Special Session 10

SPECIAL SESSION #10

Caterina Puccinelli

Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Italy

• caterina.puccinelli@unipi.it

Irene Nocera

Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, School of Advanced Studies Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy

• irene.nocera@santannapisa.it

Chiara Di Franco

Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Italy; National Research Council, Pisa, Italy

• chiara.difranco@phd.unipi.it

Enrica Zucca

Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Italy

• enrica.zucca@unimi.it

In recent years, veterinary medicine has undergone significant progress, driven by innovative and emerging technologies that enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and overall well-being of animals. The field of diagnostic imaging has seen remarkable advancements, with digital radiography, 3D ultrasound, sonoelastography, and wireless ultrasound devices revolutionizing the accuracy and efficiency of veterinary practices. These technologies allow veterinarians to obtain highly detailed images and improve the detection and management of various conditions. Additionally, wearable devices, including smart textiles and sensors, provide real-time data on animals' vital signs, enabling continuous monitoring and early detection of diseases. These tools not only facilitate proactive care but also improve communication with clients, fostering trust and understanding. Furthermore, the integration of these devices into telemedicine platforms supports remote consultations and treatment planning. This Special Session aims to explore the challenges and opportunities arising from advancements in animal diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. It aims to assess the feasibility, reliability, and accuracy of these innovative tools while exploring strategies to make veterinary care more accessible. Emphasis will also be placed on enhancing treatment decisions through the integration of digital devices.

Keywords:
Digital; wireless; innovative device; smart tools; telemedicine.

CATERINA PUCCINELLI
In April 2019, Caterina Puccinelli graduated from the University of Pisa, with a thesis on “Radiology and Echocardiography Compared in Canine and Feline Cardiac Diseases”. In February 2023, she earned her PhD with a thesis on “Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) and Shear Wave Elastography (2D-SWE) in Nephropathic Dogs”, supervised by Prof. Simonetta Citi. She is currently a researcher at the Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, and is pursuing a second-level Master’s in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging. Her training includes advanced courses and visiting periods in Diagnostic Imaging.

IRENE NOCERA
Irene Nocera is a veterinarian surgeon with 8 years of experience working with horses and large animals. Irene graduated in 2017, and got her PhD in 2021 with thesis on diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in equine colic syndrome. She is growing her professional experience in large animal surgery, orthopaedic and diagnostic imaging. Her research topics mainly focus on specific and innovative diagnostic imaging techniques in equine practice, and innovative devices and biomarkers as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in sport horses. In her free time, she loves to be surrounded by nature and her beloved pets.

CHIARA DI FRANCO
Born in Florence in 1992, Chiara graduated from the University of Pisa in 2018. From March 2019 to September 2020, she worked as an Emergency Room and Intensive Care clinician. In May 2024, she earned her PhD cum laude under Prof. Angela Briganti, researching the clinical use of dexmedetomidine in anesthesia and intensive care. She continues her training through advanced ECC and anesthesia courses and participates in national and international conferences. Currently, she is a research fellow at the Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa and a clinician in anesthesia at the University of Pisa.

ENRICA ZUCCA
Enrica Zucca graduated at the University of Milan, obtained a PhD in diagnostic imaging in 2001, and then a Research Fellow with a project on the use of high-speed treadmill tests to evaluate the causes of poor athletic performance related to respiratory diseases in young racehorses in training. Assistant Professor from 2003 to 2020, she is currently Associate Professor at the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science. Head of the Equine unit of the University Veterinary Hospital, she carries out teaching, clinical and research activities in the field of equine internal and sports medicine. She loves spending her free time following her nephews in their sports passions.