Week 1

Acute Kidney Injury

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

Describe the functional anatomy of the kidney

Understand and assess the origin of azotaemia in dogs and cats

Break down the terminology and pathophysiology of an acute kidney injury

Appreciate the clinical signs and tips on differentiating between AKI and CKD renal biomarkers and the importance of urinalysis for assessing renal function

Understand the nursing care that accompanies an AKI patient, including ins and outs, fluid therapy and the importance of bodyweight

Design a treatment plan for an AKI patient, including an in depth understanding of why we perform each task

Week 2

The Blocked Cat

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

Understand predisposing factors to the blocked feline patient

Recognise the most common clinical signs and presentation of these cases

Understand and be able to perform the initial diagnostic procedures commonly performed

Recognise the hyperkalaemic patient and understand the treatment required

Demonstrate an understanding of the treatment options available for these cases

Identify different types of urinary catheters used in feline patients

Explain the nursing considerations of these patients

Week 3

Chronic Kidney Disease

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

Understand the difference between CKD and AKI

Discuss the clinical signs, why they manifest and what we can do to provide supportive treatment to the CKD patient

Talk about the laboratory findings including electrolytes and how/when we should intervene

Break down urinalysis and what it can tell us

Understand the pathology behind hypertension in CKD patients, the side effects and how to achieve accurate measurements

Identify useful nurse clinic tips for CKD patients

Week 4

Laboratory Diagnostics in Renal and Urinary Patients

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

Recognise the common haematological, biochemical and electrolyte changes seen in patients with renal disease

Understand the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) staging for chronic kidney disease

Explain the three key components of a urinalysis

Describe the classifications of proteinuria and understand possible underlying causes

Identify urinary crystals via microscopy

Understand external laboratory diagnostics to include: symmetric dimethylarginine and urine culture

Localise azotaemia in canine and feline patients