Vets Course
Small Animal Dermatology
ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
Register Interest- Overview
- Modules
- Pricing
01 Feb - 18 Dec 2027
Discover the Latest Dermatologic Developments
Skin disorders are common in small animal practices, but diagnosing and treating them can be challenging. Improve Veterinary Education invites you to join the Postgraduate Certificate Program in Dermatology, an immersive and interactive learning experience. Through lectures and case discussions, you'll learn to confidently address skin diseases in dogs, cats, and exotic animals with a logical and scientific approach.
The modules will assist delegates in developing their knowledge of dermatology and help them apply this knowledge in conjunction with diagnostic aids to their everyday dermatological cases.
Expand Your Veterinary Dermatology Expertise Today
Join the Postgraduate Certificate Program in Dermatology and advance your clinical skills with the most current knowledge in veterinary dermatology.
NOTE: Dates displayed on this programme are subject to change.
Key features of this program
14 varied modules
Covering key clinical subjects in small animal dermatology
Support and guidance from an Online Module Tutor
The specialist in the subject area will provide online support during each online module and will be available to answer all your questions
Discussion forum
A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers and Module Tutors
Regular assessments
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
Interactive and engaging modules
Which allow you to absorb the learning materials in an online and face-to-face environment
Expert Speakers
Leading experts in a variety of clinical topics delivering the latest content and who will guide you throughout the programme
Multiple learning processes
Presentations, written notes, and multiple choice quizzes that test your knowledge as you work
Programme Details
Module Summary
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin and Cutaneous Pathological Processes
- Clinical History, Examination and Essential Diagnostic Techniques
- Laboratory Diagnosis and Clinical Pathology
- General Conditions commonly found in Dermatology: Alopecia, Keratinisation and Pigmentary Disorders
- Allergic Skin Disorders
- Auto Immune and Immune Mediated Skin Diseases
- Infectious Diseases and Preventative Healthcare
- Exotic Animal Dermatology
- Dermatological Manifestations of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases
- Diseases of the Eyelids, Ears and Pinnae
- Nutritional, Genetic, Congenital, Hereditary, Environmental and Miscellaneous Skin Diseases
- Wound Management & Surgery
- Diseases of the Feet, Nails and Anal Sacs
- Neoplasia
Please note the module order may be subject to change
Qualifications
The Dermatology programme is provided by Improve Veterinary Education in collaboration with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
Complete all modules and be eligible to apply for the General Practicionar Certificate in Dermatology (GPCert) by purchasing and passing the required assessments with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
The fees DO NOT include registration and exam fees to achieve a GPCert from ISVPS. If you intend to pursue this route, please contact ISVPS at english@isvps.org.
Venue: Online/Greece
Date: 01 Feb - 18 Dec 2027
GPCert in Small Animal Dermatology
Greece
Get in touch
01 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin and Cutaneous Pathological Processes
Key learning objectives:
Explain the function and properties of the skin of companion animals
Outline the skin and hair follicle morphogenesis
Recall gross skin anatomy and physiology
Discuss the microscopic skin anatomy and physiology
Review the pathological processes occurring in skin disease
Explain how pathological processes relate to clinical signs and the diagnosis of disease
Revise hypersensitivity reaction types I, II, III, IV in the skin and examples of specific skin diseases involving these processes
Explain the response of skin to physical, chemical and microbiological insults
Develop basic knowledge of the pathogenesis of skin neoplasia
02 - Clinical History, Examination and Essential Diagnostic Techniques
Key learning objectives:
Know how to take an accurate clinical history and understand its interpretation in the diagnosis of skin disease
Become adept at performing a general physical examination
Be able to carry out a detailed examination of the skin
Be capable of accurately identifying and describing skin lesions
Familiarise yourself with the key diagnostic tests and their use
Improve your diagnostic skills and ability to manage common skin diseases
Explain the pros and cons of intradermal testing and allergen serology in the management of
atopic dermatitis
03 - Laboratory Diagnosis and Clinical Pathology
Key learning objectives:
Describe techniques to collect skin biopsies, their sample processing, storage and
recording
Understand the basic cytology of samples collected from the skin including masses and discharging sinuses
Interpret the clinical laboratory medicine information in relation to skin disease, including:haematology, biochemistry and endocrine tests, fluid and electrolyte disorders and cytology
Know the diagnostic tests for viral, fungal, protozoal and bacterial diseases – techniques and interpretation
Have an understanding of the principles of the use of pattern analysis by histopathologists in dermatohistopathology as it relates to pathogenesis, disease and diagnosis
Be able to interpret histopathology reports
04 - General Conditions commonly found in Dermatology: Alopecia, Keratinisation and Pigmentary Disorders
Key learning objectives:
Alopecia:
Describe the pathogenesis of alopecia
Appreciate the clinical features of alopecia
Recall the differential diagnosis of alopecia and have knowledge of specific conditions which cause alopecia
Outline how to investigate alopecia using a problem-solving approach
Be conversant with treatment of alopecic conditions
Keratinisation disorders
Describe the pathogenesis of keratinisation disorders/scaling
Appreciate the clinical features of these disorders
Recognise the differential diagnosis of these disorders and have knowledge of specific
Conditions which cause keratinisation disorders
Outline how to investigate scaling diseases using a problem-solving approach
Be familiar with the treatment options
Pigmentary disorders
Describe the pathogenesis and clinical features of pigment changes, genetic or acquired
resulting in hypo- or hyperpigmentation
Recall the differential diagnosis including specific conditions causing pigmentary disorders
Outline how to investigate pigment changes using a problem-solving approach
Gain knowledge about treatment options
05 - Allergic Skin Disorders
Key learning objectives:
Gain knowledge of the immune system and immune response by the skin
Consolidate your knowledge of urticaria and angioedema, allergic contact dermatitis, flea bite hypersensitivity, canine cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR), canine CAFR with concurrent atopic dermatitis, canine atopic dermatitis, feline atopic syndrome and feline atopic skin syndrome
Review the underlying pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment options
Recall the different treatment modalities for canine and feline allergic skin diseases
06 - Auto Immune and Immune Mediated Skin Diseases
Key learning objectives:
Deepen your understanding of the structure and function of the skin immune system and the current theories of mechanisms that may lead to auto-immune disease
Be able to explain the innate and adaptive immune response
Recognise the revised classification of auto-antibody-mediated autoimmune skin diseases in dogs and cats from 2018
Be familiar with the current (recommended/suggested) classification of lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune skin diseases in dogs and cats
Explain the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic approach and treatment options of immune-mediated diseases in which a dysregulated immune-response to exogenous - but not self-antigen(s) - develops or fails to abate
Be familiar with immunosuppressive and immunomodulating drugs and their application to the management of canine and feline immune-mediated disease. Gain knowledge about their properties, their synergistic immunosuppressive effects, their potential side effects and potential drug interaction
07 - Infectious Diseases and Preventative Healthcare
Key learning objectives:
Know the clinical pathology of the major bacterial, viral, protozoal, fungal and parasitic diseases (mites, insects and ticks) affecting the skin of companion animals in the UK and Europe including vector borne diseases such as leishmaniosis
Recognise zoonotic diseases and their health and safety concerns and precautions to be taken
Demonstrate knowledge of preventative healthcare measures that can be implemented for infectious or parasitic skin conditions
Demonstrate knowledge of treatment measures for bacterial, viral, protozoal, fungal and parasitic skin conditions
08 - Exotic Animal Dermatology
Key learning objectives:
Describe the normal skin anatomy of exotic species (rabbits and rodents, reptiles and cage birds)
Recognise the importance of husbandry – housing, environment, nutrition on the dermatological health of these species
Gain knowledge about ecdysis/dysecdysis in reptiles
Be familiar with the common conditions seen in rabbits and rodents, reptiles and cage birds and their pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment of them
09 - Dermatological Manifestations of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases
Key learning objectives:
Describe the physiology of the endocrine system
Explain the underlying pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment options of the more common endocrine diseases
Be familiar with metabolic diseases, their aetiology, how to diagnose and how to treat these
diseases
10 - Diseases of the Eyelids, Ears and Pinnae
Key learning objectives:
Review the anatomy of the pinna, external ear canal, bulla and inner ear including specialised glands and normal microbial flora and microbiome of the ear canal
Describe the diseases affecting the pinnae in dogs and cats
Discuss the aetiology, clinical signs, diagnostic approach and therapy of infectious, parasitic, immune-mediated, and neoplastic eyelid disease
11 - Nutritional, Genetic, Congenital, Hereditary, Environmental and Miscellaneous Skin Diseases
Key learning objectives:
Review the nutritional supply to the skin and how deficiencies or excess in nutrients can lead to skin diseases
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the role of nutrients (including essential amino acids, EFAs, vitamins and minerals) in metabolism and their importance to skin biology and pathology
Discuss the pathophysiology of nutritional skin disorders, the breed predispositions, mode of inheritance if known, the clinical signs associated with these diseases, diagnostic test to confirm diagnosis and treatment options
Explain the pathogenesis and clinical features of genetic, congenital and hereditary skin conditions
Appreciate the differential diagnosis of these conditions and the approach to the investigations and treatment
Identify diseases due to physical agents, chemical agents, ultraviolet radiation, temperature change, and trauma, their clinical features and treatment options
Gain knowledge of the aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of unusual and rare skin conditions
12 - Wound Management & Surgery
Key learning objectives:
Be familiar with different type of wounds and wound healing (Dressings / topical treatment options)
Improve your knowledge of the medical and surgical management of wounds
Perfect your knowledge of surgery of the anal sacs
Be able to explain why some dermatological conditions become surgical (skin fold dermatitis, otitis externa/media, pododermatitis) or may benefit from laser therapy
Describe the principles of ear surgery (which techniques to use and when)
13 - Diseases of the Feet, Nails and Anal Sacs
Key learning objectives:
Explain the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic approach and treatment options of diseases affecting the interdigital skin and/or footpads
Study the pathophysiology, clinical signs, investigations and therapy of diseases affecting the claws and/or claw bed
Demonstrate knowledge about anal sac diseases including inflammatory and neoplastic processes as well as the entity anal furunculosis in dogs
Be aware of investigations needed to accomplish a diagnosis and be familiar with therapeutic options
14 - Neoplasia
Key learning objectives:
Explain the biology of tumours
Recognise common neoplastic presentations - localised, diffuse and systemic
Demonstrate knowledge of the following types of neoplasia: neoplasia of skin structures - benign, malignant, mast cell tumours, lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma and their variants, mammary tumours, testicular tumours
Recognise neoplasia of other structures with involvement of the skin
Understand and recognise paraneoplastic syndromes
Formulate an approach to the diagnosis and staging of disease
Be aware of those conditions that could be confused with neoplasia eg auto immune diseases
Be familiar with the treatment options available and the prognosis for different neoplasms
Venue: Online/Greece
Date: 01 Feb - 18 Dec 2027
GPCert in Small Animal Dermatology
Greece
Get in touch
Available Plans
Early
Regular
Pricing Billing
Small Animal Dermatology Early price
| Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment In Full - Early Bird Price (30 days) (without Exam) | 7,500.00€ | - | 7,500.00€ |
| Deposit and Remaining Balance - Early Bird Price (30 days) (without Exam) | 750.00€ | 6,750.00€ | 7,500.00€ |
| Monthly Payments - Early Bird Price (30 days) (without Exam) | 863.00€ | 647.00€ x 12 (monthly) | 8,627.00€ |
Payment Terms & Conditions
1. Payments can be made by ACH, credit or debit card, GooglePay and ApplePay.
2. Direct debit payments can be set up using a credit or debit card.
3. In certain circumstances, multiple booking and corporate discounts are available, please contact us on info.cy@improveinternational.com for further information.
4. To confirm your place, we must receive payment in full or the one defined in the invoice.
5. Please also see our full terms and conditions on our website – Terms and Conditions.
Registration Information
1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.
2. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
3. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
4. Confirmation and enrollment details will then be sent to confirm your booking.
Venue: Online/Greece
Date: 01 Feb - 18 Dec 2027
GPCert in Small Animal Dermatology
Greece
