Of the numerous cancers that affect our canine companions, lymphoma, mast cell tumours, oral melanoma and osteosarcoma are the most frequently diagnosed in the veterinary clinic.

This 4 week course dedicates a week per subject, where we explore the risk factors associated with each of these neoplasms and investigate the methods used to acquire a diagnosis. Treatment options will be discussed with particular detail placed on medical and surgical management techniques that can be applied to general practice and specialist nursing alike.

After completing this online course, participants will have a greater knowledge of these common diseases, enabling understanding of the prognosis and treatment goals; ultimately broadening communication and practical skills in the subject area.

Week 1

Mast cell tumours

Mast cell tumours are a form of skin cancer in dogs, which depending on their grade and affected site, can have an impact on neoplastic behaviour and prognosis. Many patients go on to live disease-free lives, others require continuous treatment and monitoring.

Presentation and behaviour of mast cell tumours

Diagnosis, staging and specialised tests

Treatment modalities and monitoring considerations

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

Explain which breeds of dogs are commonly affected by mast cell tumours and how the patient may present

List what investigative procedures may be necessary to secure a diagnosis and what safety factors should be observed when sampling masses

Describe which treatment modalities are most useful for which form of the disease

Understand the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and “metronomic chemotherapy” as a method for controlling cancer growth

Week 2 

Osteosarcoma

Canine osteosarcoma of the weight bearing bones often manifests in pain and/or lameness in affected patients.  Once a diagnosis has been determined, the behaviour of this neoplasm is predictable,  yet still individual to the animal.

Osteosarcoma pathophysiology overview

Diagnostic and staging processes

Treatment options, radiation and surgical management

Adjuvant (post-operative) chemotherapy and restaging

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

Describe the diagnostic approach to determining cancer diagnosis and tumour burden

Explain typical neoplastic behaviour of canine osteosarcoma and how it is a model for comparative medicine

List the different treatment options and their impact on survival time

Understand the fundamental reasoning for adjuvant chemotherapy and the options for post-operative care

Week 3 

Melanoma

Oral melanoma is the most common form of cancer of the mouth in dogs; there are various forms and the behaviour of this neoplasm is sometimes unpredictable. On week three we discuss the presentation, investigation and treatment options available for these patients and look at some practices which are novel to veterinary medicine.

Presentation, diagnosis and staging of oral melanoma, including lymph node mapping

Treatment options and impact on prognosis

Surgical interventions, nursing support and rehabilitation

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

Describe the value of different tissue sampling and specialist imaging techniques

List treatment options and prognostic indicators for canine melanoma

Describe the surgical technique, complications and post-operative care required for oral melanoma cases

Understand the mechanism of action behind current research for canine melanoma and apply to evidence-based medicine within nursing practice

Week 4

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes and/or lymphoid tissue, which is present in many locations within the body, hence making the presentation of these cases typical or atypical depending on location. Specialist tests have been developed to categorise this cancer and treatment is determined by these findings.

Manifestation of lymphoma and categories of disease

Diagnosis, staging and specialist tests for lymphoma

Treatment options for lymphoma

Chemotherapy protocols, client expectations and the cancer journey

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

List the common manifestations of canine lymphoma and the patient groups most affected.

Understand the value of specialist tests required to further categorise cancer

Describe the subcategories of lymphoma and the difference in treatment approaches

Explain the rationale of a multimodal chemotherapy protocol and how it may impact on prognosis

Analyse personal skill set and determine how you could support patients with lymphoma using your practice facilities

The course will be fully tutored by Nicola Read, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Of the numerous cancers that affect our canine companions, lymphoma, mast cell tumours, oral melanoma and osteosarcoma are the most frequently diagnosed in the veterinary clinic.

This 4 week course dedicates a week per subject, where we explore the risk factors associated with each of these neoplasms and investigate the methods used to acquire a diagnosis. Treatment options will be discussed with particular detail placed on medical and surgical management techniques that can be applied to general practice and specialist nursing alike.

After completing this online course, participants will have a greater knowledge of these common diseases, enabling understanding of the prognosis and treatment goals; ultimately broadening communication and practical skills in the subject area.

Week 1

Mast cell tumours

Mast cell tumours are a form of skin cancer in dogs, which depending on their grade and affected site, can have an impact on neoplastic behaviour and prognosis. Many patients go on to live disease-free lives, others require continuous treatment and monitoring.

Presentation and behaviour of mast cell tumours

Diagnosis, staging and specialised tests

Treatment modalities and monitoring considerations

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

Explain which breeds of dogs are commonly affected by mast cell tumours and how the patient may present

List what investigative procedures may be necessary to secure a diagnosis and what safety factors should be observed when sampling masses

Describe which treatment modalities are most useful for which form of the disease

Understand the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and “metronomic chemotherapy” as a method for controlling cancer growth

Week 2 

Osteosarcoma

Canine osteosarcoma of the weight bearing bones often manifests in pain and/or lameness in affected patients.  Once a diagnosis has been determined, the behaviour of this neoplasm is predictable,  yet still individual to the animal.

Osteosarcoma pathophysiology overview

Diagnostic and staging processes

Treatment options, radiation and surgical management

Adjuvant (post-operative) chemotherapy and restaging

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

Describe the diagnostic approach to determining cancer diagnosis and tumour burden

Explain typical neoplastic behaviour of canine osteosarcoma and how it is a model for comparative medicine

List the different treatment options and their impact on survival time

Understand the fundamental reasoning for adjuvant chemotherapy and the options for post-operative care

Week 3 

Melanoma

Oral melanoma is the most common form of cancer of the mouth in dogs; there are various forms and the behaviour of this neoplasm is sometimes unpredictable. On week three we discuss the presentation, investigation and treatment options available for these patients and look at some practices which are novel to veterinary medicine.

Presentation, diagnosis and staging of oral melanoma, including lymph node mapping

Treatment options and impact on prognosis

Surgical interventions, nursing support and rehabilitation

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

Describe the value of different tissue sampling and specialist imaging techniques

List treatment options and prognostic indicators for canine melanoma

Describe the surgical technique, complications and post-operative care required for oral melanoma cases

Understand the mechanism of action behind current research for canine melanoma and apply to evidence-based medicine within nursing practice

Week 4

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes and/or lymphoid tissue, which is present in many locations within the body, hence making the presentation of these cases typical or atypical depending on location. Specialist tests have been developed to categorise this cancer and treatment is determined by these findings.

Manifestation of lymphoma and categories of disease

Diagnosis, staging and specialist tests for lymphoma

Treatment options for lymphoma

Chemotherapy protocols, client expectations and the cancer journey

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

List the common manifestations of canine lymphoma and the patient groups most affected.

Understand the value of specialist tests required to further categorise cancer

Describe the subcategories of lymphoma and the difference in treatment approaches

Explain the rationale of a multimodal chemotherapy protocol and how it may impact on prognosis

Analyse personal skill set and determine how you could support patients with lymphoma using your practice facilities

The course will be fully tutored by Nicola Read, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1

Common respiratory disease

Lower respiratory tract disease

Pleural disorders

Pulmonary disease

POCUS and sampling

Management

Learning outcomes

Describe lower respiratory tract physiology and the disease processes seen in practice

Understand the different causes of pleural disorders

Understand the different causes of pulmonary disease

Identify the uses of POCUS and understand which patients may benefit from thoracocentesis

Describe how to manage the patient with acute respiratory distress

Week 2

BOAS – From Admit to Discharge

Admit considerations

BOAS Plan

Anaesthesia considerations

Dealing with the BOAS crisis

Other nursing considerations

Learning outcomes

List the considerations which should be discussed with the owner when the patient is admitted to the hospital

Discuss safe ways of managing these cases whilst they are hospitalised to minimise complications

Understand how to make BOAS patients anaesthesia plans safer

Explain the concerns associated with a BOAS crisis and how to manage these

Describe other nursing considerations associated with these breeds and how we can factor these into our nursing care plans for hospitalised patients

Week 3

Blood gases

Why do we use blood gas analysis?

How to take a sample for a blood gas analysis

What is Acid/Base?

Interpretation of a blood gas report

Compensation

Learning outcomes

Understand why blood gas analysis is important for managing the respiratory patient

Describe how to take a sample for blood gas analysis

Understand Acid/Base status and what this means for the patient

Interpret a blood gas report using a step by step approach so that this can be transferred to your patients in practice

Understand the physiology behind compensatory mechanisms

Week 4

Oxygen Therapy 

How to identify a patient in need of oxygen therapy

Non-invasive methods of oxygen therapy

Invasive methods of oxygen therapy

Monitoring a response to therapy

Learning outcomes

Understand which parameters are used to identify patients are in need of oxygen therapy

Describe which methods of non-invasive oxygen therapy are available and which is the most suitable for their patient

Describe which methods of invasive oxygen therapy are available and which is the most suitable for their patient

Discuss whether a patient is responding to oxygen therapy and when a decision may be made to discontinue oxygen support

The course will be fully tutored by Elle Haskey and Katie Gray, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

In recent years there has been a marked interest in identifying the causes of gastrointestinal disease in companion animals; the path to diagnosis has progressed with the identification of serological biomarkers and more access to endoscopy within general practice. Novel protein diets have been developed by veterinary food companies resulting in a positive effect on outcome in combination with pharmaceuticals for some animals.

The veterinary nurse plays a key role investigation, treatment and client support for these often, chronic cases. Having an enhanced level of knowledge on the pathophysiology and treatment options, together with a firm understanding of the diagnostic process is paramount to patient recovery.

After completing this 6 week online course, the participants will have a greater knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of gastrointestinal disease which they can apply regularly in practice.

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 procedure

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 antinflammatory 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 nutritions

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

The course will be fully tutored by Nicola Read and Gina Parkes and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case scenarios, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

In recent years there has been a marked interest in identifying the causes of gastrointestinal disease in companion animals; the path to diagnosis has progressed with the identification of serological biomarkers and more access to endoscopy within general practice. Novel protein diets have been developed by veterinary food companies resulting in a positive effect on outcome in combination with pharmaceuticals for some animals.

The veterinary nurse plays a key role investigation, treatment and client support for these often, chronic cases. Having an enhanced level of knowledge on the pathophysiology and treatment options, together with a firm understanding of the diagnostic process is paramount to patient recovery.

After completing this 6 week online course, the participants will have a greater knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of gastrointestinal disease which they can apply regularly in practice.

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 procedure

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 antinflammatory 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 nutritions

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

The course will be fully tutored by Nicola Read and Gina Parkes and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case scenarios, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details