Common Canine Cancers
Excel CPD - Vet Nurse CPD
1 month ago 
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Date: Monday 2nd September, 2024 - Friday 27th September, 2024
Start time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Duration: 10 hour(s)
Cost: £205
Of the numerous cancers that affect our canine companions, lymphoma, mast cell tumours, oral melanoma and osteosarcoma are the most frequently diagnosed in the veterinary clinic.
This 4 week course dedicates a week per subject, where we explore the risk factors associated with each of these neoplasms and investigate the methods used to acquire a diagnosis. Treatment options will be discussed with particular detail placed on medical and surgical management techniques that can be applied to general practice and specialist nursing alike.
After completing this online course, participants will have a greater knowledge of these common diseases, enabling understanding of the prognosis and treatment goals; ultimately broadening communication and practical skills in the subject area.
This course is particularly suitable for nurses who have experience in oncology and are looking to broaden their knowledge. For nurses in general practice, the course 'Introduction to Oncology' may be more suitable.
Week 1 - Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes and/or lymphoid tissue, which is present in many locations within the body, hence making the presentation of these cases typical or atypical depending on location. Specialist tests have been developed to categorise this cancer and treatment is determined by these findings.
Manifestation of lymphoma and categories of disease
Diagnosis, staging and specialist tests for lymphoma
Treatment options for lymphoma
Chemotherapy protocols, client expectations and the cancer journey
Learning objectives
List the common manifestations of canine lymphoma and the patient groups most affected.
Understand the value of specialist tests required to further categorise cancer
Describe the subcategories of lymphoma and the difference in treatment approaches
Explain the rationale of a multimodal chemotherapy protocol and how it may impact on prognosis
Analyse personal skill set and determine how you could support patients with lymphoma using your practice facilities
Week 2 - Osteosarcoma
Canine osteosarcoma of the weight bearing bones often manifests in pain and/or lameness in affected patients. Once a diagnosis has been determined, the behaviour of this neoplasm is predictable, yet still individual to the animal.
Osteosarcoma pathophysiology overview
Diagnostic and staging processes
Treatment options, radiation and surgical management
Adjuvant (post-operative) chemotherapy and restaging
Learning objectives
Describe the diagnostic approach to determining cancer diagnosis and tumour burden
Explain typical neoplastic behaviour of canine osteosarcoma and how it is a model for comparative medicine
List the different treatment options and their impact on survival time
Understand the fundamental reasoning for adjuvant chemotherapy and the options for post-operative care
Week 3 - Melanoma
Oral melanoma is the most common form of cancer of the mouth in dogs; there are various forms and the behaviour of this neoplasm is sometimes unpredictable. On week three we discuss the presentation, investigation and treatment options available for these patients and look at some practices which are novel to veterinary medicine.
Presentation, diagnosis and staging of oral melanoma, including lymph node mapping
Treatment options and impact on prognosis
Surgical interventions, nursing support and rehabilitation
Learning objectives
Describe the value of different tissue sampling and specialist imaging techniques
List treatment options and prognostic indicators for canine melanoma
Describe the surgical technique, complications and post-operative care required for oral melanoma cases
Understand the mechanism of action behind current research for canine melanoma and apply to evidence-based medicine within nursing practice
Week 4 - Mast Cell Tumours
Mast cell tumours are a form of skin cancer in dogs, which depending on their grade and affected site, can have an impact on neoplastic behaviour and prognosis. Many patients go on to live disease-free lives, others require continuous treatment and monitoring.
Presentation and behaviour of mast cell tumours
Diagnosis, staging and specialised tests
Treatment modalities and monitoring considerations
Learning objectives
Explain which breeds of dogs are commonly affected by mast cell tumours and how the patient may present
List what investigative procedures may be necessary to secure a diagnosis and what safety factors should be observed when sampling masses
Describe which treatment modalities are most useful for which form of the disease
Understand the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and “metronomic chemotherapy” as a method for controlling cancer growth
Tutor: Nicola Read
Date: 2nd Sept - 27th Sept 2024
Cost: £205 +vat
Length: 4 weeks
CPD: 10 hours
Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Who is it for?
Veterinary Nurses
Number of CPD hours this event can be recorded as
10 hours
Registration and Booking
Click here to reserve your place
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