Organized byQuadam Veterinary
Addressed to Veterinarians
ABOUT THE COURSE This program has been approved for 36 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. Program Number: 1105828.
The course is designed in a didactic and visual way, using about 700 pictures, 60 videos and 70 drawings and diagrams to facilitate the acquisition of an advanced level of knowledge on the topic of medicine and surgery of pet rabbits in 12 weeks. The students will be supported by the teacher, who will answer all kind of questions in order to adapt the course to veterinarians with or without previous experience in pet rabbit medicine. Supplemental material of more specific topics will be distributed with each lesson.
This online course shapes around to your needs in time. It does not require to attend a specific time a specific day. You can participate at any time any day, when you consider convenient after the starting date.
The learning method:
1. Constant presence of the teacher during the entire duration of the course, available to answer any questions raised by the students. Besides, the teacher sets different interactive activities for the students.
2. The course is attended simultaneously by all students. Enhancing students’ sharing and participatory experience is a Quadam hallmark.
3. All lessons are audiovisual and available at any time.
PROGRAM LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION AND CLINICAL TECHNIQUES
The topic and the focus of the course will be introduced: pet rabbits. Wild rabbits, research rabbits and food rabbits will be beyond the scope of this course. The origin of the domestic rabbit and some basic biologic and physiologic data will be discussed, as well as basic husbandry and nutrition. A technique to perform a complete physical exam will be illustrated. The second half of the lesson will show clinical techniques and minor procedures: handling, blood collection, drug administration routes, catheter placement, etc.
LESSON 2: ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA
This lesson will cover all aspects related to anesthesia and analgesia in rabbits. Rabbits have particular physiologic and anatomic characteristics that contribute to significant differences and increased mortality when compared to anesthesia of small animals. The complete anesthetic event will be explained, from premedication to recovery, paying special attention to intubation, monitoring techniques and possible complications. The last section will cover all aspects of analgesia in rabbits, including pain recognition, facial nerve blocks and epidural analgesia/anesthesia.
LESSON 3: DISORDERS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
This lesson will cover anatomy, physiology and diseases of the gastrointestinal system. The unique anatomic and physiologic characteristics will be covered in the initial section. The second section will deal with one of the most important gastrointestinal problems in rabbits: gut stasis/ileus. Diarrheas are commonly the result of coccidiosis or the use of antibiotics; the proper use of probiotics will be introduced. The last section will cover other conditions such as mucoid enteropathy and lack of ingestion of cecotrophs.
LESSON 4: DISORDERS OF HEAD AND THORAX (CARDIOVASCULAR, RESPIRATORY, OPHTHALMOLOGY, THYMOMA)
This lesson will cover several topics involving head and thorax. We will start reviewing cardiovascular diseases and we will continue with the disorders of the respiratory system, studying extensively topics such as rhinitis, bacterial pneumonia and lung metastases from uterine adenocarcinoma. The third section of the lesson will deal with ocular problems, and we will finish discussing in depth diagnosis and treatment of thymomas.
LESSON 5: DISORDERS AND SURGERY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
This lesson will cover disorders and surgery of the reproductive system. We will start reviewing some normal reproductive data and will continue with the reproductive disorders that can be seen in males. Next we will cover reproductive disorders in females, such as pseudopregnancy, mastitis and uterine disorders. The second part of the lesson will cover surgery of the reproductive system. We will study different techniques to perform orchidectomies in males and we will illustrate how to perform an ovariohysterectomy in a female.
LESSON 6: DISORDERS OF THE URINARY SYSTEM
This lesson will cover disorders of the urinary system. We will begin discussing normal anatomy and physiology, followed by the study of diagnostic techniques, focusing on imaging, urine analysis and biochemistries. The second section will cover causes, diagnosis and treatment of urolithiasis. Surgical procedures will also be covered, focused on the removal of uroliths from different areas of the urinary system. The last section will cover some additional urinary conditions such as cystitis, perineal dermatitis and renal failure.
LESSON 7: EAR DISORDERS
This lesson will cover extensively all the ear problems that are seen in pet rabbits. It will start with a thorough review of the anatomy and the clinical signs noted in cases of ear disease. Predisposing factors and clinical signs of otitis externa will be described before discussing psoroptic mange. The third section of the lesson will cover bacterial otitis (externa, media and interna). The last section will deal with the treatment of bacterial otitis, including both medical and surgical methods.
LESSON 8: DERMATOLOGIC DISORDERS
This lesson will cover dermatologic problems in pet rabbits. We will start reviewing the predisposing factors that contribute to skin disorders in rabbits. Parasitic disorders will be covered next (fleas, mites and lice). The third section of the lesson will cover infectious causes of skin problems, such as treponematosis, mixomatosis and dermatophytosis. The last section of the lesson will cover miscellaneous skin disorders, such as fly strike, self-mutilation and pyoderma.
LESSON 9: MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
This lesson will cover musculoskeletal disorders. We will start with a thorough review of the normal and abnormal radiographic findings, as well as radiographic techniques for the imaging of anterior and posterior limbs. Then we will show different ways to treat fractures and luxations. In the third section of the lesson problems affecting the spine will be covered. The last section will be dedicated to study pathogenesis and treatment of pododermatitis.
LESSON 10: DENTAL DISORDERS
This lesson will cover dental disorders in pet rabbits. It will start with a review of dental anatomy and the predisposing factors that lead to dental disease. Disorders of the incisors (mainly abnormal overgrowth) will be discussed, as well as their treatment using surgical and non-surgical techniques. Similarly, the next section will cover diagnosis and treatment of molar problems. The last section will cover the diagnosis and treatment of dental abscesses.
LESSON 11: MISCELLANEOUS CONDITIONS
This lesson will cover several miscellaneous conditions that were not covered in previous lessons. The first section will describe normal behavior of rabbits and factors that can predispose to behavioral problems. Next, we will study specific behavioral problems, such as aggression, destructive behavior or urination in unwanted places. The third section of the lesson will cover extensively encephalitozoonosis. Finally, we will study rabbit hemorrhagic disease and heat stroke.
LESSON 12: CLINICAL CASES AND QUESTIONS
This last lesson will review and put in practice the knowledge acquired during the previous 11 lesson. Doubts, questions and comments will be also answered and discussed.
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This course is not a webinar nor scheduled at specific time.
It is really practical and flexible so that you can follow the lessons, exams and activities at your own. It offers great time flexibility allowing you to join the tutor any time at your convenience: as many times and how you desire.
This practice-oriented course will offer a series audiovisual lessons and exams. Between the lessons the tutor will be available in interactive session, where learning is further optimized through questions/answers, forum, case discussions, quizzes, and much more (all these material will belong to you for a minimum of one more year). You also will have the opportunity to interact with other vets. Unlike other forms of e-learning, this online course offers a high level of interaction between students and with the tutor.
