Small Animal Cardiology
Online - May 2023
Confidently approach your cardiology cases
The new Cardiology Distance Learning CE Program will address the fundamental principles underlying cardiac disease, discuss common presentations of cardiac disease and thoroughly review current diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. You will have the opportunity to become fully informed about commonly utilized diagnostic procedures via practical electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, film reading and hands-on echocardiography.
This program contains 14 mandatory modules with 3 optional practical on-site sessions at the end of the course. You can choose to attend these hands-on modules which will take place in Swindon (UK) and cover ECG, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography. For those completing the full Cardiology Program, you can purchase these modules at an exclusive price. For more information click on the tab Optional Modules.
Providing a logical approach to even the most complex cases, this CE program will provide the basis for renewed clinical enthusiasm and satisfaction. The structured content covers all aspects of cardiology giving you the skills to confidently investigate, diagnose, and treat your cardiac patients utilizing our world-leading learning management system.
The Cardiology Program grants you access to an ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate and has been submitted to RACE for approval.
Take this opportunity and access the most comprehensive cardiology CE whilst working around your busy practice life.
Program Features:
14 varied modules
Covering key cardiology subjects delivered over 2 years
3 optional hands-on modules
You can choose to attend 3 optional practical modules at the end of your program, covering ECG and Thoracic Radiography and Echocardiography
Support and guidance from a Module Tutor
The specialist in the subject area will provide online support during each module and will be available to answer all your questions
Multiple learning processes
Presentations, written notes, interactive quizzes and exercises which test your knowledge as you work
Discussion forum
A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers and Module Tutors
Regular assessments
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
Course Director
Kieran Borgeat BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, oversees the program ensuring the latest Cardiology content
Four sessions per month
Each module consists of four sessions spread over one month. Sessions include separate lessons and case-based studies to work through at your own pace
100% online
Giving you access 24/7 wherever you are using your laptop, tablet or even your smartphone
Know-How
Join the global veterinary distance learning CE specialist and benefit from our know-how and high-quality resources
Dedicated CE Tutor
A dedicated tutor who will support you every step of the way
Interactive and engaging modules
Which allow you to absorb the learning materials in an online environment
CE Program Details:
Modules summary
- Anatomy and Physiology
- The Cardiac Patient
- Thoracic Radiography
- ECG and Arrhythmias
- Echocardiography I
- Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
- Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure
- Endocardial Disease
- Myocardial Disease in Dogs
- Feline Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Echocardiography II
- Cardiac Neoplasia and Pericardial Disease
- The Fainting Patient and Cardiovascular Manifestations of Systemic Disease
Please note the module order may be altered..
Qualifications
Our Cardiology Distance Learning Program offers you the possibility of working towards a recognized qualification. All professionals will also have the opportunity of requesting, at any moment of the program, a statement regarding their earned credits to present to their respective board.
General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
By attending the full online structured program and following successful assessment including an exam you can gain the GPCert awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
Only registered vets who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
A route to a PgC in Cardiology is available through our partnership with Harper Adams University (HAU). For more information about this please contact us.
The course includes
This program has been submitted to RACE for approval. The course prices include ISVPS registration and examination fees.
Small Animal Cardiology
01 - Anatomy and Physiology
May 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Recall and understand cardiovascular anatomy
- Revise the embryological development of cardiac structures and how developmental defects can lead to common congenital abnormalities
- Integrate your knowledge of the cardiac cycle, excitation-contraction and control of cardiac output into your understanding of the cardiovascular system
- Improve your comprehension of haemodynamics
- Discover the intricacies of cardiac action potentials
02 - The Cardiac Patient
June 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Explore the topic of human perception of health-related quality of life of cardiac patients
- Appreciate the importance of the best standard of care in veterinary cardiology
- Collect a directed and targeted patient’s history
- Recognise clinical signs associated with cardiovascular disorders
- Become familiar with cardiovascular examination with a particular emphasis on chest percussion techniques and cardiac auscultation
03 - Thoracic Radiography
July 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Review how to obtain thoracic radiographs of diagnostic quality
- Develop a systematic approach to the interpretation of thoracic radiographs
- Improve your ability to recognise radiographic signs of congestive heart failure
- Review non-cardiac radiographic abnormalities of the thorax and common artefacts
- Explore selective and non-selective angiography as an investigative tool
04 - ECG and Arrhythmias
September 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Perfect your ability to acquire and analyse electrocardiograms
- Recognise tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias and their clinical significance
- Understand anti-arrhythmic therapy and your pharmacological options
- Familiarise yourself with pacemaker therapy
- Consider electrophysiological studies and radiofrequency ablation
05 - Echocardiography I
October 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Develop your understanding of echocardiographic imaging and basic machine settings
- Familiarise yourself with M-mode, how to interpret what you see and what it can tell you about your patient
- Review B-mode and the different images used to assess cardiac function at different levels of the heart
- Explore 3D acquisitions and how they can advance your skills in echocardiography
06 - Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
November 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Familiarise yourself with the progressive model of heart failure
- Transform your understanding of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system
- Revise activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system
- Understand alterations in the peripheral vasculature
- Develop your knowledge of the complexity of myocardial remodelling and reversed remodelling
07 - Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure
January 2024 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Understand the classification systems of heart failure in veterinary cardiology
- Recognise clinical manifestations of acute and chronic heart failure
- Improve your management of acute heart failure cases
- Maximise longevity with better management of chronic heart failure
- Advance your ability to manage refractory heart failure patients
08 - Endocardial Disease
February 2024 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Understand the aetiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis of chronic myxomatous valve disease (MMVD)
- Improve your skills in staging patients with MMVD
- Advance your clinical management of MMVD
- Develop your knowledge of the aetiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis of infective endocarditis
- Become familiar with the clinical management of infective endocarditis
09 - Myocardial Disease in Dogs
March 2024 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Enhance your understanding of the aetiology and breed predisposition of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Consolidate your knowledge of the clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of canine DCM
- Become familiar with the clinical management of occult and overt canine DCM
- Understand the pathophysiology and management of canine tachycardiomyopathy
- Improve your familiarity with the aetiology and management of myocarditis
10 - Feline Cardiomyopathy
April 2024 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Understand the complexity and limits of feline cardiomyopathy (CM) classification
- Review the pathophysiology of feline CM
- Become familiar with clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of feline CM
- Transform your management of feline CM and arterial thromboembolism in your clinic
11 - Congenital Heart Disease
May 2024 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Review the pathophysiology and clinical management of patent ductus arteriosus
- Understand pathophysiology and clinical management of pulmonic and aortic stenosis
- Develop your understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical management of mitral and tricuspid dysplasia
- Perfect your clinical management of ventricular and atrial septal defects by fully comprehending the pathophysiology of these conditions
- Become familiar with advanced techniques for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac congenital defects
12 - Echocardiography II
June 2024 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Develop your understanding of Doppler studies (CW, PW, HPRF, Colour)
- Consolidate your ability to obtain the conventional echocardiographic views
- Recognise the potentials and pitfalls of echocardiographic assessment
13 - Cardiac Neoplasia and Pericardial Disease
July 2024 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Review the classification and clinical presentation of intracavitary and extracavitary cardiac tumours
- Become familiar with the management of primary cardiac tumours
- Revise the anatomy and physiology of the pericardium
- Understand the aetiology and pathophysiology of pericardial effusion and tamponade
- Transform your ability to manage clinical cases of pericardial effusion
14 - The Fainting Patient and Cardiovascular Manifestations of Systemic Disease
September 2024 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Differentiate syncope from other causes of falling
- Understand and manage episodic falling and “exercise-induced collapse”
- Successfully investigate fainting patients
- Become familiar with available diagnostic techniques and therapies for fainting
- Pathophysiology and management of:
- Systemic hypertension
- Pulmonary hypertension
Small Animal Cardiology
At the end of your Cardiology Distance Learning CE Program, you can choose to book the three optional attendance practical modules which will take place in Swindon (UK). For those wanting to book the full Cardiology Program, these modules will be available at an exclusive price and you can book these at a later date by contacting your CE Tutor. However, we will also be opening these up to our wider veterinary community so please let us know as soon as possible, so we can guarantee your place!
Entry Requirements
Initial registration for the optional practical attendance modules is open on a first come first serve basis to participants booking onto the Small Animal Cardiology CE Program until 1st December 2021. Any bookings made thereafter will be subject to review and acceptance. Improve International has the right to refuse a booking if it does not meet the entry requirements stated above. Please contact us for further information.
01 - ECG and Thoracic Radiography
17/10/2022 | Swindon- Perfect the analysis of electrocardiograms
- Recognize tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias and when to consider antiarrhythmic treatment
- Practice a systematic approach to the interpretation of thoracic radiographs
- Improve your ability to recognize radiographic signs of congestive heart failure and stage mitral valve disease
- Review some angiograms to test anatomic understanding of radiographs
Practical activities:
- Revise your approach to the ECG and be able to accurately interpret common abnormalities
- Review and discuss a range of abnormalities on radiographic imaging
02 - Echocardiography I
18/10/2022 | Swindon- Develop your understanding of echocardiographic imaging and basic machine settings
- Familiarise yourself with M-mode, how to interpret what you see and what it can tell you about your patient
- Review B-mode and the different images used to assess cardiac function at different levels of the heart
- Explore 3D acquisitions and how they can advance your skills in echocardiography
Practical Scanning:
- Revise your knowledge of ultrasound machine functionality: buttons and probes
- Improve your ability to obtain clear echocardiographic views
03 - Echocardiography II
19/10/2022 | Swindon- Develop your understanding of echocardiographic imaging and basic machine settings
- Familiarise yourself with M-mode, how to interpret what you see and what it can tell you about your patient
- Review B-mode and the different images used to assess cardiac function at different levels of the heart
- Explore 3D acquisitions and how they can advance your skills in echocardiography
Practical Scanning:
- Practice taking repeatable measurements in M-mode and B-mode
Small Animal Cardiology
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Next Payments | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
GPCert Programme | $ 9,029.00 | - | $ 9,029.00 |
GPCert Programme deposit and remaining balance | $ 1,719.00 | $ 7,310.00 | $ 9,029.00 |
GPCert Programme 12 monthly payments - Total cost | $ 1,719.00 | $ 723.00 x 12 | $ 10,395.00 |
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Next Payments | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
Full Price | $ 2,155.00 | - | $ 2,155.00 |
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Next Payments | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
GPCert Programme | $ 9,309.00 | - | $ 9,309.00 |
GPCert Programme deposit and remaining balance | $ 1,999.00 | $ 7,310.00 | $ 9,309.00 |
GPCert Programme 12 monthly payments - Total cost | $ 1,999.00 | $ 723.00 x 12 | $ 10,675.00 |
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Next Payments | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
Full price | $ 2,425.00 | - | $ 2,425.00 |
Payment Terms & Conditions
1. An initial payment is due on registration in order to secure the booking. This can be paid by credit card or bank transfer.
2. Full payment to be made within 30 days of the commencement of the course.
3. For instalment payment plans, the only payment option is by credit card. Delegates will be notified monthly and shall proceed with payment through their personal delegate area.
4. All program prices include ISVPS registration and examination fees.
Registration Information
1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.
2. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
3. Improve International reserves the right to close the intake early if the number of applications received exceeds the number of available places.
4. In order to secure a place you must pay an initial payment.
5. Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to applicants once we have received a completed application form.