Feline Medicine
University of Liverpool
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Date: Monday 22nd February, 2027 - Monday 29th March, 2027
Start time: 9:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Duration: 5 hour(s)
Cost: £435
The module will provide you with 25 hours of designation specific CPD. Over four weeks we will cover a different weekly topic in an area in which there may have been changes, advances or controversy in recent years.
The course is taught and tutored by Liverpool and other external veterinary specialists, following a similar format to the University of Liverpool’s CertAVP modules. With online lectures, discussion boards and weekly MCQ tests designed to help support your learning, this short Feline Medicine mini-module will provide a fun and interactive way to ensure you keep up to date in your area of interest.
The mini-modules are set out in a week by week basis but you will still have access to the content for up to 6 months following the module as well as access to the University of Liverpool library.
Week 1 - Alex Forward
Common feline neurological conditions
This module will examine some of the more common neurological conditions affecting our feline patients. The course will comprise 5 sessions during which we learn about neurological FIP, Feline Partial Cluster Seizures with Orofacial Involvement (FEPSO), intracranial empyema, feline neuromuscular disease and feline meningioma. We will cover how these patients present, how to localise and diagnose them together with the different treatment options in both the first opinion and referral setting. We will have video examples for each of these as well as an interactive discussion board, and a case-based live session.
Alexander Forward BVSc MSc MVetMed DipECVN MCRVS EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
After graduating from Liverpool University in 2011, Alex spent two years in a mixed animal practice in Cornwall, UK. He then completed a rotating internship at the Royal Veterinary College in London and a subsequent residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery. He was awarded the Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 2018, and he is also an RCVS specialist in Veterinary Neurology. He joined Davies Veterinary Specialists as part of the Neurology and Neurosurgery team in 2018 as a clinical neurologist and his research interests include intracranial surgery in dogs and central nervous system neoplasia.
Week 2 – Chiara Penzo
Feline Cutaneous and Ocular Melanocytic Tumours
This week offers a focused and practical exploration of feline cutaneous and ocular melanocytic tumours, guiding clinicians through the complexities of recognising, diagnosing, and managing these often-challenging lesions. We’ll examine the biological behaviour of melanocytic tumours in both the skin and the eye, highlighting key differences in presentation, prognosis, and therapeutic approach. Through a blend of current evidence and real-world clinical cases, the session equips practitioners with the confidence to identify suspicious lesions early, select appropriate diagnostic pathways, and make informed decisions about treatment and referral providing a clear, accessible overview of a topic that every feline practitioner encounters.
Dr Chiara Penzo, EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Oncology and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Oncology.
Chiara is part of the Oncology Team at Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service and is passionate about teaching. Alongside her referral clinical activity in small animal oncology, since 2015 she has worked as an Honorary Lecturer for the University of Liverpool and is a multilingual specialist consultant and lecturer at events in the UK and Europe. Her focus is on postgraduate training and online education of pet owners and animal carers. Chiara has a strong interest in advancing cancer care options for patients with advanced stage disease or unresectable tumours and a vast experience in electrochemotherapy and advanced electrochemotherapy techniques.
Chiara graduated with laudem in 2003 and achieved a PhD in 2006 from University of Padua (Italy). She completed her specialist oncology training at University of Glasgow and Edinburgh and in 2009 she was the first to be awarded by examination the title of ECVIM(Oncology). She was a member of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM) examination committee from 2010 to 2018. She led a busy small animal referral service in Glasgow before moving to the Midlands with her young family.
Week 3 – BREAK WEEK
Week 4 – Mary Trehy and Hannah Walker
FIP and Mycobacteria
Recent advances have improved our ability to diagnose and manage a number of feline infectious diseases. These cases remain challenging, however, as signs can be non-specific and variable, and multiple testing options need to be considered.
In this mini-module, Mary Trehy and Hannah Walker will explore a practical approach to two important feline infectious diseases: feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and feline mycobacterial disease. Across four lectures and a live, case-based session, we will review the latest developments in diagnosis and management of each condition and consider how to apply these to clinical scenarios.
The four lectures cover:
Updates on the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis
Management options for feline infectious peritonitis
Recognising feline mycobacterial disease
Decision-making regarding treatment of feline mycobacterial disease
Week 5 – Susanna Spence
Monitoring of feline diabetes mellitus
Feline diabetes mellitus is a common endocrinopathy yet many of us find it a challenging condition to manage. Recently SGLT2 inhibitors have introduced new opportunities and new challenges for veterinary practitioners. These developments highlight the importance of recognising feline diabetes as a distinct disease entity that requires a cat-specific approach to treatment and monitoring.
This mini-module will explore the practical management of diabetic cats, from the initial diagnostic approach through to treatment selection and long-term monitoring. Key topics include insulin therapy, patient selection for SGLT2 inhibitors, monitoring strategies, and the application of current evidence to everyday clinical practice. The aim is to equip clinicians with the knowledge and confidence to navigate this evolving area of feline medicine and deliver the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Lectures will include –
Approach to feline diabetes mellitus
Management of feline diabetes mellitus: insulin therapy
Management of feline diabetes mellitus: SGLT2 inhibitors
Susanna Spence BVMS, MVM, DipECVIM- CA, MRCVS, EBVS® European and RCVS Specialist in small animal Internal Medicine
Susanna graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2012, before working in a small animal practice in Lancashire for two years. She then returned to Glasgow in 2014 to complete a rotating internship before starting her Internal Medicine Residency with a combined masters. Susanna achieved her European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine in March 2019. She gained a Masters in canine hypoadrenocorticism a year later.
Following obtaining her diploma, Susanna moved to Surrey to work at North Downs Specialist Referrals. In summer 2024, she transferred to their sister hospital London Vet Specialists, to help expand their already established Internal Medicine Service. Most recently, she has moved back to her home of Glasgow to work at the University, teaching undergraduate students, interns and residents alongside her clinical role.
Susanna also has a lot of experience being an Internship Director and is passionate about providing vets with a supportive path towards further education. This includes her love for working with veterinary practitioners who have an interest in Internal Medicine and want to maximise their knowledge in this area, enhancing pet care in a first opinion practice setting.
Susanna enjoys all areas of Internal Medicine, but her particular areas of interest are endocrinology and endoscopic procedures.
Keywords: feline, medicine, neurology, oncology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), endocrine, diabetes mellitus.
Who is it for?
This 100% online CPD mini-module has been developed and aimed towards the more experienced veterinary surgeon. The module content has been developed by veterinary specialists at the forefront of current veterinary research.
The Speakers
Alexander Forward BVSc MSc MVetMed DipECVN MCRVS EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology<br /> <br /> Dr Chiara Penzo, EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Oncology and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Oncology.<br /> <br /> Mary Trehy<br /> <br /> Hannah Walker<br /> <br /> Susanna Spence BVMS, MVM, DipECVIM- CA, MRCVS, EBVS® European and RCVS Specialist in small animal Internal Medicine<br />
The Venue
Leahurst campus
Located in the heart of rural Cheshire, 12 miles south of Liverpool, the Veterinary School's Leahurst campus employs over 350 staff, including over 100 veterinary surgeons and teaches veterinary students in all years of their studies, but especially those in their fourth and fifth years.
The site is home to two farms, two referral hospitals, and two of the Institute's three first-opinion practices.
Number of CPD hours this event can be recorded as
25 hours
Registration and Booking
Click here to reserve your place
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