VNJ Volume 41 (5) October 2026 | Page 63

5-25 October 2026: Endocrinology Refresher

DR KIT STURGESS MA, VetMB, PhD, CertVR, DSAM, CertVC, FRCVS RCVS Emeritus Specialist in Small Animal Medicine This is aimed to be a refresher course focussing on common endocrine diseases. Each module will provide a short overview of pathophysiology and then highlight presentation, diagnosis and treatment options including managing poorly responsive patient. Endocrine diseases are lifelong problems for the patient and owner that need a whole team approach to management hence the course is designed to support both vets and vet nurses.

• Module 1: Diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats • Module 2: Hyperadrenocorticism in dogs • Module 3: Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs • Module 4: Hyperthyroidism in cats and hypothyroidism in dogs

• Module 5: Hyperparathyroidism and disorders of calcium • Module 6: Spotting and dealing with endocrine emergencies • Module 7: Uncommon endocrinopathies

5-25 October 2026: Companion Animal Behaviour for General Practice- Part 3

CLARE WILSON MA VETMB CCAB MRCVS PGDIPCABC There is a pre-requisite to have completed part 1 of the behaviour course but no pre-requisite to have completed part 2.

This course expands on the behaviour series with additional modules on behavioural aspects of nutrition, hormones, epilepsy and repetitive disorders. As with previous parts the main focus is on canine behaviour but some aspects of feline behaviour are included, such as a section on obesity and in particular a module on conflict in multi-cat households. Aimed at vets and vet nurses.

• Module 1: Nutritional aspects of Companion Animal Behaviour

• Module 2: Hormones and Companion Animal Behaviour • Module 3: Epilepsy and Companion Animal Behaviour • Module 4: Tail chasing and other repetitive behaviours • Module 5: Conflict in multi-cat households

5-25 October 2026: Abdominal Surgery of the Dog and Cat- Part 1

ALASDAIR HOTSTON MOORE MA VetMB CertSAC CertVR CertSAS CertMedEd FRCVS Abdominal surgery of the dog and cat starts with a review of laparotomy technique, including the approach, exploration and closure. In the subsequent modules we focus on the abdominal organs which are most often of surgical interest( gastro-intestinal tract, liver and spleen and the internal genitalia). We will look at the common surgical diseases and their management in a practical way that is achievable by the general practitioner, using case examples. At the completion of the course, the delegate will have learned how to safely open, explore and close the abdomen, and have a set of practical techniques to manage common abdominal surgical presentations. It will appeal to recent graduates, as well as all practitioners who need to carry out abdominal surgery on an occasional or regular basis. Aimed at vets and vet nurses.

• Module 1: Surgical approach to the abdomen, abdominal closure and exploration of the abdomen • Module 2: Surgery of the stomach and surgery for GDV • Module 3: Surgery of the small and large intestine

• Module 4: Spleen and liver, peritonitis • Module 5: Internal genitalia( ovaries, uterus, prostate)

5-25 October 2026: Small Mammal Medicine / Surgery

LIVIA BENATO DVM MSc CertZooMed Dip ECZM( Small Mammals) MRCVS Small mammal pets are growing in popularity in the UK and other countries, and they are increasingly seen in companion animal practice. In this course, common medical and surgical presentations seen in guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats and hamsters will be discussed. Dental disease in hystricomorphs and myomorphs, surgical approach to mammary tumours in rats and how to treat possible parasite infections are some of the topics that will be covered. Anaesthesia can be challenging when treating such small animals, and pain management can be difficult in species that tend to hide clinical signs of illness and pain. Becoming familiar with the anaesthetic procedures, available analgesic protocols, and the species-specific needs of these pets helps to be more confident and to achieve a successful outcome.

• Module 1. Clinical examination • Module 2. Clinical techniques and support treatments • Module 3. Anaesthesia and Analgesia • Module 4. Common medical presentations • Module 5. Common surgical procedures • Module 6. Cases studies

5-25 October 2026: Reptiles in General Practice

SARAH PELLETT • BSc( Hons) MA VetMB, Cert AVP( ZooMed), DZooMed( Reptilian), MRCVS, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine NATHALIE WISSINK-ARGILAGA • LicVet, CertAVP( ZooMed), DZooMed( Reptilian), MRCVS, RCVS

Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. Reptiles are a frequent presentation in general practice but not very well covered in the veterinary curriculum. This course covers a range of topics and together with clinical cases will boost your knowledge. Aimed at vets and nurses.

• Module 1: Reptile identification and husbandry • Module 2. Handling and examination • Module 3. Diagnostics and supportive care • Module 4. Anaesthesia and surgery • Module 5. Diseases • Module 6. Case studies for reptile clinical care

5-25 October 2026: Common causes of Stifle Disease in Dogs and Cats

PHILIP WITTE BSc BVSc CertAVP( GSAS) DSAS( Orth) MRCVS. RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery( Orthopaedics) Cruciate disease and patellar luxation are common causes of stifle disease in dogs and cats. This course has been arranged to give a general understanding of the aetiology of cruciate ligament disease and patellar luxation, how the conditions are diagnosed and what treatment options exist. Aimed at vets and vet nurses.

• Module 1. Cruciate disease – aetiology and diagnosis • Module 2. Cruciate disease – treatment options • Module 3. Patellar luxation – aetiology and diagnosis • Module 4. Patellar luxation – treatment options • Module 5. Cruciate disease and patellar luxation in cats – just treat like a small dog? • Module 6. Outcomes for stifle disease and osteoarthritis