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Vets Course

Feline Practice

ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)

16 Modules
Online
GPCert in Feline Practice
Price From 112,977.00NOK
Course taught in English

Learn at your own pace, wherever you are, with our Feline Practice Online Learning Program.

Our Feline Practice Online Learning Program has been designed to give all veterinary surgeons access to world-class teaching materials. This modular program offers a comprehensive range of structured learning with the ultimate flexibility to fit your training around your busy practice life. The Feline Practice Online Learning Program is crafted to equip veterinary surgeons with extensive feline expertise.

Our Module Tutors, who are recognised experts in their fields, provide ongoing support to ensure a rich learning experience. Through a blend of presentations, written notes, quizzes, and exercises, you will engage with the material in an interactive environment. Participate in enlightening discussions and case studies on our forum, fostering collaboration with peers and tutors.


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Key features of this programme

Support and guidance from a Module Tutor who is recognised in their subject field

The specialist in the subject area will provide online support during each module and will be available to answer all your questions

Multiple learning processes

Presentations, written notes, interactive quizzes and exercises which test your knowledge as you work

Discussion forum

A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers and Module Tutors

Four sessions per month

Each module consists of four sessions spread over one month. Sessions comprise separate lessons and case-based studies to work through at your own pace

100% online

Giving you access 24/7 wherever you are

Regular assessments

Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress

Dedicated Programme Tutor

A dedicated Programme Tutor who will support you every step of the way

Interactive and engaging modules

Which allow you to absorb the learning materials in an online environment

Programme details

Module Summary

16 Online sessions
01 - Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Diagnosis
E-learning
February 2027
Online
  • Develop a thorough knowledge of sampling techniques, the limitations of technology and equipment and the factors that can generate artefacts or abnormalities
  • Interpret results and propose further investigations
  • Understand the methodology involved in the generation of haematology and biochemistry results
  • Develop an awareness of the various diagnostic tests for endocrine and infectious diseases (viral, parasitic, protozoal and bacterial), the techniques used and their interpretation
  • Recall the cytology of haemic and non-haemic cell populations, both reactive and neoplastic, and have the ability to trace or plot maturation and degeneration pathways in blood, fluid and tissue smears; have awareness of further tests that can be performed on cytology samples if indicated
  • Nic Ilchyshyn BSc BVSc FRCPath Dip.ECVCP MRCVS European Veterinary Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology
    02 - The Urinary Tract
    E-learning
    March 2027
    Online
  • Understand the causes of acute and chronic kidney disease, the presentation and diagnostic tests utilised in cats with clinical signs of renal disease (including AKI, CKD, glomerular disease, neoplasia and inherited diseases)
  • Describe the investigation of patients presenting with urinary signs such as polyuria, polydipsia, haematuria, dysuria and abnormal renal palpation
  • Explain the emergency treatment of AKI and urethral obstruction
  • Describe the process and explain the importance of International Renal Interest Society staging of CKD
  • Understand the management of CKD and how to slow progression of the disease
  • Describe the pathogenesis of common lower urinary tract diseases include idiopathic cystitis, urolithiasis, and understand the difference between subclinical bacteriuria and urinary tract infection
  • Describe the management of lower urinary tract diseases including medical, surgical and behavioural interventions
  • Rebecca Geddes MA VetMB GPCert(FelP) MVetMed PhD DipACVIM MRCVS
    03 - Cardiorespiratory
    E-learning
    April 2027
    Online
  • Recognise the importance of history taking and clinical examination including observation of respiratory pattern in investigation of cardiorespiratory diseases
  • Describe the approach to presentations such as sneezing, nasal discharge, respiratory noise, dyspnoea, coughing, heart murmurs and arrythmias including selection of appropriate diagnostic tests
  • List the common and important cardiac conditions of cats and how they are managed including current thoughts on medical management of congestive heart failure
  • Explain how point of care ultrasound can be used for investigation of cardiorespiratory diseases and why it is preferable to radiography in dyspnoeic cats
  • Describe how to treat common upper and lower airway disease
  • Understand current thoughts and consensus on management of aortic thromboembolism
  • Kerry Rolph BVM&S Cert VC FACVSc PhD MRCVS, RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine
    04 - Neurology
    E-learning
    May 2027
    Online
  • List common clinical signs associated with neurological diseases and differential diagnoses of these presentations
  • Explain the neurological examination and neurolocalisation of lesions
  • Describe how to investigate common neurological presentations such as seizures, vestibular signs, ataxia and weakness
  • Describe the pathogenesis of common neurological diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous system and how the conditions are managed
  • Mark Lowrie MA VetMB MVM DipECVN RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
    05 - Ophthalmology
    E-learning
    June 2027
    Online
  • Explain how to perform an ophthalmic examination, recognise normal structures and understand indications and techniques for use of standard diagnostic equipment
  • Understand the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of common feline ocular pathology such as uveitis, corneal and conjunctival disease and chorioretinal disease
  • Describe how to perform common surgical procedures pertinent to feline ophthalmology
  • List topical medications and when they are appropriate to use in feline patients, and how caregivers can be supported to administer them
  • Kat Manchip BVSc BSc(Hons) PGDipVCP DipECVO MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon Diplomate Ophthalmology
    06 - Infectious Disease
    E-learning
    July 2027
    Online
  • List the common viral, bacterial, protozoal, parasitic and fungal pathogens that affect cats, pathogenesis and resulting clinical signs of infection
  • Describe epidemiology and transmission of common infectious diseases
  • Explain the approach to testing for common pathogens, including limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity
  • Describe the approach to treatment of infectious disease using antimicrobial medications including efficacy, adverse effects and considering responsible stewardship
  • List appropriate vaccination protocols and how they are adjusted according to an individual cat’s risk of infection and potential complications of vaccination
  • Kerry Rolph BVM&S CERTVC PHD FANZCVS DIPECVIM-CA MRCVS,RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine, European Specialist in Companion Animal Medicine
    07 - Behaviour
    E-learning
    August 2027
    Online
  • Describe normal behaviours in cats and how to interpret body language
  • Explain the causes of feline problem behaviours including undiagnosed pain conditions
  • Formulate an approach to common problem behaviours such as toileting outside the litter tray, scratching furniture and aggression (to humans and other pets)
  • Describe how to optimise the home and clinic environment for cats
  • Describe how inadequate environments (physical and social) can contribute to physical disease
  • Explain the principles of the Cat Friendly Clinic/Practice scheme and how to implement in terms of environment and interactions
  • Christos Karagiannis DVM, MSc, Dip. ECAWBM(BM), MRCVS
    08 - GI, Liver and Pancreas
    E-learning
    September 2027
    Online
  • Explain the normal physiology of the gastrointestinal system in cats
  • List common conditions (infectious and non-infectious) affecting each region of the GI tract and how they present in affected cats
  • Describe the approach to diagnosis of common conditions, including interpreting clinical signs, clinical pathology findings and diagnostic imaging as well as explaining limitations of tests such as faecal culture and PCR
  • Explain the importance of nutrition in management of various conditions including how to adapt recommendations for individual cats
  • Describe the medical and surgical management of common conditions affecting the GI tract, liver and pancreas
  • Samantha Taylor BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS
    09 - Endocrinology
    E-learning
    October 2027
    Online
  • Describe the clinical signs of feline endocrine diseases and their pathogenesis including hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus and calcium disorders
  • Explain how endocrine conditions are diagnosed including specific stimulation and suppression test results
  • Understand the management of common feline endocrine diseases and know how to approach complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and unstable diabetes
  • Describe less common endocrinopathies, their diagnosis and management including acromegaly, parathyroid disorders, hypo- and hyper-cortisolism and hyperaldosteronism
  • Samantha Taylor BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS
    10 - Dermatology
    E-learning
    November 2027
    Online
  • Describe the diagnostic approach to dermatological signs including laboratory investigations and appropriate sampling techniques
  • Explain dermatological manifestations of systemic disease including paraneoplastic and endocrine diseases
  • List treatment strategies for common dermatological conditions including infectious, auto-immune and allergic conditions
  • Natalie Barnard
    11 - Fundamentals of Surgery and Anaesthesia
    E-learning
    December 2027
    Online
  • Describe an orthopaedic examination and approach to abnormalities detected eg lameness and tail pull injuries and including osteoarthritis
  • Explain first aid techniques for trauma patients and approach to fracture repair
  • Understand species specific considerations around basics of surgery such as suture material, haemostasis and tissue handling as well as basic wound management principles
  • Describe decision making around choice of agents used for sedation and general anaesthesia according to individual patient factors and feline physiological considerations
  • Describe anaesthesia monitoring techniques and feline-specific concerns
  • List potential anaesthetic complications and how to management them effectively
  • Maria Angeles Jimenez Lozano CertVA DipECVAA MRCVS
    12 - Oncology and Immune-Mediated Disorders
    E-learning
    January 2028
    Online
  • List the common neoplasia of major organ systems and how they present in cats
  • Describe tumour staging including imaging and sampling
  • Explain the mechanism of action of chemotherapeutic drugs, appropriate use and complications and application in primary care practice
  • Describe the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases in cats, presenting signs, diagnostic tests and immunosuppressive medications including adverse effects
  • Owen Davies MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) DECVIM-CA(Oncology) MRCVS
    13 - Feline Cardiology
    E-learning
    April 2028
    Online

    Key learning objectives:

    • Recognise the importance of a detailed history and clinical examination of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary diseases
    • Review and understand the common causes of heart disease in cats
    • Consolidate your understanding of the central importance of blood pressure in the pathophysiology of cardiac disease in cats and know how to discriminate the causes of hypertension in this species
    • Define the crucial role of high quality imaging modalities (especially ultrasonography and radiology) in the differential diagnosis of feline cardiopulmonary diseases
    Samantha Taylor BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS
    14 - Feline Endocrinology
    E-learning
    May 2028
    Online

    Key learning objectives:

    • Define the clinical signs of feline endocrine diseases and understand their pathogenesis – including hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hyperaldosteronism,  hyperadrenocorticism and parathyroid disorders. 
    • Describe the principles of key diagnostic tests and their application for the above feline endocrine diseases 
    • Understand the management of common feline endocrine diseases and know how to approach complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and unstable diabetes  
    Nick Bexfield BVetMed PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA PGDipMEdSci PGCHE FHEA MRCVS
    15 - Feline Infectious Diseases I
    E-learning
    June 2028
    Online

    Key learning objectives:

    • Describe health and safety concerns and precautions relating to zoonoses
    • Understand the legislation and regulations relating to infectious diseases
    • Design and implement vaccination and preventative parasitic programmes
    • Approach the pathophysiology, diagnosis and, where appropriate, treatment of common viral diseases including FeLV, FIV and FIP
    • Diagnose and treat Haemoplasma infections
    Stephanie Sorrell BVetMed(Hons), MANZCVSc, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine
    16 - Feline Infectious Diseases II
    E-learning
    July 2028
    Online

    Key learning objectives:

    • Explain the diseases of hunting cats including Toxoplasmosis, Pox virus, Mycobacterial disease and Salmonellosis
    • Approach enteric infections of the cat including protozoal disease (Trichomonas foetus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora) and bacterial/ viral disease
    • Understand fungal mycoses
    • Control infectious and zoonotic disease in the home, clinic, shelters and cattery situations
    Stephanie Sorrell BVetMed(Hons), MANZCVSc, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine

    Qualifications

    General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)

    This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a General Practitioner Certificate

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    The Feline Practice 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 Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) by passing the required assessments with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).

    The fees include ALL registration and exam fees to achieve a GPCert in Feline Practice from ISVPS.

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