Module 1

Physiotherapy Toolkit (Modalities)

Electrotherapies

Therapeutic hot/cold packs

Manual therapies

Applied exercise therapies

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

Understand the principles and application of electrotherapy including:

K-laser

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)

Pulsed magnetic therapy (Biomag)

Therapeutic ultrasound

Understand the use of therapeutic hot/ cold packs

Understand manual therapy and its application including:

Massage

Effleurage

Coupage

Joint mobilisations

Graded stretches

Understand applied exercise therapy including:

Strengthening and stabilising exercises

Balance and proprioceptive exercises

Functional exercises

Hydrotherapy

Module 2

Patient Assessment

Musculoskeletal patient assessment

Neurological patient assessment

Respiratory / critical care patient assessment

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

Carry out a basic musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory physiotherapy assessment

Understand valid outcome measures to guide patient treatment

How to write SOAP (subjective, objective, analysis, plan) notes to progress patient treatment

Module 3

Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy Treatment Techniques

Early phase rehabilitation 0-2 weeks

Mid phase rehabilitation 2-6 weeks

Late phase rehabilitation 6-12 weeks

Patient discharge or maintenance physiotherapy programme

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

Carry out early physiotherapy treatment including:

Early manual therapy techniques

Early phase hot and cold pack treatment

Early electrotherapies to improve healing and for pain relief

Mid phase gentle exercise programmes including hydrotherapy

Late phase exercise therapy to include advanced strengthening, proprioceptive, balance and functional exercises

Late phase electrotherapies for pain relief, soft tissue injuries and muscle strengthening

Module 4

Physiotherapy Progression Plans and Home Exercise Programmes

Patient rehabilitation plans

Discharge and maintenance programmes

Home exercise plans

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

Learn how and when to progress patient plans from early to mid through to late stage rehabilitation to optimise patient outcomes

Understand when to discharge a patient, or to continue with a maintenance programme for chronic cases or surgical complications

Design home exercise programmes for owners to carry out

Module 5

Musculoskeletal Case Studies

CCL reconstruction – TPLO or lateral suture

Soft tissue injuries (tendinopathies, iliopsoas strains)

Fracture repair

Conservative management of chronic conditions, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia

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

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a musculoskeletal case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a soft tissue case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a fracture repair case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a chronic condition case study

Module 6

Neurological and Respiratory (Intensive Care) Case Studies

Hemi- laminectomy (HLE)

Fibrocartilage embolism (FCE)

Pneumonia

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

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a surgical neurological case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a non-surgical case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a respiratory (critical care) case study

Module 1

Performance Reviews and Appraisals

This first week, we will look at how to conduct appraisals and performance reviews. We will look at the different styles of checklists and forms that can be used to conduct these sessions, and we will discuss how to give feedback, whether good or bad. We will look at how performance reviews can be used to help with staff members who are not performing at an expected level.

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

Know how to give constructive feedback

How to set performance action plans

Design an appraisal form, in order to conduct an appraisal

Module 2

Quality Improvement

QI is an important part of clinical practice and it often lands on veterinary nurses to conduct clinical audits. We will explore what QI involves, how to develop evidence-based practice, what a journal club is, and how to implement clinical audits.

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

Understand the concepts of clinical governance, quality improvement and clinical audits

How to implement a clinical audit

Understand how to start a journal club

Module 3

Disciplinary Issues

We will look at what to do if you have a situation when a staff member that doesn’t arrive to work on time, has performance issues, or doesn’t comply to rules. We will look at how you can manage these people, how to set reviews and action plans, along with what to do if they don’t adhere to these action plans.

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

Set action plans and how to review these

Know how to conduct an investigation into conduct

Understand what the disciplinary process involves

Module 4

Finances

Part of being a head nurse is also knowing how the business works – having a basic understanding of how your role as head nurse affects profit/loss is important. Stock control, purchasing, pricing and charging correctly are a vital part of this

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

Understand the importance of stock control and how to implement a simple system to aid your stock takes

Understand the importance of charging and how making a few changes can make a difference

Know why it is important to charge for your time

Module 1

Nutritional Assessment and Calculations

How to perform a nutritional assessment

Calculate energy requirements and how much to feed

Treatment regimens for inappetence

Instigating nutritional support

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

Perform a nutritional history and assessment of the animal

Calculate BER and RERs and apply this to how much to feed

Identify when nutritional support is required and how to do this

Module 2

Clinical Nutrition – Renal, Urinary, Liver and Cardiac

Clinical nutrition for renal, urinary, liver and cardiac disease

Look at each of the nutrient requirements for each of these management regimes

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

Make recommendations for clinical diets for renal, urinary, liver and cardiac disease

Understand the nutrient specifications for these diets

Discuss the benefits of these diets

Module 3

Clinical Nutrition – Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic

Clinical nutrition for gastrointestinal and pancreatitis

Look at each of the nutrient requirements for each of these management regimes

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

Make recommendations for clinical diets for range of gastrointestinal and pancreatitis

Understand the nutrient specifications for these diets

Discuss the benefits of these diets

Module 4

Nutritional Supplements and Trends

Supplements

Nutritional trends (including raw and homecooked diets)

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

Make recommendations for supplements for the diseases discussed in weeks 3 and 4

Look at the nutritional evidence behind nutritional fashions

Discuss raw and home cooked feeding with clients

Week 1

Aetiology and Pathogenesis

Anatomy of the head

Tooth and periodontal anatomy, and oral soft tissues

Oral nomenclature

Tooth types, nomenclature and formulae

Eruption times

Occlusion

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

Identify tooth and periodontal structures

Explain the Modified Triadan System of numbering teeth in the dog and cat

Recognise normal occlusion

Week 2

Periodontology

Aetiology and pathogenesis of dental disease

Gingivitis

Periodontitis

Gingivostomatitis

Periodontal therapy

Scaling and polishing

Pocket control and therapy

Medications, homecare (brief), dental clinics (brief)

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

Describe how gingivitis develops and its progression to periodontal disease

Explain what gingivostomatitis is

Outline the process of safe ultrasonic tooth scaling and its purpose

Week 3

Oral Pathology and Treatment

Trauma and treatment options

Tooth fracture / discolouration / (sub) luxation

Dental diseases and treatment options

Tooth resorption / caries / periodontal disease

Malocclusion and treatment options

Traumatic / dental / skeletal malocclusions

Other conditions and treatment options

Enamel defects / dentigerous cysts / persistent deciduous / root dilacerations and abnormal morphology / tumours

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

Identify common pathologies associated with the teeth and oral cavity

Describe some potential treatment options for common pathologies

Week 4

Oral Examination and Charting

History taking and clinical examination – conscious oral examination

Pre-operative tests

Assessment under general anaesthesia – including anaesthesia induction, intubation, oral preparation, probing

Charting – what to fill in, disease scoring and making your chart work

Imaging and other investigations

Radiography – parallel and bisecting angle techniques

Biopsy

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

Confidently undertake a thorough conscious examination of a patient’s teeth
and oral cavity

Set up for and assist with assessment of the teeth and oral cavity in an anaesthetised patient

Accurately complete a dental chart which documents all pathology discovered upon examination

Week 5

Instrumentation and Dental Surgery

Instruments – use, care and maintenance

Dental machine and other powered equipment – use, care and maintenance

Ancillary equipment – use, care and maintenance

Preparation for and veterinary nursing assistance with surgery

Pre-, intra- and post-operatively, including analgesia

The role of intraoperative radiography

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

Differentiate between different instruments used for dental and oral procedures, and state what they are used for

Describe the proper use, care and maintenance of a range of dental instruments and equipment

Explain the benefits of oral radiography in veterinary patients and outline the basic, fundamental principles of the parallel and bisecting angle techniques

Week 6

Dental Clinics, Products and Homecare

What is an effective dental clinic

Types of patients attending dental clinics

Resources for dental clinic consultations

Products and interventions available to help with maintaining oral health

Oral homecare regimes

Effective dissemination of theoretical and practical oral hygiene advice

Client concordance and follow-up

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

Debate what makes a dental clinic effective

Explain the range of resources required to run an effective dental clinic, and the purpose of these resources

Describe how a range of products and interventions used to maintain optimal oral health work

Outline how to achieve and maintain client compliance with recommended oral homecare regimes

Week 1

Approach to the Caesarean Patient

Brief overview of parturition

Complications of parturition

Caesarean section

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

Explain complications that might occur in parturition

Explain the reasons for intervening in these cases in order to perform a C section

Understand nursing of the caesarean patient

Week 2

The GDV Patient

Physiology of GDV

Diagnosis

Stabilisation of the GDV

Anaesthesia considerations

Post-operative nursing

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

Understand the physiology of a GDV and list some of the common risk factors associated with this condition

Describe how a GDV is diagnosed and which tests can help us to identify this condition in the emergency patient

List the common stabilisation techniques in the emergency patient including management of shock and commonly used gastric decompression techniques

Discuss anaesthesia considerations and how to make the patient a safe candidate for surgery

Describe the nursing considerations for the post-operative GDV case and the factors which need to be included in the care plan of the hospitalised patient

Week 3

Nursing the Septic Abdomen Patient

What are SIRS and sepsis?

Recognising sepsis

The use of diagnostic tools in the veterinary practice to help recognise a septic abdomen

Nursing management of a septic abdomen

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

Describe SIRS and sepsis and the difference between them

Understand how to recognise sepsis in veterinary patients

List the different tests we have available in practice that can be used to help identify a septic abdomen

Explain how patients with a septic abdomen can best be nursed in practice, pre-, peri and post operatively

Week 4

Haemoabdomen

Physiology of haemoabdomen

Diagnosis

Stabilisation of the haemoabdomen

Anaesthesia considerations

Post-operative nursing

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

Understand the physiology of a haemoabdomen and list some of the common causes associated with this condition

Describe how a haemoabdomen is diagnosed and which tests can help us to identify this condition in the emergency patient

List the common stabilisation techniques in the emergency patient including management of shock

Discuss anaesthesia considerations and how to make the patient a safe candidate for surgery

Describe the nursing considerations for the post-operative haemoabdomen case and the factors which need to be included in the care plan of the hospitalised patient

Module 1

Monitoring Modalities

There are many advanced monitoring tools and nursing interventions that can be used in our patients, however, a key part of this is deciding when it is appropriate to employ them. We will discuss and compare different monitoring tools that we have available, including:

Blood pressure monitoring – invasive versus non-invasive

Central venous pressure

ECG

Blood gases – venous versus arterial

We will also explore when these monitoring tools may be beneficial compared with when their use might be contraindicated.

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

Determine which patients would benefit from more intensive monitoring

Understand how to conduct each kind of monitoring and explain the information we can obtain

Understand the difference between arterial blood pressure monitoring and central venous pressure

Understand the complications of using the more invasive monitoring tools

Module 2

Tubes and Drains

Various tubes and drains are commonly used in critically ill ICU patients, and it is vital we understand how to manage these safely and effectively. We will look at a variety of different tubes and drains including Jackson Pratt drains and active grenades, thoracic tubes, tracheostomy tubes and pericardiocentesis catheters among others.

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

Understand the different drains and their functions

Safely manage and nurse patients with various types of tubes

Understand the complications that may occur with various interventions

Confidently troubleshoot drain management

Module 3

Cardiovascular Support

Sometimes fluids just aren’t enough! There are a variety of issues we can encounter with our critically ill patients and cardiovascular support and monitoring becomes an important aspect of the RVN’s role. We will look at the different causes of cardiovascular instability and how we can address those including the use of vasopressors and inotropes.

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

Understand the methods of monitoring that can assist with determining both low and high-volume states

Identify cases where the use of vasopressors and inotropes are indicated

Explain the different conditions that lead to changes in cardiovascular function

Understand the ECG assessment and recognise the main life threatening abnormalities

Module 4

Constant Rate Infusions

Constant rate infusions are commonly used in the ICU, and it is really useful for RVN’s to be able to calculate these dosages. Whilst the maths can sometimes seem baffling, if you understand the basics, it is a very useful skill. CRIs are very beneficial for many of our patients and are attainable in any practice with an infusion pump.

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

Calculate ANY CRI from scratch!

Understand the benefits and issues associated with use of CRIs

Understand multimodal analgesia options for critically ill patients

Module 1

What is an Anaesthesia Plan?

How to construct an individual anaesthesia plan

Common anaesthesia-related complications

What you need to know about the drugs

Very old and very young patients

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

Construct an individualised anaesthesia plan

Understand common anaesthesia and surgery related complications

Appreciate the important effects and side effects of drugs commonly used in the peri-anaesthetic period

Understand specific considerations for geriatric and paediatric patients

Module 2

The Anaesthetist’s Worst Nightmares!

Brachycephalic dogs

Obese patients

Care! Difficult temperament

Some endocrine and medical conditions

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

Provide safe anaesthesia for brachycephalic and obese patients

Understand how to anaesthetise ‘aggressive’ dogs safely

Understand the priorities for sick patients and those with concurrent disease

Module 3

Let’s get Cutting – Abdominal Surgery

Anaesthetic considerations for laparotomy and laparoscopy

Case examples

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

Provide analgesia and local anaesthesia for abdominal surgery

Understand the effects of laparoscopy on the patient’s physiology and how to manage them

Discuss the considerations for some particular examples of abdominal surgery

Module 4

Heart and Lungs

Anaesthetic considerations for respiratory disease and thoracic surgery

Anaesthetising patients with common cardiac diseases

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

Know the requirements of patients with intra-thoracic disease

Understand how to manage a patient undergoing a thoracotomy

Appreciate the basics of controlled ventilation

Provide analgesia and local anaesthesia for thoracic surgery

Manage patients with common cardiac diseases

Module 5

Eyes, Brains and Spines

Anaesthetic considerations for neurology and ophthalmology patients

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

Understand practical and physiological considerations for ocular surgery

Explain the basics of neuromuscular blockade

Know how to provide analgesia and local anaesthesia for spinal surgery

Identify the pathophysiology of intracranial disease and how to manage it

Understand the particular difficulties of anaesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging

Module 6

Bringing it all Together – Case Examples

Complex procedures and sick patients, plus some orthopaedic procedures

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

Understand how to combine patient and procedure related requirements

Construct advanced anaesthesia plans

Understand how to prioritise the importance of different anaesthetic considerations

Provide analgesia and local anaesthesia for some orthopaedic procedures

Week 1

Vascular Access

Indications for IV placement

Different types of IV catheter

Different placement techniques

IV catheter management

Complications

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

List the indications and contraindications for IV catheter placement

Understand the difference between peripheral and central venous catheterisation

Describe the different IV catheter options currently on the veterinary market and their placement technique

Discuss how to manage IV catheters – both peripheral and central

Describe the common complications associated with IV catheters and how to minimise them

Week 2

Urinary Catheters

Indications for placing urinary catheters

Different types of urinary catheters

Placement of urinary catheters

Urinary catheter management

Complications

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

List the indications and contraindications for urinary catheter placement

Describe the different urinary catheter options currently for veterinary use

Explain how urinary catheters are placed

Discuss how to manage urinary catheters in practice

Describe the common complications associated with urinary catheters

Week 3

Chest Drains

When chest drains are placed

Different types of chest drain

Different placement techniques

Chest drain management

Complications

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

List the indications and contraindications for chest drain placement

Describe the different chest drain options currently on the veterinary market and their placement techniques

Explain how to drain the chest drain and what options are available should the patient have a continuous pneumothorax

Discuss how to manage the chest drain and how to identify a drain that is ready for removal

Describe the common complications associated with chest drains and how to minimise them

Week 4

Tracheostomy Tubes

Indications for tracheostomy tube placement

Different types of tracheostomy tubes

Placement of tracheostomy tubes

Management of tracheostomy tubes

Complications

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

List the indications and contraindications for placing tracheostomy tubes

Understand the different types of tracheostomy tubes available for veterinary use

Describe how tracheostomy tubes are placed

Explain how to manage tracheostomy tubes in situ

Describe the common complications associated with tracheostomy tubes in practice

Week 1

Preparation and Monitoring of Critical Cases

Preparedness

Considerations

Invasive blood pressure monitoring

Blood gas analysis

Spirometry

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

List generalised considerations for preparing to anaesthetise emergency cases

Setup and use invasive blood pressure monitoring and how this relates to oscillometric and doppler techniques

Interpret a basic blood gas analysis and outline how this abnormality may have occurred

Explain what spirometry is and how it differs from capnography

Week 2

Abdominal Surgical Emergencies

Gastric dilatation and volvulus

Haemoabdomen

The acute abdomen

Epidural anaesthesia

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

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by gastric dilatation and volvulus

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by haemoabdomen

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by the acute abdomen

Suggest considerations for these surgeries and list possible complications that may arise during anaesthesia

List the total and relative contraindications for epidural anaesthesia

Week 3

Thoracic Surgical Emergencies

Pyothorax

Penetrating injuries

Diaphragmatic rupture

Mechanical ventilation

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

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by pyothorax

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by a penetrating injury

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by diaphragmatic rupture

Suggest considerations for these surgeries and list possible complications that may arise during anaesthesia

Feel confident to safely choose ventilator settings for use during non-emergency surgery

Week 4

Caesareans

Physiology

ASA categorisation

Anaesthesia protocols

Anaesthesia infusions (TIVA)

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

Understand the physiological considerations for caesarean section

Assign and justify the choice of an ASA category to the caesarean section patient

Suggest a safe protocol for caesarean section, with variation based on differing drug availability depending on clinical setting

Understand the basis of total intravenous anaesthesia infusions

Week 5

What’s Happening?  What Should I do?

Hypoxia

Hypocapnia

Hypotension

ECG Abnormalities

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

List possible causes of, and suggest treatments for hypoxia and hypocapnia

List possible causes of hypotension and discuss the physiology of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options

Interpret the most common ECG abnormalities seen and understand how these rhythms will affect the patient, and have an understanding of possible treatment options

Week 6

CRASH!

Recover CPR guidelines

Crash box

Basic life support

Advanced life support

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

List the vital components of a crash box

Perform safe and effective chest compressions in a variety of patient sizes and conformations

Understand how to monitor the effectiveness of CPR in the clinical setting

Interpret the most common ECG rhythms seen during CPR

Understand what drug treatment options are available during CPR

Week 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 week, 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

Week 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 week, 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

Week 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 week, 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

Week 4

Electrocardiography (ECG) – Application

Application of theory from week 1 to cases

Anaesthesia and ECGs

Life threatening arrhythmias

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

Apply theoretical learning to practical cases

Understand the role of anaesthesia and surgery upon ECGs

Identify life threatening arrhythmias

Week 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 week, 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

Week 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 week, 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

Week 1

Age Related Disease and Nursing Considerations

Age related diseases commonly seen in cats from the age of 7 years upwards

Findings from the Feline Healthy Ageing Clinic

How nursing care differs in ageing cats

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

Be aware of commonly seen age related diseases

Adapt nursing care for the ageing patient

Prepare hospitalisation for the ageing cat

Week 2

Creating and Running Ageing Cat Clinics

How to set up and run ageing cat clinics

Owner education and compliance

Feline friendly handling for the ageing patient

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

 Create and run ageing cat clinics

Create an owner questionnaire

Understand the importance of owner education

Adapt handling skills to suit the ageing patient

Week 3

Nutritional Considerations

Nutrition for ageing life stages

Nutrition for specific age related disease

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

Make nutritional recommendations for the ageing cat

Make nutritional recommendations for age related diseases

Discuss the benefits of different diets and nutrient specifications

Week 4

Quality of Life and End of Life Care

Quality of life tools

Supporting the palliative patient

Euthanasia considerations

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

Understand the importance of using quality of life tools

Feel confident using quality of life tools

Communicate sensitively to owners surrounding end of life

Carry out euthanasia with consideration for the patient as well as the owner

Preparation and Premedication

Preparing for what may happen is the key to anaesthesia. We will discuss how to approach an anaesthetic and the difference premedication can have on the patient and the anaesthetic that follows.

Preparedness

Considerations

Safe and effective premedication

Calculations for anaesthesia

Fasting periods

Medication that may be given prior to the visit

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

List generalised considerations for preparing to anaesthetise routine cases

Confidently provide premedication prior to anaesthesia in a safe and controlled manner

Give advice on how long to withhold food before anaesthesia for a variety of different patients

Week 2

Induction

This week will cover the induction process, how to manage different case scenarios and guide you through intubation techniques.

Selection of an appropriate breathing system

Preoxygenation

Intubation for different cases

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

Select an appropriate breathing system and calculate the fresh gas flow required

Understand the physiology of preoxygenation, and how to do this effectively

Confidently approach intubation in both routine cases and those with anatomical variations

Week 3

Maintenance

For many, the maintenance phase of anaesthesia can be daunting, this week we will discuss monitoring and fluid therapy during anaesthesia.

Multiparameter monitors

Hypotension

Fluid therapy during anaesthesia

Low flow anaesthesia

Environmental considerations

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

Feel confident using multiparameter monitors and interpret the information given

Appreciate the physiology of and importance of monitoring blood pressure effectively

Select an appropriate fluid rate during anaesthesia Select an appropriate fresh gas flow rate during maintenance of anaesthesia

Recognise some of the environmental impacts of anaesthesia

Week 4

Recovery

The recovery phase is an area with high mortality in small animal patients, this week will cover how to make this phase of anaesthesia both calm and safe.

Practicalities of recovery

Monitoring post-anaesthetic

Pain scoring

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

Understanding the risks associated with and the necessity for monitoring patients in recovery

Confidently perform pain scoring assessments on patients following surgery

Week 1

Radiation Physics and Safety

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

Understand the properties of x-rays

Explain how an x-ray tube works

Explain how digital x-ray systems work

Explain the risks of working with radiation

Explain the principles of radiation protection and how this is implemented in veterinary practice

Week 2

Radiographic Anatomy and Physiology in Small Animal Patients

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

Understand the normal radiographic anatomy of the thorax

Understand the normal radiographic anatomy of the abdomen

Understand the normal radiographic anatomy of the spine

Understand the normal radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb

Understand the normal radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and pelvic limbs

Week 3

Radiographic Techniques (Positioning and Contrast Studies)

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

Understand and implement the optimum positioning for thoracic radiographs

Understand and implement the optimum positioning for abdominal radiographs

Understand and implement the optimum positioning for spinal radiographs

Understand and implement the optimum positioning for pelvic

Understand and implement the optimum positioning for thoracic limb radiographs

Understand and implement the optimum positioning for pelvic limb radiographs

Explain specialised orthopaedic views (TTA / TPLO / stressed / flexed / extended)

Understand contrast media and its usage

Describe contrast and dynamic studies (IVU / retrograde urethrocystogram/angiography)

Week 4

MRI and CT – Physics and Safety

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

Describe the basic principles of how CT works

Describe the basic principles of how MRI works

Explain safety concerns when working with CT

Explain safety concerns when working with MRI

Compare differences between CT and MRI

Week 5

MRI Techniques and Acquisition

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

Understand how to position small animal patients for spinal imaging

Understand how to position small animal patients for brain imaging

Explain which sequences are commonly utilised in small animal imaging

Understand commonly seen MRI artefacts

Week 6

CT Techniques and Acquisition

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

Understand how to position small animal patients for commonly performed CT studies (Spine / Thorax / Abdomen / Elbow)

Explain which reconstruction algorithms can be utilised and when

Understand commonly seen CT artefacts

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

Week 1

Transfusion Medicine

This week we will look at indications for packed red cell and whole blood transfusions, in both cats and dogs, in the acute emergency setting.  The nurse’s role is vital in this field, including preparing the recipient, blood typing, cross matching and monitoring the recipient.  We will cover common reasons for transfusion and patient specific nursing concerns, as well as indications for auto transfusion and xenotransfusion.   Common coagulopathies will also be discussed, along with indications for the use of plasma products in small animal patients.

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

Select the correct blood product for the individual patient

Understand the monitoring these patients require and patient specific concerns

Explain the different transfusion reactions that can occur and how they are avoided and treated

List the indications for auto transfusion and xenotransfusion

Describe the main coagulopathies we encounter and the treatment options available

Week 2

Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury is a relatively common presentation in emergency and critical care, however, it can occur for a variety of reasons.  This week will look at the conditions that lead to acute kidney injury and how we reach that diagnosis.  We will look at treatment options including reviews of the evidence bases in terms of patients that are anuric. The nursing role in these patients is multi- faceted and it is vital we can monitor and nurse these patients effectively.

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

Understand the different reasons that AKI develops, including post-surgery, toxin related and obstruction of the urinary tract

Understand the monitoring and nursing requirements of these patients including fluid therapy, acid-base status and how we recognize when they are deteriorating

Explain how we manage anuric patients including evidence reviews of methods to force diuresis

Understand the basics of peritoneal and haemodialysis for these patients and the indications

Week 3

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

DKA is a complex disorder that can be life threatening for our patients, and the nursing team play a large role in the management and recovery of these patients. There are multiple considerations in nursing a patient with DKA that go well beyond administering insulin. We will review common reasons for a patient to develop this endocrine disorder as well as acid- base and electrolyte abnormalities we may see.

These patients need intensive monitoring including repeated blood work so we will discuss how to minimize the impact of this on their welfare. There will also be discussion on the different approaches to administration of insulin and ongoing management of these cases when they are discharged home.

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

Recognise the concurrent conditions that may lead to difficulty stabilizing the DKA patient

Understand how we reach the diagnosis and the treatment priorities for these patients

Understand the different approaches to insulin administration as well as the pros and cons of each method

Explain how to prioritise appropriate monitoring for these patients

Week 4

Acute Pancreatitis

The pancreatitis patient is a common presentation to any practice. It is an inflammatory condition that can be classed from mild to severe.  We will focus on the nursing care and assessment of the patients requiring hospitalisation for management.  Whilst we often consider these patients as just needing a couple of days of supportive care, there are some serious complications that can occur and contribute to mortality.

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

Understand common aetiologies in dogs and cats

Review pain management options including drug types and routes of administration

Discuss nutritional support options

Identify complications including development of SIRS

Week 5

Acute Respiratory Distress

These patients present many challenges to us in practice and need some special consideration in terms of monitoring and nursing care.  We will look at recognition of the patient in respiratory distress, the potential causes, and our priorities for treatment.  We will review the monitoring tools that may be beneficial and our approach to stabilising these patients.

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

Prioritise stabilisation techniques based on patient presentation

Determine which method of oxygen supplementation is most appropriate for specific patients

Appreciate the management of patients in brachycephalic crisis

Understand the different approaches to diagnostics and monitoring for these very fragile patients

Week 6

Addisonian Crisis

Known as the “great pretender”, Addison’s disease leads to a potentially life-threatening situation when the patient goes into crisis.  Whilst electrolyte abnormalities are present in a typical Addisonian we can see no electrolyte changes in atypical cases.  The patient with an Addison’s crisis has multiple abnormalities which we need to monitor and correct.  Consideration of management options for these patients as well as resolving the crisis will all be discussed.

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

Understand the aetiology, common clinical signs, and effects of this complex disorder

Identify and differentiate a patient that has Addison’s disease, with a patient in an Addisonian crisis

Understand the nursing considerations for these patients in the hospital environment, and appreciate the impact stress hormones have

Identify priorities for treatment and ongoing management

Module 1

Preparation, Priorities and Checklists

Patient safety

The anaesthesia plan and patient priorities

Preparation and checklists

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

Understand how preparation and use of checklists improve patient safety

Prepare individual anaesthesia plans for sick patients and/or complex procedures

Understand how to prioritise important considerations

Understand how to prepare the patient and equipment to minimise harmful delays and mistakes

Construct and use relevant patient safety checklists

Module 2

Ventilation, Capnography and Neuromuscular Blockade

Physiology of spontaneous and controlled ventilation

Ventilators

Capnography

Neuromuscular blockade

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

Understand in which situations it is appropriate to use controlled ventilation

Understand how to set up a ventilator and what all the buttons do!

Understand the physiology and technology of capnography

Understand how to interpret different capnograph traces

Understand how to use and monitor neuromuscular blocking drugs

Module 3

Advanced Monitoring and Cardiovascular Support

Physiology of heart rate and blood pressure

The electrocardiogram

Measuring blood pressure

Treating hypotension and arrhythmias

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

Have a better understanding of ECG interpretation and when to worry

Understand how to interpret blood pressure measurements

Understand when and how to treat common arrhythmias

Understand different ways of treating hypotension

Module 4

Perioperative Analgesia

Analgesic drugs in the peri-anaesthetic period

Multimodal analgesia

Analgesic infusions

Using local anaesthetic techniques

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

Have an understanding of the pharmacology of analgesic drugs

Understand which drugs are useful in which situations

Select and prepare analgesic drugs for intravenous infusions

Understand and select appropriate local anaesthetic techniques for different procedures

Week 1

Patient Assessment and Triage

The concept of triage

Preparedness

Primary survey

Secondary Survey

Emergency history

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

Understand the triage process and how it can be utilised to prioritise emergency care

Describe how to make their team and environment prepared for when the emergency patient arrives

List how to carry out a primary survey during the initial assessment of the patient

Explain how to carry out a secondary survey assessment in order to list their concerns with the patient

Discuss how to communicate with the client including telephone advice, informed consent and emergency history

Week 2

Shock

Classify shock

Emergency database

Blood pressure

Oxygen therapy

The use of multiparameter monitors

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

Identify a patient with shock and classify which type of shock they have

Explain which parameters may be tested during an emergency database and how these can help to identify shock in the emergency room

Understand the physiology of perfusion and ways in which blood pressure can be monitored in the emergency patient

List the different ways that oxygen therapy can be delivered to the emergency patient

Understand the uses and limitations of multiparameter monitors and their role in monitoring perfusion trends

Week 3

Fluid Therapy

Patient assessment

Identifying a fluid deficit or change in volume

What fluids are available

Managing a change in content

Identifying a change in fluid distribution

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

Explain how to assess the patient’s fluid status using clinical exam and blood work

Discuss how to create a fluid plan to treat a fluid deficit such as hypovolaemia or dehydration

List what fluid options are available and which fluid might be preferred in which situation

Understand how fluid selection or the fluid plan can be altered to account for an electrolyte abnormality

Describe how to manage the patient with fluid overload or peripheral oedema

Week 4

Neurological Emergencies

Neurological assessment

Coma scoring

Raised intracranial pressure

Seizures

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

Describe how to perform a neurological assessment of an emergency patient

Describe how to perform a coma score and understand how these may be used in neurological patients

Understand methods of identifying raised intracranial pressure and the physiology behind this

Recognise a seizuring patient and understand their management, from initial presentation and stabilisation of mild seizures through to the management of a patient in status epilepticus

Week 5

Approach to the Trauma Patient

Assessment of wounds

Wound management

Management of fractures

Other injuries associated with trauma

Analgesia

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

Identify different wounds based on the patient history and appearance of the wound

Understand the principles of wound management and common techniques used to flush and debride wounds

Describe how to identify and manage fractures in the trauma patient

List other common injuries associated with trauma and how these should be managed

Implement an analgesia plan for the trauma patient based on pain assessment

Week 6

Common Toxicities

Common toxins seen in emergency practice

Renal toxins

Hepatotoxins

Anticoagulants

Neurotoxins

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

Describe the different ways toxins can enter the body

List the most common renal toxins and understand the treatment of these patients

List the most common hepatotoxins and understand the different treatments for each of these

Understand the physiological effects of anticoagulant ingestion and the treatment of these patients

Identify the most common neurotoxins seen in practice and understand the treatment of these patients

Week 1

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

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

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

Module 1

Pre-anaesthetic Assessment and Patient Preparation for Anaesthesia

Patient preparation

ASA status and patient assessment

Use of checklists

Breathing systems and checks

What are the aims of anaesthetic premedication

Practical considerations

What agents are available

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

Correctly identify an appropriate breathing system and safe fresh gas flow rates for individual patients

Confidently check an anaesthesia machine and breathing system to ensure they are safe to use

Have an understanding of the ASA grading system and be able to designate and apply which status is appropriate for their individual patients

Identify the benefits of using a peri-anaesthetic checklist and decide whether this can be advocated for their working environment

List the reasons for patient premedication and be able to identify practical aspects and factors within the clinic which may affect the efficacy of premedication

Identify the most common pharmacological agents used for sedation and anaesthesia

Module 2

Anaesthetic Monitoring – Neurological and Respiratory System

Basic, hands on monitoring (neurological system)

Respiratory monitoring

Other

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

Recognise what are normal physiological parameters with regards to the neurological and respiratory systems for individual patients undergoing anaesthesia

Name the most common pieces of monitoring equipment for the respiratory system and be able to recognise what is a normal value/trace for each of these pieces

Start to develop the skills to apply this knowledge to individual cases within the clinic with use of the available equipment

Module 3

Anaesthetic Monitoring – Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular monitoring

Basic, hands on

Blood pressure

Pulse oximetry

ECG

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

Recognise what are normal physiological parameters with regards to the cardiovascular system for individual patients undergoing anaesthesia

Name the most common pieces of monitoring equipment for the cardiovascular system and be able to recognise what is a normal value/trace for each of these pieces

Start to develop the skills to apply this knowledge to individual cases within the clinic with use of the available equipment

Module 4

Principles of Perioperative Care including Anaesthetic Recovery

Anaesthetic risk

Airway management including tracheal intubation

Patient positioning

Eye care

Temperature

Fluid therapy

Patient recovery

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

Identify important factors which require attention and care during a patient’s anaesthetic in order to optimise the patient’s peri-anaesthetic experience

Accurately calculate fluid rates for individual patients and apply this to their clinical setting, whether this be with use of fluid pumps/syringe drivers or via gravity (calculating a drop rate)

List available methods for patient warming, with recognition of the need to counteract patient hypothermia and the potential risks associated with warming device use

Recognise the critical importance of patient monitoring during anaesthetic recovery.

Describe the potential difficulties that may be encountered during the anaesthetic recovery period

Module 5

Pain Assessment

Importance of pain assessment and management

Challenges of pain assessment in veterinary species

Pain assessment tools

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

Recognise the potential difficulties in performing pain assessment in veterinary species.

Name a number of pain assessment tools

Advocate a pain assessment tool that would be suitable for their working environment

Recognise when patients (cats and dogs) are deemed to be painful

Module 6

Analgesia for Acute Perioperative Pain

A brief overview on the pain pathway with introduction to the concepts of multimodal and pre-emptive analgesia

Analgesic options, including:

 A brief overview of the pharmacological means

Non-pharmacological methods

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

Explain why provision of analgesia is important for patient welfare

Describe the concepts of multimodal and pre-emptive analgesia, with emphasis on why these are important for patient analgesia

Explain why provision of analgesia is important

List potential analgesic options and apply this knowledge to consider appropriate therapeutic plans for individual patients

Have an appreciation of the important role that a veterinary nurse can play in providing non-pharmacological methods of analgesia and improving the patient experience

Module 1

Making Rabbit Anaesthesia Safer

Pre-op advice for clients

ASA grading – what increases the risk?

Monitoring under general anaesthesia

Post-operative care

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

Recap rabbit anaesthesia and how you can help build up your confidence, including pre op, intra op and post op care

Identify signs to be monitoring under anaesthesia – including CO₂, SPO₂, reflexes, HR, RR and BP readings

Use the ASA grading system, to look at why rabbits may be at a higher risk, compared with dogs and cats when placed under GA

Understand the options for intubation and maintaining an airway

Module 2

Analgesia – Taking the Pain Away

The signs of pain

Causes of pain

Knock on effects of uncontrolled pain

Analgesia options

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

Identify the signs that rabbits show when in pain – these can be easily missed!

Learn how to use with the ‘Rabbit Grimace Scale’ in conjunction with clinical signs

Appreciate the secondary problems that pain can lead to, when it is not managed correctly

Know what analgesia options can be used in rabbits

Module 3

Preparing for an Emergency

Preparation at the practice

Triaging rabbits

Obtaining a capsule history

Assessment

Managing owner expectations

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

Appreciate that when the phone rings it is important to be prepared for the emergency rabbit case. Know what to do and what equipment to set up to be ready

Understand how to triage rabbits and when continuing to do so may be detrimental

Obtain a quick and useful history from the owner to enable treatment to commence

Conduct a full assessment of the rabbit – from head to toe

Communicate with clients, managing their expectations and keeping them informed

Module 4

Critical Care – Keeping them Alive!

What is and what isn’t an emergency

What to do when faced with a rabbit emergency

Stabilisation and oxygen therapy

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

Identify rabbit emergencies – they are not always obvious, and knowing what is and what isn’t an emergency is important

Understand the health conditions which are emergencies in rabbits, including gastrointestinal stasis/blockages, flystrike, liver lobe torsion and respiratory distress

Achieve the important goal of keeping stress to a minimum

Identify the signs of improvement and deterioration

Module 1

Setting Up and Running Nurse Clinics

Which clinics to run?

Charging for clinics

Standardisation of the clinics

Client compliance

How to increase client numbers

Making recommendations

Marketing and publicity

Building confidence

Reflective practice

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

Understand the consulting nurse’s pivotal role in practice

Appreciate the varying types of clinics nurses can offer

Learn how to increase numbers coming into clinics, and increase recommendations to the clinics

Understand how to increase client compliance in clinics

Know various ways to market and advertise the clinics on offer

Module 2

Consulting Skills

Communication in clinics

Consultation skills

Content of your clinic

Keeping to time

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

Understand the process of consulting

Understand the importance of communication, the customer journey and improving outcomes

Understand the importance of protocols for clinic content and the running of these clinics

Module 3

Lifestage Clinics

Puppy and kitten clinics

Senior clinics

Other lifestage clinics

What to include

Timings of clinics

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

Timings of clinics and how these will improve client education and binding to the practice

Understand the content for these clinics and what to discuss with clients at this time

Understand the elements of preventative healthcare

Understand the importance of nutritional assessments in all of the nurse clinics

Module 4

Obesity and Mobility Clinics

Content of mobility and obesity clinics

Nutritional requirements for obesity

Client motivation

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

Understand the content to include for each of these clinics

Calculate feeding amounts, what treats (if any) we can feed and exercise regimes

Understand how environmental adaptations can improve QOL for our pets with mobility issues

Understand the role of supplements in these cases

Discuss methods of how to motivate clients

Module 1

Patient History and Assessment

Taking a thorough history

Initial patient assessment

Anatomy

Neurological examination

Localisation

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

Successfully take a detailed history from owners and distinguish if the problem is neurological or not

Assess / triage the patient’s overall condition

Understand the neurological examination and describe what the findings may suggest

Discuss neurological lesion localisation and appreciate how this will allow planning of diagnostics tests

Module 2

Diagnostics

What do we need to know and when?

Blood tests

Urine

Imaging

MRI

CT

Radiography

Myelography

Ultrasound

Electrodiagnostics

Muscle and nerve biopsies

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

Understand if diagnostic tests are required

Know what tests should be prioritised – especially in emergency / critical cases or money sensitive situations

Understand what genetic tests are routinely carried out in neurology

Have a basic understanding of advanced imaging protocols and which ones should be used

Understand why and when electrodiagnostics are used in practice

Discuss why muscle and nerve biopsies may be taken

Module 3

Spinal Conditions

Intervertebral disc disease and other common spinal conditions

Medical versus surgical treatment

Hemilaminectomy surgery, ventral slot surgery and other surgical approaches

Fenestration and durotomy – what does it mean and why?

Atlanto-axial instability, fractures and other vertebral malformations

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

Display knowledge about common spinal conditions seen in practice and understands why surgery is or isn’t performed

Describe how surgery affects the patient’s anatomy. Understanding surgery allows for a more considerate approach to nursing these patients

Show an awareness of any likelihood of recurrence

Module 4

Brain Disease

Seizures

Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO)

Vestibular disease

Head trauma

Neoplasia

Toxins

Otitis media / interna

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

Explain primary and secondary seizures and potential causes, and understand when to start anti-epileptic treatment

Discuss the clinical signs of MUO, how it is diagnosed in practice, along with the treatment options available

Know how to triage the emergency head trauma patient and use the Glasgow Coma Scale

List other causes of disease that may cause patients to present similarly to brain disease patients

Module 5

Neuromuscular Disease

Common neuromuscular diseases seen in the UK

Myasthenia Gravis

Polyradiculoneuritis

Tetanus

Toxoplasmosis

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

Show an understanding as to how different neuromuscular diseases affect our patients

Discuss treatment options available to patients for these conditions and know the nursing care required to support them during their recovery

Module 6

Nursing the Neurological Patient

Nursing care required to successfully nurse patients in hospital

Bladder dysfunction and care

Nutritional / hydration needs

Handling techniques

Exercise

Complications

Complementary treatment options

Promoting good overall patient care in practice

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

Consolidate knowledge from the whole course to successfully produce nursing care plans for a variety of neurological conditions

Identify which bladder management technique is required for various patients

Understand appropriate handling techniques and when one should be used over another

Help support clients that have pets with ongoing neurological care needs at home

Discuss the long-term care and monitoring these patients may require

Module 1

Principles of Anaesthetising Critical Patients

Anaesthetic risk in the compromised patient

The importance of patient history and physical examination

Diagnostic tests

Patient stabilisation

Anaesthetic protocol, monitoring and recovery

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

Understand why critical patients are at an increased anaesthesia and sedation risk

Understand that improving patient safety requires a holistic, overall management process, not simply using “the best drug protocol”.  This will include consideration of:

What pre-anaesthetic tests may be required and the benefit they offer

What pre-anaesthetic stabilisation may be required

Recall an introduction into the type of patient monitoring which is required during the peri-anaesthetic period

Understand general principles for appropriate anaesthetic drug protocols for the critical patient

Module 2

General Approach to Adverse Events and Introduction to Anaesthetic Complications

Near misses and adverse events

Minimising adverse events by preparation

Checklists and non-technical skills

Common anaesthetic complications

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

Name the three steps necessary for approaching adverse events and discuss why they are important, including methods in which near misses and adverse events can be minimised in practice

Understand the role of human factors in patient safety and the value of checklist use in anaesthetic practice

Give an overview of what anaesthetist non-technical skills (ANTS) are and be able to begin using them in clinical practice

Know the most common anaesthetic complications encountered in small animal practice

Module 3

Cardiovascular Complications

Alterations in heart rate:

Bradyarrhythmias

Tachyarrhythmias

Alterations in blood pressure:

Hypotension

Hypertension

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

Recognise abnormal physiological parameters with regards to the cardiovascular system for individual patients undergoing anaesthesia

Understand the most common underlying causes for alterations in heart rate (bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias) during general anaesthesia

List some main treatments for the most common arrhythmias which present under general anaesthesia

Understand the most common underlying causes for alterations in blood pressure (hypotension and hypertension) during general anaesthesia

List some main treatments for the most common blood pressure alterations which present under general anaesthesia

Begin to apply this knowledge to individual cases within the clinic with use of the available equipment

Module 4

Respiratory Complications

Alterations in ventilation:

Hypoventilation

Hyperventilation (including tachypnoea)

Apnoea or respiratory arrest

Hypoxaemia

Respiratory obstruction:

Upper respiratory tract

Lower respiratory tract

Restrictive pulmonary disease

Aspiration (and regurgitation)

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

Recognise what are abnormal physiological parameters with regards to the respiratory system for individual patients undergoing anaesthesia

Understand the most common underlying causes for alterations in ventilation, including hypo- and hyperventilation, apnoea and respiratory arrest

List the main treatments for the most common changes in ventilation under anaesthesia.

Understand the difference between hypoxaemia and hypoxia, listing the potential causes for these and therefore be able to suggest methods to manage these conditions

Recognise the clinical signs of respiratory obstruction and restrictive pulmonary disease and describe what steps could be taken to alleviate the underlying problem

State why aspiration is a risk under anaesthesia and how to manage a case of gastro-oesophageal reflux in order to minimise patient risk

Begin to apply this knowledge to individual cases within the clinic with use of the available equipment

Module 5

‘Other’ Complications

Central nervous system:

Emergence delirium

Post anaesthetic blindness and deafness

Thermoregulation:

Hypothermia

Hyperthermia

Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions

Embolism

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

Outline why cats are at particular risk for post anaesthetic blindness and deafness and describe methods which can minimise this risk

List available methods for patient warming, with recognition of the need to counteract patient hypothermia and the potential risks associated with warming device use

List risk factors associated with peri-operative hyperthermia and discuss steps which can be implemented to manage the hyperthermic patient

Recognise if an anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reaction is occurring and be able to suggest steps to manage the situation

Understand that embolisms are a rare, but potential complication during anaesthesia and be able to list the clinical signs associated with their occurrence

Module 6

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Detecting cardiopulmonary arrest

Basic life support:

Chest compressions

Tracheal intubation

Ventilation

Advanced life support

Drug therapy

Oxygen supplementation

Intravenous fluid therapy

Correction of electrolyte and metabolic disturbances

Defibrillation

Monitoring during CPR

Post cardiac arrest care

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

Explain the purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and describe its two main components

Recognise when cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be instigated

Understand the importance of regular CPR training within the practice team

Describe and demonstrate the method for effective chest compressions, tracheal intubation and ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

List what steps can be taken to provide advanced life support during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Know what monitoring tools are recommended for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and be able to interpret the main waveforms that will be seen during a resuscitation event

Module 1

Diabetes Mellitus

In this first week, we will be looking at diabetic cats and dogs and how nutrition plays a very large role in stabilisation of blood glucose. In dogs, we will look at how manipulation of different types of fibre can influence it. Cats are completely different when it comes to diabetes, not just in what to feed them. We will look at low carbohydrate, higher fat and protein diets, and how these can be used for obesity control and aid with the diabetes

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

Understand how diets for dogs and cats differ for diabetic patients

Explain how specific nutrients affect metabolism and insulin requirements

Establish safe weight loss in the diabetic cat

Module 2

Cardiac Disease

In the second week, we will look at the ACVIM consensus statement and how we can build this into nutrition for dogs. We will look at the recent evidence for cardiac diets and how the heart cells have been shown to respond to different energy sources. We will also look at the evidence surrounding those dogs that are developing DCM on grain free diets

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

Understand the nutritional requirements for the cardiac patient

Describe how to prevent cardiac cachexia

Understand the issues with fad diets and DCM

Module 3

Hepatic Disease

Hepatic disease in cats and dogs can be very complex depending on the cause. We will look at the feeding of puppies with portosystemic shunts and why we use diets with specific nutrients.  We will then discuss those animals with raised liver parameters and how we can help them, using diets and supplements

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

Understand how certain nutrients can exacerbate the clinical signs of portosystemic shunts

Explain how supplements can be used in animals with liver disease

Describe the nutrient requirements of cats and dogs with liver disease

Module 4

Dermatological Diets

In this last week, we will look at all the different diets that are available for dogs and cats that have dermatological issues.  We will investigate nutrigenomic diets, novel protein diets and hydrolysed diets and discuss when to use each one

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

Understand the difference between diets aimed at animals with dermatological issues

Conduct feeding trials for dermatological cases

Explain how supplements can be used to improve skin conditions

Week 1

An Introduction to Brachycephalics

Brachycephalic anatomy basics

Breeds commonly affected

Recent increase in popularity and the effects on the breed

Co-morbidities commonly seen in brachycephalics

Communication with owners

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

Recognise and discuss the anatomy of a brachycephalic patient

Understand the causes that can be attributed to clinical signs often displayed by patients suffering with BOAS

Identify co-morbidities often diagnosed in brachycephalic patients

Understand when and why communication with owners about brachycephalic pet ownership is vital

Understand the Cambridge BOAS assessment

Week 2

Brachy Breathing – Crisis and Management

Triage

Respiratory sounds

Blood gas analysis

Aspiration pneumonia

Oxygen therapy

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

Understand how to triage the brachycephalic patient

Recognise the difference between the various respiratory sounds

Identify the uses of blood gas analysis in respiratory conditions

Understand available treatments for aspiration pneumonia

Explain the different methods of providing oxygen therapy

Week 3

It’s a Hot Topic – Heatstroke Management

Heatstroke identification

Treatment options

Recovery process

Risks and complications

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

Identify a patient at risk of heatstroke

Explain how to care for the hot brachycephalic

Understand the risks associated with heatstroke

List the clinical signs to look out for in a recovering heatstroke patient

Describe treatments for the recovering heatstroke patient with a secondary condition

Week 4

Brachycephalic Anaesthesia

Balanced anaesthesia plans

Anaesthetic equipment

Anaesthetic monitoring

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

Understand how to perform a pre-anaesthetic evaluation

Design a patient specific anaesthesia plan, to include – premedication, induction, maintenance, and other medications to support the brachycephalic patient in the peri-anaesthesia period

Understand the approach to monitoring the brachycephalic patient under anaesthesia

Week 5

Managing a Difficult Airway

Pre-anaesthetic airway compromise and signs of potential difficult airways

Intubations, including tips and equipment aids

Ways to assist patient recovery from anaesthesia

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

Evaluate a patient prior to anaesthesia to determine severity of airway compromise

Identify the clinical signs to alert the anaesthetist to a potential difficult airway prior to induction

List the different intubation aids and how to maximise successful intubations, to maintain oxygenation and minimise hypoxia.

Understand how we can assist recoveries in the brachycephalic patient to achieve extubation and reduce incidence of post anaesthesia respiratory obstruction

Week 6

Head and Neck Surgery

Preparing the patient for surgery

Surgical techniques to correct common conditions – stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, everted laryngeal saccules, everted palatine tonsils, skin fold resection and tracheotomy/tracheostomy

Surgical techniques for conditions affecting the eyes – canthoplasty, grafting for ulceration, entropion etc.

Instrumentation

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

Prepare the patient for a range of procedures, including preparation of skin, eyes and mucous membranes

Correctly position patients for a range of surgical procedures involving the head and neck

Understand the most common surgical procedures, and explain these to owners

Tailor a post-operative care plan for each individual patient

Week 7

All the Other Problems Not in the Head and Neck!

Preparing the patient for surgery

Surgical techniques for a range of common conditions including caesarean sections, fracture repairs (humeral condyle), hiatus hernia, screw tail, hemilaminectomy and pulmonic stenosis

Instrumentation

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

Prepare theatre and the patient for a range of surgical procedures

Understand the most common surgical procedures, and explain these to owners

Tailor a post-operative care plan for each individual patient

Identify common surgical instruments and understand their use

Week 8

Ophthalmology

Corneal ulceration, exposure keratopathy and corneal pigmentation

Corneal sequestrums in cats

Entropion and Ectropion

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)

Tear overflow and staining

Proptosis

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

Explain the common ocular conditions in the brachycephalic patient

Understand the treatment options for the above conditions

Feel more confident when nursing the ophthalmic patient and what specific considerations to bear in mind

Week 1

Toxicology Introduction

The top 10 commonly encountered toxins in small animal patients will be reviewed along with up-to-date evidence-based guidelines looking at treatment recommendations and options

We will review the reported antidotes as well as the use of intra-lipid emulsion and other supportive measures we may implement in patients suffering from intoxication

Common complications of the various intoxications we can encounter will be reviewed as well as discussion of how we may pre-empt and manage these

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

Recognise the main toxins we see in practice

Develop a systematic approach to the intoxicated patient

Discuss the evidence bases looking at use of activated charcoal, intra-lipids and other antidotes, along with supportive measures for the intoxicated patient

Appreciate the main complications we may encounter with an intoxicated patient Understand how to address and nurse intoxicated patients into recovery

Week 2

Central Nervous System Toxins

Detailed discussion of the toxins that commonly affect the central nervous system including recreational drugs, human medications, organic toxins, household, and environmental concerns

We will look at decontamination of these patients as well effective nursing care and monitoring for the patient with severe CNS depression associated with intoxication

Discuss when an antidote may be indicated and the systemic effects, we can see associated with CNS intoxications

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

Understand the effects of the main toxins affecting the CNS

Consider how to provide emergency treatment for these patients and also develop a plan for longer term care

Discuss whether decontamination is appropriate for patients when the CNS is depressed

Understand the complications and challenges we may encounter

Week 3

Renal System Toxins

Discuss toxins that affect the patient’s renal system including ethylene glycol, NSAID ingestion, Baclofen, raisins/grapes amongst others.

Consider how we can identify a patient with an acute kidney injury due to a toxin and the treatment options available, including peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis amongst others

Nursing care for these patients is intensive and a focus on fluid balance and electrolyte status is vital, so this will be covered in detail

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

Understand the different toxins that affect the renal system and how we can approach nursing and monitoring these patients

Consider approaches to acid-base stabilisation and electrolyte abnormality management

Understand why volume overload occurs, and how we monitor, prevent and manage this condition

Week 4

Hepatic, Cardiac and Respiratory System Toxins

Round up of other common toxins including those affecting the hepatic system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and other miscellaneous agents. We will look at identifying these patients as well as common sources of intoxication and approaches to management

Review of the process of gastric lavage and contraindications associated with this method of contamination

Specific concerns associated with other toxins, including xylitol, baclofen, beta blockers, paracetamol, garlic and onions

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

Discuss appropriate treatment options and interventions for the mentioned toxins

Confidently provide nursing care and monitoring for these patients

Discuss gastric lavage and when it may not be appropriate

Appreciate the long term effects these toxins may or may not have on our patients

Week 1

Patient and Equipment Preparation for Dentistry and Oral Surgery

The dentistry workspace and ergonomics

Use and maintenance of dentistry equipment

Dental Instrumentation – use, care and sharpening

Organising the dentistry workflow

Preparing veterinary patients for dentistry procedures and maintaining patient safety

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

Effectively prepare and maintain the dentistry workspace and recognise any required
improvements for the practice

Operate dentistry equipment and instrumentation in a safe and effective manner

Understand common sharpening techniques for dental instrumentation

Understand how to maintain a safe environment for both staff and patients during dentistry procedures

Week 2

Complete Oral and Radiographic Evaluation (CORE)

Explore the veterinary nurses’ role in veterinary dentistry

What is a CORE procedure

The concept of staged dentistry procedures

Performing an oral assessment, recording findings and completing a dental chart

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

Understand how to perform a CORE dental procedure

Recognise and record pathology and discuss findings with the supervising veterinary
surgeon

Understand the importance of discussing dentistry treatment with pet owners and the benefits to patient welfare

Week 3

Dental Radiography and Image Interpretation

Dental radiography equipment

Positioning techniques for intra oral radiography

Image interpretation

Other imaging modalities for veterinary dentistry

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

Understand the methods in obtaining intra-oral radiographs

Understand the process of achieving diagnostic full mouth radiographs in dog and cats

Gain confidence in orientating and interpreting intra oral radiographs

Week 4

Periodontal Treatments and Surgery in Canine and Feline Patients

Review periodontal disease and its effects on both oral and systemic health

Performing a professional dental cleaning

Managing and treating periodontal disease in cats and dogs

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

Understand the aetiology of periodontal disease

Discuss the methods involved in professional dental cleaning, including ultrasonic
scaling

Identify treatment options for managing periodontal disease

Understand the principles required during tooth extraction

Advise pet owners on oral hygiene options

Week 5

Local Anaesthetic Techniques for Dentistry Patients

Common regional blocks used in veterinary dentistry

Local anaesthetic agents

Indications for local anaesthesia in dentistry

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

Calculate local anaesthetic doses for dental patients

Discuss different local anaesthetic techniques

Understand the appropriate regional block for the required dental procedure

Develop awareness of potential complications from administering local anaesthesia

Week 6

Advanced Procedures for Common Dental Conditions

Treatment options for malocclusions

Common dental procedures for traumatic damage to teeth

Nursing and supportive care of oral surgery patients

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

Understand the benefits of advanced dentistry treatment

Discuss endodontic treatment and the required equipment

Advise on postoperative consideration for oral surgery patients

Week 1

Triage Assessment and Stabilisation 

Carrying out an effective triage assessment and the RVN’s role

Major body system assessment

Approach to dysfunction of the cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological systems

Practical considerations for managing the emergency patient stabilisation

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

Correctly identify a patient with dysfunction of a major body system

Confidently triage and assess an emergency patient

Recognise the approach to dysfunction of different major body systems and stabilisation techniques utilised for emergency patients

Appreciate specific nursing considerations for the emergency presentation

Week 2

Urethral Obstruction

Identification of the patient with urethral obstruction

Stabilisation techniques

Evidence-based discussion on emergency management, fluid types and analgesia options

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

Participate in case based discussions

Identify the patient’s condition and the pathophysiology alongside potential complicating factors such as co-morbidities

Understand how to correct fluid deficits and identifying the difference between hypovolemia and dehydration

Participate in acid-base and electrolyte discussions, including how to address hypo and hyperkalemia

Appreciate the specific nursing considerations for patients with urethral obstruction

Week 3

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Presentation and initial emergency management

Acid base balance and electrolyte abnormalities

Pathophysiology of diabetic ketoacidosis and complicating factors

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

Participate in case based discussions

Identify the patient’s condition and the pathophysiology alongside potential complicating factors such as co-morbidities

Understand how to correct fluid deficits and identifying the difference between hypovolemia and dehydration

Participate in acid-base and electrolyte discussions, including how to address hypo and hyperkalaemia

Appreciate the specific nursing considerations for patients with DKA

Week 4

The Acute Abdomen – Surgical Cases

Pre-anaesthesia stabilisation and assessment

Analgesia choices in the critically ill patient

Peri-operative and recovery periods

Nursing specific concerns post operatively

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

Develop a pre-anesthetic plan and discuss suitable stabilisation as well as attribute an ASA score

Complete with confidence a surgical checklist and identify areas of concern

Understand analgesia choices, the options we have including CRIS, local and regional techniques

Engage in cased based presentations, including abdominal foreign bodies and gastric dilatation and volvulus

Week 5

The Acute Abdomen – Medical Cases

Analgesia and pain scoring

Non-surgical versus surgical patients

SIRS and DIC

Nutritional support

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

Understand pain scoring and the importance of using validated methods

Understand analgesia choices, the options we have including CRIS, local and regional techniques

Decide if a patient is surgical or non-surgical, especially in the case of traumatic haemoabdomen

Understand the pathophysiology behind systemic inflammatory response syndromes and disseminated intravascular coagulation and how to identify the early indications of development of these syndromes

Week 6

Acute Gastrointestinal Disease

Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis including parvovirus

Fluid therapy

Antibiosis

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

Identify appropriate approaches to fluid replacement including discussion of the use of crystalloids and colloids in the patient with AHDS

Appreciate the importance of nutrition in the patient with acute gastro-intestinal disease and how we can provide that

Describe potential complications that may occur, including sepsis

Discuss the rational use of antibiotics, using evidence bases

Module 1

Examination of Parrots

Handling and examination of parrots

Basic husbandry of parrots

Routine grooming techniques

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

Achieve safe handling techniques for parrots

Understand the basic husbandry of pet parrots and how this relates to disease

Appreciate and apply the techniques of beak, nail and wing trimming and understand how issues with these adnexa may reflect systemic disease

Module 2

Avian Anaesthesia and Imaging

Basic anaesthesia techniques

Introduction to avian radiography and ultrasound

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

Appreciate basic anaesthetic techniques, including induction and intubation, to improve anaesthetic success rates

Take a well-positioned radiograph and interpret the image

Understand the indications for ultrasonography in birds

Module 3

Reptile Examination Techniques

Handling

Examination techniques

History taking, including the husbandry review

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

Achieve safe handling techniques of reptiles – snakes, lizards and chelonia

Perform a basic examination of these species

Appreciate the role of husbandry in reptile disease and how to conduct a full husbandry review

Module 4

Reptile Anaesthesia, Imaging and Hospitalisation

Basic anaesthesia techniques

Introduction to reptile radiography and ultrasound

Hospitalisation requirements for reptile species

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

Appreciate basic anaesthetic techniques, including the importance of ventilation and when to use it

Take a well-positioned radiograph

Perform ultrasonography in reptiles

Understand the hospitalisation needs of reptile species

Week 1

Human Animal Bond

Explore types of human animal bond, including impact of support animals in the home (blind, hearing, medical alert dogs)

Equine therapy Pet therapy in hospitals and hospice environments

Dogs supporting ASD children

Pets in general

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

Explore the history of the human-animal bond and how it relates to pet companionship today

Understand different ways we utilise animals within our society and systems including support animals

Understand attachment theory and how this relates to animal companions

Explore how attachment theory might impact your own process in pet loss at work

Week 2

Types of Loss

Euthanasia

Terminal illness versus sudden death

Impact of accidents

Bereavement

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

Understand how euthanasia differs between species and the impacts of this

Explore the difference to pet companions when they die suddenly versus expectedly

Understand what bereavement looks like in different parts of the world and within different cultures

Explain how bereavement might affect clients in practice

Understand how bereavement might affect staff in practice

Week 3

Grief Models

Explore all types of grief

Disenfranchised and complicated grief which we often see in pet families

Different models of grief

Debunk the misunderstandings about the five stages of loss

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

Define grief

Explore different types of grief and those most relevant to pet companionship

Review and understand Hubler-Ross five stages of grief model and when it is, and isn’t applicable

Understand more relevant grief models applicable to everyday life and loss

Week 4

Pet Loss in Different Stages

How children might understand pet loss is very different to the way an elderly person might experience pet loss

Family difficulties, including guilt, ‘being strong’ and ways of coping

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

Understand how children may be impacted by loss of a pet

Understand how elderly people may be impacted by loss of a pet

Understand how neurodiverse people may be impacted by loss of a pet

Explore how family units may come together to work through loss of their pet

Week 5

Memorials and Bereavement Rituals

Options for when pets die

Cremation versus burial

How people choose to say goodbye, memorials etc

Different cultures and their ways of celebrating life

Transitional objects

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

Explain what the options are for end of life care within veterinary practice

Explore memorials in different cultures for pet loss

Understand how exploring these options may be helpful for clients

Understand transitional object theory and how this might help clients through pet loss

Week 6

Supporting Clients and Yourself

Communication with grieving clients including risk assessments and referral resources for clients needed extra support

Vicarious trauma in veterinary professionals and ways of coping and prevention

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

Explore ways of communicating with clients around pet loss so that you feel more confident doing so

Understand the importance of client safety, risk assessments and be confident where you can refer them for further help outside of the practice

Understand vicarious trauma and how this might look for you

Reflect on your coping strategies in practice and find new ways of supporting yourself and the team

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 procedures

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 anti-inflammatory 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 Nutrition

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