Small Animal Medicine

Description of the field

The subject of small animal medicine focuses mainly on clinical issues related to companion animals, which includes several animal species, but mainly dogs and cats. Small animal medicine involves prevention, pathophysiology, diagnostics and medical treatment of medical conditions in small animals. Today, teaching of the subject is conducted at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Current research

The research conducted in the subject aims primarily to improve animal health and treatment methods, both on herd- and individual levels. In part of the research, there are major comparative aspects with humans within One Health. Furthermore, improved animal welfare contributes to improved human well-being. 

Today, research is currently conducted in, for example, epidemiology, etiopathology, pathophysiology, prevention, biomarkers, prognosis, diagnostics, and treatment for, among others, the following diseases in dogs and cats:

• Blood diseases
• Heart diseases
• Hormonal diseases
• Immune-mediated diseases
• Infectious diseases
• Neurological diseases
• Nutrition-related diseases
• Poisonings
• Skin diseases
• Tumor diseases
• Urinary tract diseases