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Vets Course

IDEXX-Improve Foundational Oncology Program

Oct 2026 - Oct 2027
4 Modules
Online
IDEXX-Improve Foundational Oncology Program
Price From $999.00

This Foundational Programme in Oncology provides a focused introduction to the core principles of veterinary oncology, designed to give you practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in clinical practice. Across four asynchronous online modules, you’ll build a strong foundation in cancer biology, diagnostic imaging, cytology and laboratory diagnosis, and the principles of cancer treatment. The programme brings together the latest knowledge in oncology to support confident, informed and compassionate decision-making for companion animal patients with cancer. Designed as a flexible, accessible learning experience, it is ideal for veterinary professionals looking to strengthen their oncology knowledge. For those who wish to take their learning further, the programme also provides a natural stepping stone towards the full GPCert Oncology programme.

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Hear what our delegates have to say

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Dr Rob Clark

Dr Rob Clark

DVM CCRT

Improve Veterinary Education's Small Animal Surgery certificate gives veterinarians the skills to take on more challenging surgical cases. Finding a resource that offers practitioners both practical experiences, and the knowledge behind more c … Read more

Dr Gillian Marsh

Dr Gillian Marsh

DVM, GPCert (SAS)

I am an associate veterinarian working in an emergency hospital in Canada who has always had a strong passion for surgery. I have been in practice for 10 years now and I am always on the lookout for high quality CE opportunities, and I was very ex … Read more

Program details

Module Summary

4 Online sessions
01 - Cancer biology
E-learning
Online
  • Define the hallmarks of cancer
  • Explain how genetic and epigenetic changes contribute to a cancer
  • Explain how environmental effects can contribute to a cancer
  • Describe specific examples of cancers in veterinary patients caused by chronic inflammation and viral infection
  • Compare and contrast the differences between the vasculature, immune surveillance and cellular energetics between tumour tissue and benign tissue
  • List the steps in the metastatic process
  • Describe the pathophysiology behind common paraneoplastic diseases
  • Describe common histopathological parameters involved in the grading of malignancies and give examples of grading systems for common cancers
  • Compare and contrast staging methods for round cell tumours, carcinomas and sarcomas
  • Give examples of different types of pain associated with cancer and give examples of how different types of pain can be managed pharmacologically
  • Define cancer cachexia and outline treatments to ameliorate it

    • Ana Lara DVM MSc PhD DACVIM MRCVS
    02 - Diagnostic imaging of the oncology patient
    E-learning
    Online
  • Describe how to take high quality radiographs of the thorax, limbs and oral cavity in the diagnosis and staging of cancer
  • Explain the benefits given by computed tomography over conventional radiography in the diagnosis and staging of cancer
  • Describe what sentinel lymph node mapping is, and why it is beneficial
  • Compare and contrast the use abdominal ultrasonography to abdominal computed tomography in the staging of cancer
  • Compare and contrast the needs of staging solid tumours from round cell tumours
  • Compare and contrast different techniques for identifying cancer infiltration in liver and spleen
  • Give examples of risks or complications from the use of image-guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy
  • Describe optimal combinations of imaging modalities for the staging of different cancers
  • Describe the basics of interpreting MR images in the diagnosis of CNS neoplasia
  • Outline the benefit of techniques for example PET-CT over conventional contrast CT scanning
    • Audrey Petite DrMedVet, DVDI, DipECVDI, MRCVS EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
    03 - Cytology and laboratory diagnosis of the oncology patient
    E-learning
    Online
  • Explain how to identify whether a cytology sample is of adequate diagnostic quality
  • Describe cellular features of malignancy in the context of the cells in question
  • Be able to identify the cytological appearance of common benign and malignant skin tumours
  • Be able to identify mast cell tumours cytologically and comment on their degree of cellular differentiation
  • Explain the criteria for classifying a lymph node cytology smear as “lymphoma” versus “reactive hyperplasia”
  • Describe the use of different fine needle aspiration techniques to obtain diagnostic samples from different tumours
  • Explain the criteria used for the cytological diagnosis of a sarcoma and comment on features which may differentiate the type of sarcoma
  • Explain the cytological features of common carcinomas
  • Explain how flow cytometry works and why it is of value in the diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies
  • Describe examples of different PCR-based tests available for diagnosis of canine cancers and comment on the limitations of these tests
    • Antonio Melendez Lazo DVM, Dipl. ECVCP
    04 - Treatment of cancer (Surgery, radiation therapy & chemotherapy)
    E-learning
    Online
  • Outline the limitations and complications possible with surgical or needle-core biopsy of solid tumours
  • Describe, compare and contrast different methods for assessing completeness of excision
  • Explain the difference between palliative and definitive radiation therapy, and give examples of cancers appropriate for each
  • Explain the 4 Rs of radiation therapy
  • Explain the difference between acute and delayed adverse effects of radiation therapy
  • Describe the principles and limitations of maximum tolerated dose chemotherapy
  • Describe the principles and limitations of metronomic chemotherapy
  • Describe the principles and limitations of small molecule inhibition
  • Give examples of the use of immunotherapy in veterinary oncology and the challenges it faces
  • Discuss pertinent considerations in counselling of a client whose pet is being considered for chemotherapy treatment
    • James Elliott BVM&S CertSAM DECVIM (Oncology) DACVR (RO) MRCVS American Specialist in Veterinary Radiation Oncology European Specialist in Small Animal Oncology RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Oncology

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