Sara Gould BVetMed DSAM MRCVS

Ignacio Calvo LdoVet CertSAS MRCVS

Ed Hall MA VetMB PhD DipECVIM-CA MRCVS

Luca Ferasin DVM PhD CertVC DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

Simon Swift MA VetMB CertSAC MRCVS

Don Sheahan BVSc BSc CertSAS MRCVS

Susan Dawson BVMS PhD MRCVS

Lorraine Fleming BVetMed CertVOphthal MRCVS

Mike Herrtage BVSc MA DipECVDI Dip ECVIM DVR

Richard Saunders BVSc BSc CertZooMed MRCVS

Alan Robinson BVSc DMS MRCVS

David Shearer BVetMed PhD CertSAD MRCVS

John Houlton MA VetMB DVR DSAO MRCVS DECVS

Kate White MA VetMB DVA Dip ECVA MRCVS

01 Clinical Pathology and laboratory diagnosis

·          Discuss the different sampling techniques and sample processing, and identify factors that may affect them

·          Describe the investigative approach to regenerative anaemia, nonregenerative anaemia and abnormal haemostasis

·          Discuss the clinical pathology associated with hepatobiliary disease

·          Use the developed knowledge to interpret laboratory data from clinical patients

02 Surgical techniques and principles of soft tissue surgery

·          Understand the principles of surgical asepsis and how these effect procedures and protocols in the operating theatre

·          Outline a rational approach to the use of antibiotics in practice

·          Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the available suture materials

·          Perform effective wound closure and simple skin flaps

·          Perform practical suturing skills specific to intestinal surgery

03 Infectious diseases and preventative healthcare

·          Discuss the common bacterial, viral and fungal diseases encountered in small animal practice

·          Discuss their implications for zoonosis, health and safety concerns and suitable precautions

·          Design effective vaccination and preventative parasitic regimes

04 Gastroenterology

·          Understand and discuss the basic pathophysiology of vomiting and diarrhoea in the dog and the cat

·          Understand and discuss the diagnostic approach to the common causes of vomiting and diarrhoea in the dog and the cat

·          Understand and discuss the different treatment and management options for the common causes of vomiting and diarrhoea in the dog and the cat

·          Understand how dietary control can help in the management of clinical cases of vomiting and diarrhoea in the dog and the cat

05 Ophthalmology

·          Perform common practical examination techniques

·          Describe the medical and surgical management of common ocular conditions

·          Recognise the ocular manifestations of systemic disease

·          Discuss current ocular therapeutics

06 Endocrinology

·          Develop a diagnostic approach to the polyuric/polydypsic patient

·          Describe the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases

·          Describe the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal diseases

·          Describe the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases

07 Rabbit and exotic animal medicine and surgery

·          Describe the husbandry, handling and nutrition of exotic animals

·          Recognise common medical conditions affecting rabbits, rodents and cage birds

·          Discuss diagnostic procedures and therapeutics in exotic animals

·          Discuss anaesthesia and common surgical techniques

08 Business management

·          Discuss the economics of veterinary practice

·          Analyse turnover, cost control and implement profit analysis

·          Develop marketing plans

·          Discuss key issues in team building

09 Dermatology

·          Understand and apply the techniques available for the laboratory investigation of skin disease

·          Describe a rational approach to pruritus and alopecia

·          Recognise common presentations of bacterial, parasitic and fungal skin disease

·          Discuss the management of otitis externa and nail bed infections

10 Cardiothoracic medicine

·          Select appropriate diagnostic techniques for the commonly encountered cardiac diseases

·          Discuss the conditions of congenital cardiac disease, valvular, myocardial and pericardial disease

·          Describe a rational approach to heart failure and therapeutics

11 Orthopaedics

·          Discuss the diagnosis and management of common orthopaedic problems in the fore- and hind-limb of the dog

·          Discuss treatment options for degenerative joint disease

·          Understand and apply the principles of articular surgery, including repair of common fractures

12 Critical care and anaesthesia

·          Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of patient monitoring

·          Assess and treat fluid and electrolyte disorders

·          Develop protocols for anaesthesia in the normal and compromised patient

·          Apply CPR and critical care therapeutics

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 pharmacokinetics, potential interactions and adverse effects of common therapeutics agents (including anaesthetics, anti-inflammatories, analgesics and antimicrobials)
• Lymphatic disease
• Neoplasia – diagnosis and management of cancer, treatment options, owner counselling and support
• Upper and lower airway disease – clinical examination, diagnostic techniques, common disorders  and therapeutic options
• Neurology – examination techniques, diagnostic procedures, clinical signs and treatment options
    for common disorders
• Poisoning  – diagnosis, therapeutics and prognosis
• Behaviour – investigation and treatment options for behavioural disorders
• Reproductive physiology and common diseases of the genital tract
• Liver and pancreas
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Dentistry

In addition to the key clinical areas, the programme will also consider:

• Study skills and personal goals
• Clinical case planning
• Disease prevention planning
• Therapeutic knowledge
• Clinical skills
• Diagnostic tests
• Communication skills
• Business planning
• Scientific critique
• Presentation skills 
• Management skills
• Personal review

"The general CPD knowledge is a great idea - we don't all want to be experts but do want to keep abreast of things - Well done! Would I do another Improve course? YOU BET CHA!"

"Has revitalised my interest in general practice. Thanks"

 "I'm really enjoying the course. It has given me the confidence to attempt things I otherwise might not have, and has definitely renewed my enthusiasm"

"The keyskills exercises are excellent and give further thought on any particular subject, and the critical appraisal has spread to clinical work and is useful to continually improve on standards of medicine and surgery"