animal welfare (Organismo Preposto al Benessere Animale, OPBA). University of the Study of Milan.

President of the Italian Society of Veterinary of anesthesia and pain therapy

Member of the European Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists.

Dr. Petra Schnitzer

med vet, GP-Cert (Exotic Animals),

MANZCVS (Australasian Wildlife),

Diplomate American College of Exotic Pet Medicine.

Payment Method

· Bank Transfer (CNY / EURO / USD / HKD )

· Alipay

Course Fee

Four-module Combined Registration	30,000 CNY
Exotic Pet Medicine for Reptiles	9,800 CNY
Exotic Pet Medicine for Avians	9,800 CNY
Exotic Pet Medicine for Small Mammals	9,400 CNY
Exotic Animal Anaethesia & Diagnostic Imaging	9,700 CNY