Courses Overview
Approve:The University of Milan
Dr. Alessandro Vetere
DVM, MSc, PhD, GPCert (ExAP),DECZM (Herpetology)
Prof.Lorenzo Crosta
med vet, PhD, DECZM, DACEPM，GP-Cert (Exotic Animal)
Dr. Petra Schnitzer
med vet, GP-Cert (Exotic Animals), MANZCVS (Australasian Wildlife), Diplomate American College of Exotic Pet Medicine
Prof. Vladimir Jekl
Assoc. Prof, DVM, Ph.D., DipECZM (Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery)
Prof. Giuliano Ravasio
Head of the Operative Unit of Veterinary Anesthesia and Intensive Care at Veterinary Teaching Hospital
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.
Module 1
Exotic Pet Medicine for Reptiles
Dr.Alessandro Vetere
March.31 - April.3, 2026 | Shanghai, China
Module 2
Exotic Pet Medicine for Avians
Prof.Lorenzo Crosta & Dr. Petra Schnitzer
June.2-5, 2026 | Shanghai, China
Module 3
Exotic Pet Medicine for Small Mammals
Prof. Vladimir Jekl
Aug.10-13, 2026 | Shanghai, China
Module 4
Exotic Animal Anaethesia & Diagnostic Imaging
Prof. Giuliano Ravasio & Dr. Petra Schnitzer
Dec.1-3, 2026 | Shanghai, China
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
Prof.Lorenzo Crosta
med vet, PhD, DECZM, DACEPM，GP-Cert (Exotic Animal)
FNOVI acknowledged veterinarian in Avian and Zoo medicine
EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Zoo Health Management
Professore a contratto Università di Milano
Referente Animali Esotici Anicura - Ist Veterinario Novara
From 2018 to 2021, he was an Associate Professor of Avian and Zoological Medicine at the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Australia.
Dr. Petra Schnitzer
med vet, GP-Cert (Exotic Animals),
MANZCVS (Australasian Wildlife),
Diplomate American College of Exotic Pet Medicine.
Prof. Vladimir Jekl
Assoc. Prof, DVM, Ph.D., DipECZM (Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery)
Head, ECZM Small Mammal Examination Committee (2015-2022)
European Recognized Specialist in Zoological Medicine (Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery)
Certified practitioner in Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery (Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons of the Czech Republic）
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.
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 |
