Small Animal Medicine

Key learning objectives:

• Understand the rationale behind selection of appropriate tests for your patients
• Consider the different sampling techniques, sample processing and identify factors that may affect them
• Become familiar with the clinical pathology of hepatobiliary and renal disease
• Structure your approach to anaemia to differentiate between non-regenerative and regenerative types before determining possible underlying causes
• Transform your understanding of haemostasis to enable you to determine when, why and how it goes wrong
• Use your knowledge to interpret laboratory data from clinical patients to help you prioritise further investigations
• Develop your haematological skills by becoming adept at interpreting both normal and abnormal haemograms, identifying reticulocytes and discovering platelet and white cell abnormalities
• Improve your approach to patients with neutropaenia and marked leucocytosis

 Speaker: Marta Costa DVM MSc FRCPath DipECVCP MRCVS

Marta Costa

DVM MSc FRCPath DipECVCP MRCVS

​Marta graduated from Technical University of Lisbon in 2001. She started working in the diagnostic laboratories of the same university with a research scholarship, while working part time in small animal practice. In 2002 she became one of the clinical pathologists at the university up to 2007, when she completed a Masters in Medical microbiology and started working as a lecturer in clinical pathology and infectious diseases at the Lusofona University. In 2009 she moved to the UK to undertake a clinical pathology residency at the University of Bristol, where she now works as clinical pathologist in the Langford Veterinary Services. She is Fellow the Royal College of Pathologist currently working for her European Diploma. Her special interests lie in diagnosis of infectious diseases and all that pertains to a microscope (cytology and haematology) where she finds beauty everyday.

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Key learning objectives:

• Understand the principles and practical aspects of cytological sample collection, storage and preparation
• Maximise the value of your microscopy skills
• Perfect your ability to describe the principles of routine cytological examination and how this informs a cytological diagnosis
• Transform your understanding of the different cytological characteristics of effusions, aspirates and lavage samples
• Familiarise yourself with some of the conditions most commonly diagnosed by cytology

 Speaker: Marta Costa DVM MSc FRCPath DipECVCP MRCVS

Marta Costa

DVM MSc FRCPath DipECVCP MRCVS

​Marta graduated from Technical University of Lisbon in 2001. She started working in the diagnostic laboratories of the same university with a research scholarship, while working part time in small animal practice. In 2002 she became one of the clinical pathologists at the university up to 2007, when she completed a Masters in Medical microbiology and started working as a lecturer in clinical pathology and infectious diseases at the Lusofona University. In 2009 she moved to the UK to undertake a clinical pathology residency at the University of Bristol, where she now works as clinical pathologist in the Langford Veterinary Services. She is Fellow the Royal College of Pathologist currently working for her European Diploma. Her special interests lie in diagnosis of infectious diseases and all that pertains to a microscope (cytology and haematology) where she finds beauty everyday.

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Key learning objectives:

• Review the principles of radiography, radiology and the significance of radiation protection
• Appreciate the use of contrast radiography in a variety of situations and using a variety of techniques
• Understand the principles of ultrasound imaging
• Familiarise yourself with the basic principles of advanced imaging
• Compare and contrast CT and MRI as diagnostic tools

 Speaker: Philip Strom DVM, DACVR, MRCVS, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiology

Philip Strom

DVM, DACVR, MRCVS, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiology ×

This practical day will include:

• Case based discussion
• Film reading session
• Practical abdominal ultrasound scanning

Key learning objectives:

• Develop your ability to critique radiographs
• Enhance your skills in interpreting radiographs in a systematic and thorough manner
• Practice your ultrasound imaging skills to help you to differentiate between normal and abnormal abdominal structures

PLEASE NOTE THIS MODULE TAKES PLACE AT OUR SWINDON VENUE

 Speaker: Philip Strom DVM, DACVR, MRCVS, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiology

Philip Strom

DVM, DACVR, MRCVS, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiology ×

Delivered online through our Moodle platform supported by the module tutor/speaker

Key learning objectives:

• Improve your understanding of the importance of a detailed and thorough physical examination
• Integrate a dyspnoea algorithm into your investigations of respiratory disease
• Develop an understanding of the importance of diagnostic aids in the investigation of respiratory disease: radiography; endoscopy; ultrasonography and cytology
• Consolidate your knowledge of upper and lower airway disease, parenchymal and pleural space disease
• Familiarise yourself with the principles of primary and ancillary respiratory therapeutics
• Learn the best approach to the acute management of the dyspnoeic patient

 Speaker: Susana Silva DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana Silva

DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana graduated from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2001 and, after working a few years in first opinion practice, I started an internship in a private practice in Essex.

Susana obtained her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Certificate (CertSAM) in 2007 and finished her residency training program at the University of Bristol in 2009.

In 2010 Susana obtained the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine (DipECVIM-CA)

After finishing her residency, Susana worked in several referral centres in the south of England. Susana is an internal medicine consultant for IDEXX Laboratories and also works as a consultant for Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).

Susana is a regular lecturer for Improve International and has also been an examiner for the International School for Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISPVS).

Apart from being a mum to a busy 4 year old boy and a 13 year old JRT, Susana is a keen gardener that grows her own vegetables in her allotment.

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Key learning objectives:

• Extend your understanding of the principles and importance of a physical examination in patients with suspected cardiac disease
• Familiarise yourself with the principles of electrocardiography
• Integrate your understanding of the approach to electrocardiographic interpretation to help you identify common arrhythmias
• Improve your evaluation of thoracic radiographs in reference to cardiac patients
• Understand the basic principles of echocardiography and its role in diagnosis of cardiac disease

 Speaker: Joel Silva DVM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

Joel Silva

DVM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

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Key learning objectives:

• Recognise and understand the events involved in the pathophysiology of cardiac failure
• Define systolic and diastolic failure
• Appreciate the species differences in prevalence of congenital and acquired cardiac diseases
• Describe the major congenital cardiac diseases in dogs and cats
• Transform your understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of acquired valvular, myocardial and pericardial diseases
• Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic options and their applications in patients with cardiac disease
• Learn how to manage emergency cardiac patients for improved outcomes

 Speaker: Joel Silva DVM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

Joel Silva

DVM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

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Key learning objectives:

• Develop your understanding of deglutition and dysphagia
• Familiarise yourself with the pathophysiology of:
  • Regurgitation
  • Acute and chronic vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
• Enhance your diagnostic approach to gastrointestinal abnormalities
• Describe the principles and basic use of endoscopy in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease and when it is indicated

 Speaker: Susana Silva DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana Silva

DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana graduated from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2001 and, after working a few years in first opinion practice, I started an internship in a private practice in Essex.

Susana obtained her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Certificate (CertSAM) in 2007 and finished her residency training program at the University of Bristol in 2009.

In 2010 Susana obtained the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine (DipECVIM-CA)

After finishing her residency, Susana worked in several referral centres in the south of England. Susana is an internal medicine consultant for IDEXX Laboratories and also works as a consultant for Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).

Susana is a regular lecturer for Improve International and has also been an examiner for the International School for Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISPVS).

Apart from being a mum to a busy 4 year old boy and a 13 year old JRT, Susana is a keen gardener that grows her own vegetables in her allotment.

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Key learning objectives:

• Improve your understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic and hepatobiliary disease
• Devise a systematic diagnostic approach to the jaundiced patient
• Perfect your investigative approach to suspected hepatobiliary disease
• Understand the pathophysiology of exocrine pancreatic disease
• Describe the investigative approach to acute and chronic exocrine pancreatic diseases
• Discuss the therapeutic options in hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases

 Speaker: Susana Silva DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana Silva

DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana graduated from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2001 and, after working a few years in first opinion practice, I started an internship in a private practice in Essex.

Susana obtained her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Certificate (CertSAM) in 2007 and finished her residency training program at the University of Bristol in 2009.

In 2010 Susana obtained the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine (DipECVIM-CA)

After finishing her residency, Susana worked in several referral centres in the south of England. Susana is an internal medicine consultant for IDEXX Laboratories and also works as a consultant for Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).

Susana is a regular lecturer for Improve International and has also been an examiner for the International School for Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISPVS).

Apart from being a mum to a busy 4 year old boy and a 13 year old JRT, Susana is a keen gardener that grows her own vegetables in her allotment.

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Delivered online through our Moodle platform supported by the module tutor/speaker.

Key learning objectives:

• Learn the basis of immune function and the immune response to better understand the pathophysiology of immune-mediated disease
• Develop your diagnostic approach to common immune-mediated diseases in small animals
• Transform your understanding of the basis of therapy for immune-mediated diseases
• Discuss the use of common immunosuppressive therapies

 Speaker: James Swann MA VetMB MVetMed DipACVIM DipECVIM MRCVS

James Swann

MA VetMB MVetMed DipACVIM DipECVIM MRCVS

James graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2010 with degrees in pathology and veterinary medicine. Over the last four years, completed advanced clinical training at the Royal Veterinary College (University of London), receiving the diplomas of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2016. During this time, Dr.Swann also investigated the autoimmune response of dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA); He received an International Canine Health Award from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust for this work in 2015.

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Key learning objectives:

• Familiarise yourself with a thorough and systematic approach to the assessment of the critically ill patient’s major body systems
• Enhance your understanding of the minimum database and its’ interpretation
• Implement your assessment of your patients when considering their fluid, electrolyte and transfusion requirements
• Understand the principles and practical aspects of critical patient monitoring
• Recognise imminent cardiopulmonary arrest more promptly
• Learn how to select and apply both basic and advanced life support

This module includes a practical session where the following techniques will be reviewed:

• Placing a tracheostomy tube
• Thoracocentesis
• Chest drain placement and appropriate management

 Speaker: Simon Tappin MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA FRCVS

Simon Tappin

MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA FRCVS

Simon graduated from the University of Cambridge and after two year in small animal practice under took a Residency at the University of Bristol in Small Animal Medicine and

Intensive Care. He gained the European Diploma in Small Animal Medicine and currently working at Dick White Referrals seeing medical and emergency cases. Simon gained an ESVPS General Practitioners Certificate in Small Animal Practice himself in 2004!

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Key learning objectives:

• Get to grips with the underlying principles of endocrine anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
• Become familiar with the clinical signs and diagnostic approaches in cats and dogs with endocrine disorders such as
  • Hypo and hyperadrenocorticism – common and uncommon presentations
  • Hypo and hyperthyroidism
  • Primary and Secondary hyperparathyroidism
• Understand the basis of medical and (where appropriate) surgical management for diseases affecting the adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid glands

 Speaker: Lucy Davison VetMB MA,CertSAM,PhD,DipECVIM-CA,DSAM MRCVS

Lucy Davison

VetMB MA,CertSAM,PhD,DipECVIM-CA,DSAM MRCVS

Lucy graduated from Cambridge Vet School in 1997 and after gaining her CertSAM in practice, she joined the RVC, where she completed a PhD in canine diabetes in 2004.

Following a residency in Small Animal Medicine in Cambridge, where she continues to work, Lucy passed the RCVS and ECVIM-CA Diplomas in small animal medicine in 2006.

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Key learning objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical signs associated with endocrine pancreatic disease including insulinoma
• Describe the investigation and management of diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis in the dog and cat
• Get to grips with understanding the causes of failure to control diabetes and the approach to the unstable diabetic patient
• Understand the pathophysiology of pituitary endocrine diseases
• Become familiar with the clinical signs, investigation and management of pituitary endocrine disease in the dog and cat

 Speaker: Lucy Davison VetMB MA,CertSAM,PhD,DipECVIM-CA,DSAM MRCVS

Lucy Davison

VetMB MA,CertSAM,PhD,DipECVIM-CA,DSAM MRCVS

Lucy graduated from Cambridge Vet School in 1997 and after gaining her CertSAM in practice, she joined the RVC, where she completed a PhD in canine diabetes in 2004.

Following a residency in Small Animal Medicine in Cambridge, where she continues to work, Lucy passed the RCVS and ECVIM-CA Diplomas in small animal medicine in 2006.

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Delivered online through our Moodle platform supported by the module tutor/speaker

Key learning objectives:

• Be able to understand the principles of tumour biology and staging
• Formulate a general investigative approach to the cancer patient
• Develop your understanding of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical oncology
• Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic management of common canine and feline neoplasms
• Enable yourself to recognise and manage common oncologic emergencies

Key learning objectives:

• Develop a problem-solving approach to skin diseases
• Describe the steps involved in dermatologic examination in cats and dogs
• List and understand the techniques used for the laboratory investigation of skin disease and when they should be used
• Recommend a rational problem-solving approach to the investigation and treatment of :
  • Alopecia
  • Pruritus
• Become familiar with the common presentations of bacterial, parasitic and fungal skin disease
• Identify common dermatologic manifestations of systemic disease and their pathogenesis

 Speaker: Rosario Cerundolo DVM CertVD DiplECVD MRCVS

Rosario Cerundolo

DVM CertVD DiplECVD MRCVS

Rosario Cerundolo graduated from the Veterinary School, Naples (Italy) in 1987. In 1995 he started a Residency at the Royal Veterinary College (London, UK). In 1997 he gained the Certificate in Veterinary Dermatology; in 1998 the European Diploma in Veterinary Dermatology; in 2000 the RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology. Until 2009 he was Associate Professor in Veterinary Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. Currently works at DickWhiteReferrals in Six Mile Bottom, just outside Cambridge, and also as a consultant at Bayswater Referral Clinic in west London. He is a Honorary Associate Professor of Veterinary Dermatology at the University of Nottingham. He has been the former President of the European College of Veterinary Dermatology, the Chair of the Scientific Organising Committee of two of the past Annual Congress of the ESVD-ECVD. He has been the treasurer of the WCVD7 (Vancouver July 2012) and the WCVD8 (Bordeaux June 2016).

His areas of interest are: Canine and feline dermatology

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Key learning objectives:

• Revise your understanding of the principles of functional neuroanatomy
• Become adept at a thorough and systematic neurologic examination to help you localise lesions
• List and understand further diagnostic techniques available to investigate neurologic disease
• Consider the investigation and management of common neurologic syndromes
• Understand the steps involved in the investigation into the aetiology of seizures in dogs and cats
• Improve your ability to manage seizures in an emergency and longer term.

 Speaker: Laurent Garosi DipECVN MRCVS

Laurent Garosi

DipECVN MRCVS

Laurent is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN) and RCVS/European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology. He is currently company director and head of the neurology/neurosurgery service at Davies Veterinary Specialists, England. Laurent has published widely in the field of neurology and is a regular speaker on the national and international continuing education circuit. He is currently vice-president of the ECVN, past chief examiner of the ECVN examination committee and co-editor with Simon Platt of a recently published textbook on Small Animal Neurological Emergencies.

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Key learning objectives:

• Understand the diagnostic techniques available to investigate urinary disease
• Delve into the detail of the pathophysiology of acute and chronic renal failure, glomerular disease and proteinuria
• Develop your investigative approach into renal disease
• Improve your therapeutic management of such cases

 Speaker: Susana Silva DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana Silva

DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana graduated from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2001 and, after working a few years in first opinion practice, I started an internship in a private practice in Essex.

Susana obtained her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Certificate (CertSAM) in 2007 and finished her residency training program at the University of Bristol in 2009.

In 2010 Susana obtained the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine (DipECVIM-CA)

After finishing her residency, Susana worked in several referral centres in the south of England. Susana is an internal medicine consultant for IDEXX Laboratories and also works as a consultant for Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).

Susana is a regular lecturer for Improve International and has also been an examiner for the International School for Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISPVS).

Apart from being a mum to a busy 4 year old boy and a 13 year old JRT, Susana is a keen gardener that grows her own vegetables in her allotment.

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Key learning objectives:

• Describe and understand the factors involved in the development of crystalluria and urolithiasis in cats and dogs
• Understand the principles of management of lower urinary tract disease in cats and dogs
• Explore the often complicated management of FLUTD and urethral obstruction
• Examine the possible causes of urinary incontinence, their diagnosis and management
• Classify canine prostatic diseases and understand their pathogenesis, diagnosis and medical management

 Speaker: Susana Silva DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana Silva

DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Susana graduated from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2001 and, after working a few years in first opinion practice, I started an internship in a private practice in Essex.

Susana obtained her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Certificate (CertSAM) in 2007 and finished her residency training program at the University of Bristol in 2009.

In 2010 Susana obtained the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine (DipECVIM-CA)

After finishing her residency, Susana worked in several referral centres in the south of England. Susana is an internal medicine consultant for IDEXX Laboratories and also works as a consultant for Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).

Susana is a regular lecturer for Improve International and has also been an examiner for the International School for Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISPVS).

Apart from being a mum to a busy 4 year old boy and a 13 year old JRT, Susana is a keen gardener that grows her own vegetables in her allotment.

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Delivered online through our Moodle platform supported by the module tutor/speaker

Key learning objectives:

• Compile a list of the major infectious diseases in dogs and cats
• Describe the diagnosis and management of common infectious diseases in dogs and cats
• Familiarise yourself with the clinical signs of significant imported diseases occurring in dogs and cats
• Understand the principles of vaccination and vaccination regimes
• Learn the steps involved in the pet travel scheme
• List notifiable diseases in dogs and cats

Key learning objectives:

• Perfect your ability to perform common ophthalmic examination techniques:
  • Basic neuro-ophthalmological examination
  • Ophthalmoscopy: Distant Direct; Close Direct & Indirect
  • Correct use of Fluoroscein for corneal evaluation
  • Tonometry & Gonioscopy
• Get to grips with current ocular therapeutics: what do you need to have on your pharmacy shelf?
• Familiarise yourself with the medical management of common ocular conditions
• Identify the ocular manifestations of systemic diseases
• Be able to recognise common ocular conditions that require surgery

 Speaker: Sally Turner VetMB MA DVOphthal MRCVS

Sally Turner

VetMB MA DVOphthal MRCVS

Sally Turner is a graduate of Cambridge University and spent 2 years in general practice, then did her ophthalmology training as a resident at the Animal Health Trust. Currently in private referral practice in London, Sally regularly lectures to vets and nurses and has written two books on veterinary ophthalmology. She is an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology.

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