Last week Liesbeth travelled to Swindon to complete her postgraduate certificate in feline medicine.  This was her final trip to Swindon where she attended a two-day course in feline kidney and urinary disease and feline dermatology.  Dr Susana Silva, a European specialist in veterinary medicine, presented the first day. Kidney disease is very common in our older feline patients and something we deal with on a daily basis.  New treatments and research for the future was discussed along with co-morbidities these cats often experience. Close monitoring and treatment of our older feline patients with renal disease allows us to improve their quality of life and address any complicating factors we identify at these appointments.

 

The second day covered feline dermatology and was taught by Peter Forsyth, a RCVS recognised specialist in dermatology.  Peter spoke excellently about the common dermatological skin presentations we see in cats. Skin conditions can cause significant irritation and affect a cat’s quality of life so it’s important to diagnose and treat these effectively.  He also spoke about some of the skin conditions that can have “hidden” causes and can indicate a systemic (whole body) disease in cats.

 

It was an excellent two days of learning and completed the two year feline medicine course… next stop.. EXAM TIME!!