Nick Bexfield BVetMed DSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS

Nick Bexfield graduated from the Royal Veterinary College and spent four years in practice. He then completed a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship in Small Animal Medicine and Oncology at the University of Cambridge, where he remained as a small animal medicine clinician. He is currently undertaking a research fellowship investigating the aetiology of canine chronic hepatitis. He holds both the RCVS and the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diplomas in Small Animal Medicine.

Course content :

Liver disease is relatively common in dogs and cats but its diagnosis and treatment can present a challenge. This course will outline the logical approach to the animal with suspected liver disease describing the rational work-up from first suspicion of disease to final biopsy-confirmed diagnosis. The course will also discuss treatment options and with the inclusion of case examples, highlight some specific hepatic diseases in dogs and cats.

Who should attend; 

This course is suited to the general practitioner who wishes to improve their understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with liver disease. The provision of case examples and the latest research findings will also benefit candidates with a particular interest in small animal medicine or those enrolled for certificates.

What the course will help the attendees to do;

• Identify the clinical signs of liver disease
• Be able to interpret results of laboratory tests
• Understand the reasons for and method of obtaining a liver biopsy
• Understand potential complications of liver disease
• Know when and how to treat animals with liver disease

Learning objectives 

By the end of this course delegates should have a thorough understanding of:

• The common liver diseases of dogs and cats
• The aetiology and pathogenesis of liver disease
• Historical and clinical findings which are suggestive of liver disease
• Laboratory testing in liver disease
• Reasons for obtaining liver tissue
• Rationale treatment of liver disease