Week 1

Feline Cardiomyopathies

Cardiovascular anatomy and physiology

Common cardiomyopathies affecting cats

Treatment of feline cardiomyopathies

The owners role in monitoring cardiomyopathies

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

Describe the normal physiology of the heart

Describe common disease processes which affect the feline heart

Understand the role of diet within feline cardiomyopathies

Discuss various treatment options available for feline cardiomyopathies

Understand the role nurses and owners can play in monitoring these cases

Week 2

Feline Triaditis

Brief review of gastrointestinal, pancreatic and hepatic anatomy and physiology

Pathophysiology of triaditis in the cat (inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis and cholangitis)

Advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques

Treatment options available both as an inpatient and an outpatient

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

Discuss the disease process of triaditis including the associated clinical signs

Understand how nurses can support patients through advanced imaging (flexible endoscopy / abdominal ultrasound)

Understand how to assist with the collection of pathological samples in these cases

Discuss the long term management of triaditis and the potential for ongoing disease

Week 3

Feline Asthma

Overview of respiratory anatomy and physiology

Predisposed breeds

Computed tomography and bronchoscopy

Treatment of feline asthma

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

Describe the clinical pathological changes associated with feline asthma

Discuss advanced imaging techniques that can be utilised in the work up of these cases

Confidently and competently support the general anaesthesia of a cat with respiratory disease

Discharge a patient to owners and confidently discuss the treatment of asthmatic cats

Week 4

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

The pathophysiology of FIP including both ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ forms

Transmission of FIP

Treatment options available for FIP

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

Understand the predisposing factors for the development of FIP

Discuss the clinical signs associated with FIP

Indicate the importance of infection control

Identify treatment options and protocols currently available

Advise owners how to limit the potential for disease transmission within households