Description
SAVC and AVNAT Approved Course
This flexi CPD course is aimed at vet nurses and vet technicians in general practice and is available on-demand with unlimited lifetime access. Each module consists of a tutorial, quiz and further reading articles
Module 1
Feline Heart Disease
- Prevalence, aetiology and pathophysiology of feline heart disease
- Classification systems used to diagnose and treat feline cardiomyopathies
- Nursing care and treatment aims
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Explain the pathophysiology of feline heart disease
- Understand the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) classification system as it applies to feline cardiomyopathies
- Be familiar with the best approach to a nurse a cat with heart disease and heart failure
Module 2
Canine Heart Disease
- Prevalence, aetiology and pathophysiology of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Classification systems used to diagnose and treat MMVD
- Staging systems used to diagnose and treat DCM in dogs
- Nursing care of dogs with heart disease and heart failure
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Explain the pathophysiology of MMVD and DCM
- Understand the ACVIM classification system as it applies to MMVD and the staging system as it applies to canine DCM
- Be familiar with the best approach to nurse a dog with either MMVD or DCM
Module 3
Electrocardiography (ECG) – Theory
- The ECG machine and settings
- Achieving a good quality ECG trace
- How to interpret an ECG
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Set up an ECG and understand the settings
- Apply theory to achieve a good quality ECG trace
- Understand how to interpret an ECG, using an algorithmic system
Module 4
Electrocardiography (ECG) – Application
- Application of theory from week 1 to cases
- Anaesthesia and ECGs
- Life threatening arrhythmias
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Apply theoretical learning to practical cases
- Understand the role of anaesthesia and surgery upon ECGs
- Identify life threatening arrhythmias
Module 5
Heart Failure
- Pathophysiology of heart failure
- Acute life threatening and chronic management
- Management of patients with heart failure
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Understand how heart failure can occur
- Identify patients with heart failure and nurse them appropriately
- Recognise drugs used in the treatment of heart failure
Module 6
Diagnostic Tests and the Cardiac Patient
- Diagnostic tests used in cardiac patients
- How to approach the test and the patient
- Evaluation of diagnostic tests in cardiac patients
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Perform or assist with diagnostic tests with confidence
- Apply best practice methods to achieve reliable and repeatable results
- Understand the purpose of diagnostic tests used in cardiac medicine
The course will be available immediately following purchase, with unlimited lifetime access and will provide a total of:
10 hours of CPD (UK)
10 points (Australia and New Zealand)
10 points (South Africa – SAVC Accreditation Number AC/2787/25)
Release date: Sept 2025






Natasha D –
Gives a lot of information about cardiology in practice, super helpful
Rated: Introduction / Intermediate level
(Referral or specialist RVN – AUS)
Rachel F –
This course was fantastic. The content and quality was fantastic. Charlotte is so knowledgeable and explains everything really well. The tutorials were excellent and easy to listen to and I feel like I have learnt lots. I also found the extra reading section really helpful and it was another format I could use to learn from. Really enjoyed the course and would recommend to anyone.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Referral or specialist RVN – UK)
Kimberley W –
Great course to really get into the understanding of cardiac patients seen in practice.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Ami C –
Very good course. Challenging which is something I’ve not had often from CPD, I have learnt a lot. Especially around staging of heart disease and in depth assessments of ECG.
Rated: Intermediate / Advanced level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Emily R –
Really informative and useful on a practical level.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Amy L –
A very detail course, really helpful with loads to learn
Rated: Advanced level
(Referral or specialist RVN – UK)
Tiffany F –
I found this course very helpful. I learnt how to identify some ECGs and it refreshed my knowledge on heart disease and how to nurse them.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Tiffany-Ann M –
Excellent course, well designed, learned lots which can be utilised in practice.
Rated: Introduction / Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice <5 years - UK)
Jodie H –
Brilliant!
Rated: Advanced level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Kelly L –
Very informative, lots of useful information I can take back and use in practice
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)