This article outlines the comprehensive reform of the Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Université de Montréal, with a focus on the integration of a competency-based approach within the existing curriculum. The primary purpose of this reform was to enhance student competency and address specific deficiencies in competencies as revealed by annual outcomes assessment surveys. The authors developed a competency framework with seven competencies and specific elements, providing a foundation for the educational redesign. This framework guided the creation of learning-assessment situations (LAS) aimed at promoting active and contextualized learning throughout the program. The competency development and assessment pathway (CDAP) matrix was established to align LAS within the traditional program structure and track student progress. A learning portfolio and a competency certification process were introduced to support student learning and assess competency achievement. The authors discuss change management, including the paradigm shift towards programmatic assessment, and provide insights into the evolution of the program post-implementation. Preliminary outcomes assessment reveals positive changes in how teaching staff and students perceive the program. Despite challenges related to human resource constraints, the authors emphasize the significance of this reform, which aligns with current trends in medical education. This paper underscores the importance of tailoring educational approaches to specific institutional environments while maintaining programmatic rigor and quality assurance.

Many learning resources can help students develop the problem-solving abilities and clinical skills required for diagnostic imaging. This study explored veterinary students' perceptions of the usefulness of a variety of learning resources. Perceived resource usefulness was measured for different levels of students and for academic versus clinical preparation. Third-year (n=139) and final (fifth) year (n=105) students and recent graduates (n=56) completed questionnaires on perceived usefulness of each resource. Resources were grouped for comparison: abstract/low complexity (e.g., notes, multimedia presentations), abstract/high complexity (e.g., Web-based and film case repositories), concrete/low complexity (e.g., large-group "clicker" workshops), and concrete/high complexity (e.g., small-group interpretation workshops). Lower-level students considered abstract/low-complexity resources more useful for academic preparation and concrete resources more useful for clinical preparation. Higher-level students/recent graduates also considered abstract/low-complexity resources more useful for academic preparation. For all levels, lecture notes were considered highly useful. Multimedia slideshows were an interactive complement to notes. The usefulness of a Web-based case repository was limited by accessibility problems and difficulty. Traditional abstract/low-complexity resources were considered useful for more levels and contexts than expected. Concrete/high-complexity resources need to better represent clinical practice to be considered more useful for clinical preparation.

This study assessed the feasibility of measuring tiludronate in horses using a minimally invasive bone biopsy technique. Eight horses were treated with intravenous (IV) tiludronate [1 mg/kg bodyweight (BW)], either once (n = 4) or twice, 28 d apart (n = 4). The horses that were treated once were euthanized on days 1, 43, 57, or 92 and those that were treated twice, were euthanized on days 112, 154, 194, or 364. Bone samples were taken bilaterally from each horse at 4 sites: the third metacarpal bone (MCIII), the 13th rib (R13), the tuber coxae (TC), and the cuboid bone (CB). Test samples were taken with a 5-mm diameter dental drill, while larger reference samples were taken with an osteotome. The concentrations of tiludronate were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. The TC was the easiest site to sample, and no technical difficulties were encountered for extraction and measurement. Drill sampling at the MCIII was difficult. Moreover, both the extraction and measurement caused technical problems and results were unreliable in most cases (93%). Drill samples obtained from the R13 were very small and access to the CB required considerable dissection, which would not be feasible in vivo. Forty-six percent and 36% of the tiludronate measurements performed on the R13 and CB samples, respectively, were unreliable. The ratio of tiludronate concentrations ranged from 73% to 185% (median: 118%) in the TC, 65% to 208% (median: 81%) in the R13, and 26% to 110% (median: 57%) in the CB. In all but 1 horse, the highest concentrations of tiludronate were found in the TC. It was concluded that bone biopsies performed at the TC were adequate for measuring tiludronate in horses and should be considered in future for repeated measurements over time in living animals.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the expression of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 isoforms in naturally occurring ulcers of the nonglandular portion of the stomach in horses. SPECIMEN POPULATION: 38 specimens from ulcerated stomachs and 10 specimens from healthy stomachs. PROCEDURES Specimens were collected at an abbatoir; for each specimen of squamous gastric mucosa, 1 portion was fixed in neutral-buffered 10% formalin for immunohistochemical analysis and another was frozen at -70 degrees C for immunoblotting analysis. Immunoreactivity to 2 antibodies, MF241 (selective for COX-1) and MF243 (selective for COX-2), was evaluated by a veterinary pathologist using a scoring system. Expression of COX-1 and COX-2 was confirmed by use of immunoblotting analyses. RESULTS All specimens from healthy stomachs strongly expressed COX-1, whereas only 2 of 10 expressed COX-2. The expression of both isoforms varied greatly in the ulcerated mucosal specimens. Expression of COX-1 was significantly lower and expression of COX-2 was significantly higher in ulcerated versus healthy specimens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Increased expression of COX-2 in gastric ulcers of the squamous portion of the stomach in horses suggested a role for this enzyme in gastric ulcer healing.

Contexte : Les cartes conceptuelles peuvent répondre à des usages multiples en éducation en sciences de la santé, comme stratégie de communication, comme aide à l’apprentissage, comme aide à la planification ou comme soutien à l’évaluation. Mais leur utilisation réelle dans le champ de la formation en sciences de la santé est mal connue. But : Les buts de cette étude exploratoire étaient : de documenter les pratiques actuelles d’utilisation des cartes conceptuelles dans le quotidien des professeurs en sciences de la santé ayant suivi une formation en ce domaine; d’identifier les conditions perçues comme favorisant ou freinant leur utilisation. Méthodes : La population visée était les professeurs en sciences de la santé ayant suivi une formation sur les cartes conceptuelles dans deux universités québécoises (n = 55). Un questionnaire en ligne a été conçu spécifiquement pour cette étude exploratoire. Une analyse comparative du contenu permettant de faire ressortir les similitudes et différences a été réalisée. Résultats : Plus de trois quart des répondants (n = 26 = 33) rapportent utiliser les cartes conceptuelles. Leur utilisation est très variée : simple ou complexe, en prestation d’enseignement ou en évaluation, carte créée par le professeur et/ou les étudiants, construite en mode individuel ou collaboratif, en petit ou grand groupe. L’apprentissage signifiant est identifié comme un avantage important des cartes conceptuelles alors que le temps supplémentaire requis est perçu comme un des obstacles à leur utilisation. Conclusion : Les pratiques actuelles d’utilisation des cartes conceptuelles en éducation en sciences de la santé sont diversifiées et les obstacles identifiés apparaissent surmontables, ce qui est prometteur pour l’avenir.

Annual alumni and employer surveys, initially designed as outcomes assessment tools, were integrated into a new internal quality assurance strategy to improve the doctor of veterinary medicine program at the University of Montreal's Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire. Data collected annually from the classes of 2004-2007 indicated that alumni and their employers were generally satisfied with their level of preparation after one year of professional activity. Specific weaknesses were found in non-technical skills such as communication and resource management. These data were used in support of other forms of feedback to guide curricular reform.

Little research has focused on extended therapy for cows with clinical mastitis during lactation. Ceftiofur should be effective against a wide range of mastitis pathogens including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It could be considered as a reasonable choice for treatment of clinical mastitis. The objective of the present study was to determine if extended therapy would increase cure rates of a ceftiofur treatment for non-acute clinical mastitis, for all bacteria and more specifically for Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci. The hypothesis was that extended therapy would enhance the cure rate of ceftiofur for non-acute clinical mastitis.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY:Equine antidoping rules were established to prevent a horse's performance being altered after the administration of prohibited substances, including approved drugs used for legitimate treatment. Veterinarians have to advise owners or trainers on appropriate withholding times to guarantee that their horses may safely compete after drug administration. In order to propose tailored withdrawal times, several horse organisations released detection time (DT) values, for the main veterinary drugs used in horses. One of the possible limits to the information provided by published DTs in horses is the fact that they are determined from classic pharmacokinetic studies performed at rest under laboratory conditions. In field conditions, training and exercise programmes may have an influence on drug elimination.METHODS:Dexamethasone (DMX) and phenylbutazone (PBZ) have been quantified in plasma and urine after solid phase extraction. The kinetic disposition of DXM (8 microg/kg) and PBZ (8 mg/kg) administered by i.v. route in 8 horses, was investigated in rest conditions and during a standardised 3 h test exercise according to a cross-over design.OBJECTIVES:The aim of the present study was to compare the kinetic disposition of 2 test drugs, DMX and PBZ in rest vs. exercising conditions.RESULTS:It was shown in 8 horses that a sustained 3 h of mild exercise slightly decreased the plasma clearance of both drugs (about 25% for DXM and 37% for PBZ) and this is mainly explained by the significant decrease of the corresponding hepatic clearance. In addition, as the volume of distribution was correlatively decreased, the plasma terminal half-life, which is a hybrid parameter of plasma clearance and volume of distribution, remains unchanged overall.CONCLUSION AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE:Establishing DTs or withdrawal times (WTs) are relevant as plasma and urine half-lives, but not clearance, are the main determinants of DT length. Veterinarians may realistically decide upon a WT for a legitimate drug based on the corresponding DT obtained under resting conditions providing this drug has a low hepatic extraction ratio and a safety margin is added to allow for all possible sources of variability.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY:In order to study the evolution of histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in the gastric mucosa of horses with EGUS (equine gastric ulcer syndrome), a feasible, useful, valid and safe in vivo gastric biopsy technique is required.OBJECTIVES:To determine the average gastric mucosal healing time following endoscopic gastric biopsy sampling, and evaluate the feasibility, safety and usefulness of samples obtained by this method for histopathological analysis.METHODS:Six mature mares from the Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire research herd were used. Transendoscopic gastric biopsy was performed on Days 0 and 9 using a flexible forceps with oval and fenestrated jaws to obtain gastric mucosal samples from 4 different sites: cardia (C), fundus (F), margo plicatus (MP) and glandular mucosa (GL). A maximum of 4 samples per site was taken and processed routinely for histopathology, evaluated by a pathologist. On Days 1-4 and 9-11 the lesions created by the biopsies were evaluated by gastroscopy. Lesions were evaluated over time based on a score from 0-4, where 4 was the most severe.RESULTS:Biopsy samples could be obtained from all targeted sites except C. No abnormal clinical signs were observed up to 7 days post biopsy. The average biopsy lesion scores decreased significantly with time for all sites. The average lesion score was significantly higher for the MP compared to the other sites at Days 1 and 2. Samples taken from the nonglandular portion of the stomach were considered inadequate for histopathology, while those taken from the glandular mucosa were adequate.CONCLUSION:The transendoscopic gastric biopsy technique described here is a feasible, safe and useful technique for obtaining samples from the equine gastric glandular mucosa. Although biopsy samples could be obtained from several areas in the nonglandular mucosa, these were very small, took longer to heal and were not considered adequate for histopathological evaluation, and another technique should therefore be validated.

To improve content validity and the pertinence of outcome assessment tools used for the undergraduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Montreal's Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, a survey of members of the Quebec veterinary association was conducted. This survey aimed to determine the importance of a list of 71 attributes—categorized as knowledge, general skills, specific skills, and attitudes—for clinical and non-clinical types of professional activities. The results indicated that all basic knowledge components, general skills, and attitudes were equally important for all types of veterinary professional activities, while the importance of specific skills was significantly different for clinical practice and non-clinical fields. It was therefore proposed that outcomes assessment surveys of stakeholders, such as alumni and employers, be analyzed separately for each type of career option.

BACKGROUND:Teaching methods that provide an opportunity for individual engagement and focussed feedback are required to create an active learning environment for case-based teaching in large groups.AIMS:A prospective observational controlled study was conducted to evaluate whether the use of an audience response system (ARS) would promote an active learning environment during case-based discussions in large groups, have an impact on student motivation and improve long-term retention.METHODS:Group A (N = 83) participated in large group case discussions where student participation was voluntary, while for group B (N = 86) an ARS was used. Data collection methods included student and teacher surveys, student focus group interviews, independent observations and 1-year post-course testing.RESULTS:Results indicated that the use of an ARS provided an active learning environment during case-based discussions in large groups by favouring engagement, observation and critical reflection and by increasing student and teacher motivation. Although final exam results were significantly improved in group B, long-term retention was not significantly different between groups.CONCLUSIONS:It was concluded that ARS use significantly improved the learning experience associated with case-based discussions in a large group of undergraduate students.

OBJECTIVE:To compare efficacy and safety of paste formulations of firocoxib and phenylbutazone in horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis.DESIGN:Randomized controlled clinical trial.ANIMALS:253 client-owned horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis.PROCEDURES:Horses were treated with firocoxib (0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) or phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg [2 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) for 14 days. Physical examinations and lameness evaluations were performed prior to treatment and after 7 and 14 days. Clinical improvement was defined as a reduction of at least 1 lameness grade or a combined reduction of at least 3 points in scores for pain during manipulation or palpation, joint swelling, joint circumference, and range of motion.RESULTS:Proportion of horses clinically improved on day 14 for the firocoxib group (104/123 [84.6%]) was not significantly different from the proportion for the phenylbutazone group (103/119 [86.6%]). Proportion of horses that were improved on day 14 was significantly greater for horses treated with firocoxib than for horses treated with phenylbutazone with regard to score for pain on manipulation or palpation (P = 0.028), joint circumference score (P = 0.026), and range of motion score (P = 0.012), but not for overall lameness score or joint swelling score. No direct treatment-related adverse effects were detected during the study.CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Results suggested that overall clinical efficacy of a paste formulation of firocoxib in horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis was comparable to efficacy of a paste formulation of phenylbutazone.

Bioavailability and pharmacological effects of tiludronate were compared when administered as an intravenous (i.v.) bolus at a dosage of 0.1 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) once daily for 10 consecutive days (group 1, n = 6) and as a single constant rate infusion (CRI) at a total dose of 1 mg/kg b.w. (group 2, n = 6) in healthy adult horses. Tiludronate and carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) were measured in plasma and urine. There was no statistically significant difference in area under the curve (AUC) and clearance (Cl) between the two groups. Bioavailability of the CRI was 103% (not significantly different) that of the 10 daily i.v. bolus doses. Cumulative urine tiludronate excretion could not be compared between groups because of poor sensitivity of the assay in urine. Plasma and urine CTX-1 levels were not different between groups throughout the study. However, interindividual variations were greater in group 1 than in group 2. A significant decrease in CTX-1 levels was observed in plasma after the first administration in group 1, but not in urine; while in group 2, a significant decrease in CTX-1 concentrations was observed after treatment in both plasma and urine. In conclusion, both dosage regimens of tiludronate produced similar plasma exposure and pharmacological effects in adult healthy horses.

Tiludronate, a bisphosphonate, has recently been licensed in several European countries, but not in Belgium, for the treatment of navicular disease and osteoarthritis of the hock joints (bone spavin) in horses. In a first part, this review article summarizes the main pharmacological properties of this class of drugs, as well as their indications in both human and veterinary medicine. In a second part, the methods of efficacy assessment of bisphosphonates, along with the difficulties encountered in their application in horses, are discussed. Finally, a review of available data about pharmacology of tiludronate in horses is presented. In conclusion, tiludronate seems to be promising in the field of locomotor diseases therapy in horses, but further studies are still required in order to better document their potentials and limitations.

The objectives of this in vitro study were to describe cytochrome-dependent metabolism of clomipramine in canine and feline microsomes, compare metabolic profiles between cats, rats and dogs, and investigate a potential gender-related difference in metabolic activity between male and female cats. Pooled liver microsomes were incubated with clomipramine, where species and gender-specific reactions were initiated by the addition of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate regenerating system and quenched with methanol at 0, 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min, and 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 360 min respectively. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure clomipramine and its metabolites. Preliminary results showed that cat microsomes biotransformed clomipramine slower and less efficiently than rat and dog microsomes. Moreover, gender differences in metabolic profiles suggested that male cat microsomes may be less efficient demethylators and hydroxylators than female cat microsomes. As gender metabolic differences may carry clinical significance for this antidepressant, further studies are warranted.