Medicine and Surgery

Understanding disease processes

The research of the section is centered on understanding disease processes, including inflammation, and the effect these have on the welfare and health of the animals.

We also work with objective measurement methods to identify animal diseases, such as lameness. In addition, we focus on diseases caused by intensive animal production and as a consequence of physical training of the animals. 

Furthermore, we work with hygiene principles and protection against infection between animals and humans (zoonosis), with the intent of minimizing antibiotic usage and development of antibiotic resistance as part of our research efforts.

Finally we conduct research concerning the use of traditional animal models, i.e. research regarding animals with diseases, which are also found in people, and where the trans-disciplinary research can contribute to the knowledge and understanding of diseases in humans.

Dialog with veterinarians and animal owners

The section for Medicine and Surgery collaborates closely with practicing veterinarians across the country, who will often refer an animal to receive further evaluation at the University Hospital. Furthermore, we have close contact to animal owners in relation to the animals being admitted to the University Hospital.

The section for Medicine and Surgery provides teaching for the veterinary students from their 3^rd year of studies until they graduate. Teaching is a very large part of our job, and we have both theoretical teaching, such as lectures, seminars, written assignments, and advising for the students, as well as practical teaching.

The practical part of the education primarily takes place at the University Hospital in Tåstrup, where cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and pigs are included in the teachings. In addition, we have external teaching activities in herds around the country.

Furthermore, we also have E-based learning modules, as well as so-called “skills laboratories” where the students can practice procedures on animated animal models.