Events

Week 1

Diseases of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) anatomy refresher

UGIT hereditary and acquired abnormalities

Investigation of vomiting and regurgitation

Sedation and general anaesthesia considerations

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List the main structures of the UGIT

Describe the normal function and processes of the UGIT

Identify the difference between vomiting and regurgitation and the common causes

Understand the diagnostic approach to patients with UGIT symptoms

Explain the reasons why patients with UGIT disease are higher risk for investigative procedures

Evaluate current methods used in practice to sedate patients with UGIT disease and analyse if modifications to practice would be beneficial

Week 2

Diseases of the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

Lower gastrointestinal tract (LGIT) anatomy refresher

LGIT pathophysiology

Mechanisms and classification of diarrhoea

Investigative process for LGIT symptoms

Patient preparation for GI endoscopy

Supportive treatment for patients with LGIT

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List the main structures of the LGIT

Describe the normal function and processes of the LGIT

Differentiate diarrhoea types and common causes

Understand the diagnostic approach to patients with LGIT symptoms

Evaluate current care plans used in practice to prepare patients for endoscopy and analyse if modifications to practice would be beneficial

Summarise the key therapeutic treatments for patients with LGIT

Week 3

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Anatomy and functions of the gastroscope

Cleaning and sterilising procedures

Endoscopy sourcing, storage, and auditing

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Label the main components and list the functions of a gastroscope

Explain the bedside procedure for cleaning and then sterilising the gastroscope

Select the correct biopsy tools and materials for optimal sampling and histological value

Evaluate practice protocols to standardise in line with current best practice

Week 4

Interventional Endoscopy

Foreign body removal

Balloon dilatation

Injection of steroids and anti-inflammatory medications

Endoscopically placed feeding tubes

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List the various interventional uses of gastrointestinal endoscopy

Select the correct forcep tool for foreign body retrieval

Describe the ballooning technique use for oesophageal strictures

Explain the indications, risks and technique for placing a PEG tube

Week 5

Nursing Patients with Gastrointestinal Disease

Nursing basics and care plans

Pain and emesis management

Oesophageal tube placement

Assisted feeding methods

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List the essential care requirements for nursing patients with GI disease

Identify symptoms of pain and nausea

Compare patient assessment tools to monitor status and benchmark interventional treatment

Calculate energy requirements and feeding volumes for tube feeds

Week 6

Enteropathy Therapeutics and Nutrition

Terminology of diseases

Pathways and mechanisms of enteropathies

Medications and therapies

EBVM current information

Dietary needs

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Differentiate between terms associated with chronic enteropathies

Analyse the treatments allocated to different types of enteropathy

Refer to updated resources and guidelines to further inform their knowledge and subsequently refer to it at a later date

Explain what a diet trial is

List the types of dietary allergen there are

Course Summary

Feeling tachycardic at the sight of an ECG wave?
This 50 minute eCPD tutorial leaves all the big words at the door to help you really understand what is happening when we look at an ECG waveform. Throughout the presentation you are encouraged to pause the recording, allowing yourself time to apply the knowledge and theory explained in the early parts of the presentation. This practical, self-paced learning method is almost certain to have you walking away feeling more confident in ECG interpretation.

Waveform physiology

Use and attachment of leads

Common arrhythmias and their causes

Course Tutor

Tawny Kershaw BSc (Hons), RVN, DipVNZS, AFHEA
Swift Veterinary Referrals

Course Length

The course is worth 50 minutes of CPD for UK delegates and 1 AVNAT point  for Australian and New Zealand delegates

The course is provided with unlimited lifetime access for on-demand learning

Course Notes

Unfortunately, course notes are not available with this tutorial

Week 1

The Nurse’s Role in Medical Clinics – When, Why and How?

Why set up a monitoring clinic?

How to set up a monitoring clinic

Equipment needed for a monitoring clinic

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the importance of nurses being involved in the long term monitoring of cats with medical diseases

Visualise how they would be able to set up this type of clinic in their own practice

Feel ready to learn and revise common chronic feline disease and become up to date with the latest evidence

Week 2

Managing Chronic Kidney Disease

What is CKD?

What effects does CKD have on the body?

How to monitor CKD

Treatment aims for CKD

IRIS staging

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the pathophysiology of CKD

Identify parameters used to monitor the CKD patient

Understand the IRIS staging scheme

Understand what treatments are appropriate at which stage of disease

Use evidence based medicine to help educate your clients

Week 3

Managing Diabetes Mellitus

What is diabetes mellitus?

How to monitor diabetes mellitus

Treatment aims for diabetes mellitus

Owner support for cats with diabetes mellitus

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus

Understand the difference between cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus

Understand how to monitor diabetes mellitus and the importance of blood glucose curves

Understand what treatments are available for diabetes mellitus

Counsel owners of cats with diabetes mellitus

Week 4

Managing Degenerative Joint Disease

How prevalent is DJD in cats?

How to assess cats for DJD

Treatments for DJD

How to engage owners in the treatment and monitoring of DJD

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the prevalence of DJD in cats and use that information in the nursing treatment and handling of the cat

Assess cats using a variety of methods both in the clinic and at home for DJD

Understand the different treatments available for DJD

Educate owners about the treatments and how the owner can assess the cat to

improve compliance