Advanced Certificate in Feline Medicine

This module introduces this enigmatic species and discusses the differences in physiology between cats and dogs and how this applies to use of medication, efficacy, adverse effects and susceptibility to intoxication. Feline behaviour is also discussed in this module, with an emphasis on its importance in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as handling of this species in the clinic. The causes and influence of stress on disease will be explained.

This important module covers the theory and the concepts of practical applications of imaging modalities. After obtaining an understanding of the theory of ultrasound scanning,Case Based Discussions will be provided to cover the ultrasound of the abdomen and ultrasound guided sample techniques.  Indications for CT and MRI scanning will be discussed using case examples. Interpretation of abdominal CT will be introduced including common abnormalities.

This unique module combines theoretical teaching with case based discussions and videos of echocardiology instruction to allow delegates to learn and apply concepts in the same module. Feline cardiomyopathies and congenital cardiac diseases are discussed, along with a focus on the management of the cat with congestive heart failure and the cat with aortic thromboembolism. Cardiac complications of systemic disease are examined, with practical effects on the heart of anaemia, hyperthyroidism and hypertension covered.  A review of the utility of cardiac biomarkers is included in this module. Teaching is based on the latest evidence and supervised by specialists in their field, delegates will have the opportunity to practice echocardiography to diagnose cardiac disease.

In this module, delegates will be taught respiratory disease from the nose to the tail using theory and including practical imaging interpretation. Nasal disease will start the course including CT interpretation, and discussing techniques for rhinoscopy and biopsy. Next, imaging of the thorax using radiography and CT will be taught in a case-based style with more opportunity to improve practical interpretation. Management of tracheal, bronchial, pulmonary and pleural space disease will be explored with review of the optimal technique for bronchoscopy and airway sampling.

Urinary tract disease is common in cats. This unit and unit 4 will comprehensively cover urinary tract disease in cats. Module 3 will focus on the kidney and ureters, covering the literature behind the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) recommendations on the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The IRIS recommendations for the management of acute kidney injury (AKI) will also be discussed, with case-based examples of management of AKI of various causes e.g. ethylene glycol toxicity. Glomerular and tubular disease presented as an approach to proteinuria are also covered in this module, along with a closer look at upper urinary tract infections. Interaction between hyperthyroidism and the kidney are included in this module and the presentation and management of ureteric diseases such as ureteric obstruction will be taught including indications for subcutaneous ureteral device (SUB) placement.

The lower urinary tract is unfortunately an area of significant pathology in cats. This module discusses diseases of the bladder and urethra, examining current evidence and treatment recommendations, including some controversies such as occult urinary tract infections and the different methods of managing urethral obstruction – what do we know? Urinary tract imaging and its application to investigation of cats with dysuria will be discussed along with critical care of blocked cats and indications for urinary tract surgery and medical management.

The neurological examination in cats can present unique challenges which are discussed in this module. The approach to various neurological presentations is explained by specialist tutors and this module involves case-based discussion and use of advanced imaging.  In addition to learning how to diagnose and manage cats with seizures, weakness, paralysis and vestibular presenting signs, feline-specific neurological diseases will be covered such as feline orofacial pain syndrome and hyperaesthesia

Recent developments in feline oncology are covered in this module, as well as a review of the treatment of common cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and feline mast cell neoplasia. This includes particular focus on the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoproliferative disease (with discussion of various molecular diagnostic techniques) as well as presentation of less commonly used and novel treatments such as radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

This module is an opportunity with the guidance of specialist, to learn and practice various techniques used in feline medicine and discussed in previous modules. This includes emergency therapeutics (thoracic drain placement) and critical care interventions (central line placement and management, feeding tube placement). Additionally, diagnostic procedures complementary to previous module content will be demonstrated and practiced (bone marrow aspiration, CSF sampling and arthrocentesis).

This module addresses the management of the critical feline patient giving delegates confidence in managing complex polytrauma cases, sepsis and other critical presentations. Transfusion medicine is covered in detail, including safe donor management, along with fluid therapy for challenging cases presented with case examples. Throughout this module appropriate diagnostic imaging techniques and the latest sedation and analgesia protocols will be included in a case-based style to ensure a highly practical approach.

This module explores in detail common feline endocrinopathies such as diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism, but in particular will focus on complex cases (using examples) with cormorbidities. Less common but important endocrine conditions will also be discussed including hyperaldosteronism, hyperprogesteronism, hyperadrenocorticism and acromegaly. Disorders of electrolyte balance are naturally included in this module including hyper- and hypocalcaemia causes and management. Imaging and case studies are included to explain how to balance the treatment of cats with challenging thyroid, adrenal, parathyroid, pituitary and pancreatic disease.

This module covers practical and theoretical approach to haematological disorders, including discussion of regenerative vs non-regenerative anaemia, polycythaemia, leukocyte disorders and the underlying causes including bone marrow disease. Immune-mediated diseases are discussed in terms of presenting signs and diagnosis and advances in the use of immunomodulatory therapy is described using case examples. Lymph node cytology is introduced in a practical microscope session that includes examination of blood smears, and bone marrow samples.

Infectious disease is commonly diagnosed in cats and this module will cover feline -specific infectious diseases in detail including updates in molecular diagnostics and the appropriate use and interpretation of such tests.  Recent publications discussing novel treatments for retroviral infection and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) will be reviewed. Important polysystemic feline pathogens such as Mycobacteria spp. and Toxoplasma gondii will receive focus in this module and in view of increased movement of pets, tick-borne disease in cats is discussed, do we need to worry? Finally, given the concerns regarding bacterial antibiotic resistance, this module importantly reviews appropriate antibiotic use in cats and management of resistant infections.

This course recognises the importance of gastrointestinal, liver and pancreatic disease in our feline patients, and therefore two modules provide up to date information and practical teaching overseen by specialists in this area. Abdomen 1 covers the gastrointestinal tract focusing on chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and small cell lymphoma. This module also discusses the intestinal microbiome and its importance in GI disease, along with evidence and opinion on faecal transplants and finishes with an update on feline constipation management.  Using a wet lab, delegates will be able to practice endoscopy of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, supervised by an experienced Specialist.

In this second module on the abdomen, the associated organs the liver, biliary tree and pancreas are studied. Inflammatory liver disease is in focus with the latest evidence on treatment, but also an explanation of what the biopsy report means for your patient. Gall bladder and biliary tract disease can be challenging to treat, and delegates will learn when surgery for extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction is appropriate. Pancreatic disease is reviewed, including management of the hospitalised cat with pancreatitis and the chronic pancreatitis patient at home. ‘Triaditis’ and the presence of pathology in other organs and the effect on treatment is discussed including nutrition for optimal recovery.