Overview

Veterinary Nurse CPD

CAVE is committed to providing Veterinary Nurse CPD opportunities that support you in growing your confidence and competence in delivering best practice nursing care for all your patients.

In recognition of our commitment to deliver world-class professional development for veterinary nurses, CAVE has become a Silver Education Partner with the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA). Our entire ACE Program for Nurses has been accredited under the VNCA’s AVNAT scheme, meaning that each attendance earns nurses valuable CPD points towards their required annual professional development points.

CAVE provides light refreshments and Networking opportunity at all on campus Nurse CPD.

CAVE Veterinary Nurse Membership $60.00

Register Here

Date and Time	Topic	Presenter
1st September at 7:30pm	DermClub for Nurses Diagnostic approach to canine otitis externa Otitis is one of the most common conditions encountered in general practice. Otitis is inflammation of the ear canal. Otitis may be restricted to the vertical and horizontal ear canals (otitis externa) or it may affect the middle ear cavity (otitis media). This usually occurs when infection spreads through the tympanic membrane into the tympanic bullae. Otitis interna refers to inflammation that has reached the cochlea or semicircular canals. As with other dermatological problems, a full history and physical examination is required when investigating cases of otitis. The main aim of this is to establish if the dog has any underlying factors that may be causing the otitis (e.g., predisposing factors or primary causes). In particular, dogs should be examined to see if they have any signs of more generalised skin disease. Disease that is strictly limited to one ear canal is more likely to be seen with conditions such as grass seeds, tumours and stenosis. This lecture will review the diagnostic approach to otitis externa including otoscopic examination and cytology and briefly discuss the investigation of underlying causes. This lecture is a must for all veterinary nurses working in small animal practice to gain a better understanding of the problems associated with otitis externa in dogs. On Campus and Live Streamed Register Here	Dr Alex Moore
3rd November at 7:30pm	DermClub for Nurses Clinical signs and diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis The key features of canine atopic dermatitis are a pruritic skin disease that usually starts between 6 months and 3 years of age and tends to occur at typical distribution sites such as the face, ears, paws, axillae, ventral chest and abdomen and perineum. Pruritus can manifest in a number of different ways including scratching, rubbing, chewing, excessive grooming, rolling, scooting, and/or head shaking. The pruritus can be seasonal in some cases, but in the majority it occurs throughout the whole year. In an individual case, there can be considerable variation from the classic pattern described above. For example, some dogs may present solely as foot chewers, face rubbers or ear scratchers. Alternatively, some dogs have more widespread pruritus that affects the rest of the trunk. This lecture reviews the clinical presentations of atopic dermatitis and a logical diagnostic approach in order to establish a definitive diagnosis. This lecture is a must for all veterinary nurses working in small animal practice to gain a better understanding of canine atopic dermatitis. On Campus and Live Streamed Register Here	Dr Hilary Chan
Recording Available	Get Engaged - Using joint taps in diagnosing lameness problems Isobel will focus on the preparations required to set up for successful joint taps, handling and processing samples and managing the patients from sedation to recovery. The aim of this seminar is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently prepare for and assist with joint taps. Recording Available with CAVE Membership	Dr Isobel Monotti
24th February	DermClub for Nurses General diagnostic approach to pruritic skin disease in the cat Many skin diseases commonly cause pruritus in cats and many of these are allergic skin diseases. This lecture will focus on the four classic cutaneous reaction patterns in the pruritic cat. In addition to a thorough history and physical examination, laboratory evaluations (skin scrapings, tapings, combings, faecal flotations, cytology, Wood’s lamp, fungal culture), response to treatment (parasiticides), and avoidance (drugs, environmental niches) are often indicated to rule out non-allergic disorders. Only then should investigations that pursue allergies (novel diets, serological and intradermal allergy tests) be undertaken. This lecture will be important revision for all veterinary nurses interested in feline dermatology working in veterinary small animal practice.	Dr Alex Moore
2nd June (recording available)	DermClub for Nurses Management of the atopic cat: have we moved away from prednisolone? Although newer options for glucocorticoids are being explored in the cat, they still remain one of the mainstay therapies to control clinical signs in the atopic cat. Glucocorticoids are a very successful mode of therapy in feline atopic dermatitis, but care should be used when administering glucocorticoids in cats. Another effective treatment option for feline atopic dermatitis is oral cyclosporine (Atopicaâ for Cats, Elanco). Oclacitinib (Apoquelâ, Zoetis) is currently being evaluated for cats and our clinic has had success using oclacitinib for the management of pruritus in a limited number of cats with atopic dermatitis syndrome. Allergen specific immunotherapy will be briefly discussed. This lecture will review the advantages and disadvantages of each of these drugs for cats and is a must for any veterinary nurse in practice who is regularly dispensing these drugs for cats. (image 3 and 4 are before and after treatment for feline atopic dermatitis)	Dr Hilary Chan
	DermClub Recordings