Week 1

The Exocrine Pancreas

Pancreatic anatomy and physiology

Enzymes (and hormones) of the pancreas

Brief synopsis of exocrine diseases which affect the pancreas

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

Describe the normal physiology of the exocrine pancreas and surrounding organs

Describe common exocrine disease processes which affect the pancreas

Common investigations of exocrine pancreatic disease

Treatment options available

Week 2

Feline Diabetes Mellitus

Pathophysiology of DM in the cat

Clinical pathology relevant to the diabetic cat

The clinical signs associated with feline DM

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 feline DM

Understand how to assist with the clinical investigations of feline DM

Explore the use of novel feline diabetic treatments (SGLT2-inhibitors)

Understand how nurses can support patients/owners through a DM diagnosis

Discuss the long term management of DM at home

Week 3

Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Aetiology and pathophysiology of DM in the dog

Pathophysiology of diabetes insipidus

The clinical signs associated with canine DM

Treatment options available both as an inpatient and an outpatient

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

Understand predisposing diseases to canine DM

Discuss the use of interstitial glucose monitoring devices

Understand insulin therapy and maximising efficacy within individual cases

Confidently discuss ongoing treatment with owners

Week 4

Pancreatic Neoplasia

The pathophysiology of insulinoma

The clinical signs associated with insulinomas

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

Note the clinical investigations associated with an insulinoma, including clinical pathology and advanced imaging

Discuss treatment options available for insulinoma patients – medical and surgical

Be aware of the complications of insulinomas and their treatment