Taught modules:
01
Clinical pathology and laboratory diagnosis
• Understand the methodology involved in the generation of haemotology, biochemistry and cytology profiles
• Understand the limitations of technology and equipment used in both practice and laboratory environments
• Understand and interpret haemotology and biochemistry profiles
• Be aware of factors that will generate artefacts or abnormalities and be able to interpret and propose further investigation
• Be familiar with 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
02
Infectious diseases I
• Describe the steps involved in diagnosing effusive, or non-effusive feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
• Discuss the uses and limitations of in-house FeLV and FIV diagnostic tests and be familiar with the theory and uses of tests offered by reference laboratories (immunofluorescence, virus isolation, PCR and RT-PCR, FeLV virus neutralising antibodies)
• Have knowledge of the prognosis for cats positive for FeLV, FIV, FIP or seropositive for FCoV antibodies
• Be familiar with the clinical presentations of Mycoplasma haemofelis and Mycoplasma haemominutum
03 The liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract
• Outline a practical approach to the investigation and management of the common medical conditions affecting the feline oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine
• Understand the common surgical procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract
• Describe the various tests used in the diagnosis of liver disease and the management options for the common medical disorders of the liver in cats
• Have a working knowledge of the common disorders of the feline pancreas and the approach to diagnosis and management of those problems
04 Feline behavioural problems
• Understand normal cat behaviour
• Understand the clinical causes of feline behaviour problems
• Be able to deal with straightforward problems
• Understand and apply strategies for improving core territory security
05 Dermatology
• Recognise the common reaction patterns seen in feline skin disease
• Perform a diagnostic work up including laboratory investigations of the most common and less common feline dermatoses
• Have a knowledge of the therapeutic options available for the treatment of parasitic, infectious, hypersensitivity and immune mediated dermatoses of cats
• Recognise some of the less commonly presenting skin problems of cats
06 Cardiology
• Recognise the importance of detailed history and clinical examination of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary diseases
• Understand the common causes of heart disease in cats
• Understand 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
• Recognise the crucial role of high quality imaging modalities (especially ultrasonography and radiology) in the differential diagnosis of feline cardiopulmonary diseases
07 Infectious diseases II
• Describe the steps involved in diagnosing a cat with upper respiratory disease
• Discuss various options for treating chronic feline gingivostomatitis
• Have good knowledge of the main causes of fading kittens
08 Endocrinology
• Define the clinical signs of common feline endocrine diseases and understand their pathogenesis
• Understand the principles of key diagnostic tests and their application for common feline endocrine diseases
• Understand the management of common feline endocrine diseases and know how to deal with some of the complications
• Know the clinical signs of some uncommon feline endocrine diseases and know how to find out more information when needed.
09 Neurological examination and diagnosis
• Understand the tests used in the neurological examination and be able to interpret the results
• Interpret the clinical signs of neurological dysfunction
• Be able to localise a lesion in the nervous system of the cat
• Be familiar with the types of disease that occur in the different areas of the nervous system and how to manage those cases (diagnostic evaluation and aspects of treatment)
10 Ophthalmology
• Understand the normal feline eye and use readily available diagnostic equipment and disposables for feline ophthalmic cases
• Recognise those ophthalmic conditions which are unique to the cat or which are especially important in this species
• Perform such surgical procedures as are required in feline ophthalmology
• Carry out medical management of feline ophthalmic problems
11 Renal diseases – the upper urinary tract
• Differentiate between pre-renal azotaemia, acute intrinsic primary renal failure, decompensated chronic renal failure and post renal azotaemia
• List the diagnostic tests that would be most usefully undertaken in cats with clinical signs of chronic renal failure and explain how these can be used to stage this disease syndrome
• Explain why control of plasma phosphate concentration is beneficial to the long term survival of cats with chronic renal failure, discuss the management protocols to achieve this and explain how these should be tailored to the individual cat’s requirements
• Discuss the role of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in the management of renal disease in cats, identifying cases that are most likely to benefit from this therapy and the situations where administration of these drugs can precipitate a uraemic crisis
12 Oncology
• Understand the clinical relevance of tumour biology
• Evaluate the evidence base to make rational treatment decisions for feline cancer patients
• Understand the importance of biopsy and staging in therapy decision making
• Counsel owners of cats with common malignancies on appropriate treatment options
Other Key Components of the Syllabus in addition to the taught modules:
The pharmacy – prescribing, storage and disposal of medicines, logistics and legislation issues Therapeutics – an understanding of the pharacokinetics, potential interactions and adverse effects of common therapeutic agents (including anaesthetics, anti-inflammatories, analgesics and antimicrobials) Housing, husbandry and disease prevention
Nutrition
Anaesthesia and critical care
Principles of surgery and trauma management
Orthopaedics
Dentistry
Reproduction
Poisonings
Diagnostic Techniques
Business Management |