Courses Overview

Approve:The University of Milan

Dr. Alessandro Vetere

DVM, MSc, PhD, GPCert (ExAP),DECZM (Herpetology)

March.31 - April.3, 2026  |  Shanghai, China

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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

 

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Curriculum

*Course Details & Instructor Subject to Adjustments.

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

Day 1 

● Husbandry, nutrition, and behavior (including inpatient care) of reptiles – Part 1

● Husbandry, nutrition, and behavior (including inpatient care) of reptiles – Part 2

● Diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases in reptiles – Part 1

● Diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases in reptiles – Part 2

 

Day 2 

● Reproduction and urogenital system diseases in reptiles – Part 1

● Reproduction and urogenital system diseases in reptiles – Part 2

● Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory system diseases in reptiles

● Locomotory system in reptiles: Common orthopedic surgery in reptilian traumatology

Day 3

● Regenerative medicine in reptiles: the use of TLRP, stem cells, and therapeutic lasers

● Interpretation of radiographic images in reptiles (chelonians and squamates)

● Seminar on complex internal medicine cases in reptiles

● Immunology, hematology and cyto-pathology

● Infectious diseases of reptiles: immune function, emerging pathogens in captivity, and biosecurity

● Endoscopy and surgery in reptiles

★Day 4 - Wet Lab

● Practical hematology/cytology

● Endoscopy and surgery in reptiles

● Common surgical techniques for reptiles part 1

● Common surgical techniques for reptiles part 2

● Necropsy and sampling techniques in reptiles

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Instructor

Dr.Alessandro Vetere

DVM, MSc, PhD, GPCert (ExAP),DECZM (Herpetology)

Graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Milan

ESVPS GPCert certificate in exotic animal practice

Executive board of the Italian SIVAE

Second-level Master's degree in Exotic Animals from the University of Parma, Italy

PhD at the University of Parma

Certified by the American College of Exotic Pet Medicine

ECZM European College of Zoological Medicine and joined its Examination Committee

Currently works as a researcher in the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Parma

Payment Method

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

· Alipay

Course Fee

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