Courses Overview

Approve:The University of Milan

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

June.2-5, 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 

● Psittacosis, PBFDV, and Polyomavirus (L. Crosta)

● PDD/Avian ganglioneuritis & Herpesvirus (P. Schnitzer)

● Avian Nutritional Diseases (L. Crosta)

● Avian Toxicology (P. Schnitzer)

 

Day 2 

● Avian Neurology  (L. Crosta)

● Avian gastroenterology  (P. Schnitzer)

● Avian neonatology and pediatrics  (L. Crosta)

● Management and medicine of small passerines (P Schnitzer)

★Day 3 Theory + Wet Lab

● Advanced Avian Endoscopy

● Managing diseases in avian collections and conservation projects (L Crosta)

● Avian soft tissue surgery Lab

● Avian orthopedic surgery Lab

★Day 4 - Wet Lab

● Avian Cases 1

● Avian Endoscopy Practical Lab part 1

● Avian Endoscopy Practical Lab part 2

● Cases from the audience (send them at least 2 weeks before the event)

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Instructor

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.

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