SCAM13014U Companion Animal Neurology - Advanced Diagnostic Approach to the Neurological Patient

Volume 2013/2014
Education
Master's Programme in Companion Animal Clinical Science - semi-compulsory
Content

The purpose of this course is to further develop the diagnostic skills of the participant when approaching the more complicated companion animal neurological patient. The participant should be able to combine knowledge from paraclinical disciplines such as diagnostic imaging, cytology and haematological evaluations (including serology) with the clinical findings at an advanced level. A wet-lab practice of cerebrospinal fluid tap and interpretation will be included. Conventional diagnostic imaging as well as advanced imaging modalities such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - indication, interpretation and therapeutic consequences are addressed.

Cases of companion animal neurological patients and clinical work-up will be used to demonstrate the above described disciplines.

In theory and by practical exercises to extend the participants knowledge, professional skills and competences within the subject of clinical neurology at an advanced level.
Learning Outcome

Having completed the course, the student must be able to:

Knowledge
• Define, identify and discuss veterinary methodology and paraclinical tools in systematised reflective clinical decision making in companion animal clinical practice area of clinical neurology
• Explain, reflect about and demonstrate overview of complex clinical decision making, patient therapy and management at an advanced specialised level
• Explain, reflect about and demonstrate overview of systematic  clinical and diagnostic approach to the neurological patient at an advanced level
• List, classify, and demonstrate critical reflection on existing and new approaches to patient diagnosis, therapy, management and client education in a specialty practice situation

Skills

• Apply the quantitative and qualitative methodologies such as performing and apply clinical diagnostic thinking as well as master relevant practical diagnostic skills
• Interpret, assess and reflect on collected patient data in order to identify the nature of the neurological lesion and cause of neurological disease.
• Make clinical decisions, arrive at a diagnosis and consider evidence based scientific approaches in order to plan and administer further appropriate diagnostics, patient therapy and management within the area of clinical neurology
• Collect and interpret CSF samples. Identify appropriate image modality and demonstrate knowledge of common diagnostic imaging hallmarks of the neurological patient.
• Understand the interpretation of CT, MRI and be able to demonstrate critical reflection of pros and cons for CT and MRI and identification of neurological patients suitable for advanced neurological diagnostic procedures
• Continously seek out, reflect on and apply new evidence based methods and solution models
• Communicate and discuss academic issues and solution models with both peers and non-specialists at an advanced level and across disciplines within companion animal practice
• Communicate effectively in writing and pass on results to relevant parties

Competences
• Evaluate and manage companion animal diseases within clinical neurology, which may necessitate novel solutions and approaches identified from current medical literature or other resources
• Work independently, take responsibility for, predict, prognosticate and make decisions within the clinical neurology
• Collaborate constructively within and between specialists/​professionals and lay persons involved in companion animal patient management 
• Make ethic considerations regarding diagnostic methods and therapies and place these into perspective
• Independently evaluate and structure own learning processes and continuously obtain new knowledge at a specialty level within clinical neurology

Literature

Updated literature list will be posted 1 month prior to course start. The participant should have theoretical knowledge prepared prior to participation.

Inclusion criteria for Master's Programme in Companion Animal Clinical Science: Degree in veterinary medicine and at least two years of relevant work experience.

SCAM13001U, SCAM13002U, SCAM13003U, SCAM13004U, SCAM13013U or
Recertified Danish "Fagdyrlæge i sygdomme hos hund og kat" and SCAM13013U
A combination of theoretical lectures, demonstrations, hands-on practice and case-based practice. Case-study work.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 40
  • Lectures
  • 10
  • Practical exercises
  • 15
  • Preparation
  • 87
  • Theory exercises
  • 10
  • Total
  • 162
Credit
6 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination
As a part of the course the student will have to hand in a number of written cases and a final webbased written report and present this at an oral examination.
Exam registration requirements
80 % active participation in the on site course activities are required in order to obtain approved course certificate. Both, approved course certificate and a passed examination are required to pass the course. Students may attend examination without approval of course certificate.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Criteria for exam assesment

Having completed the course, the student must be able to:

Knowledge
• Define, identify and discuss veterinary methodology and paraclinical tools in systematised reflective clinical decision making in companion animal clinical practice area of clinical neurology
• Explain, reflect about and demonstrate overview of complex clinical decision making, patient therapy and management at an advanced specialised level
• Explain, reflect about and demonstrate overview of systematic  clinical and diagnostic approach to the neurological patient at an advanced level
• List, classify, and demonstrate critical reflection on existing and new approaches to patient diagnosis, therapy, management and client education in a specialty practice situation

Skills

• Apply the quantitative and qualitative methodologies such as performing and apply clinical diagnostic thinking as well as master relevant practical diagnostic skills
• Interpret, assess and reflect on collected patient data in order to identify the nature of the neurological lesion and cause of neurological disease.
• Make clinical decisions, arrive at a diagnosis and consider evidence based scientific approaches in order to plan and administer further appropriate diagnostics, patient therapy and management within the area of clinical neurology
• Collect and interpret CSF samples. Identify appropriate image modality and demonstrate knowledge of common diagnostic imaging hallmarks of the neurological patient.
• Understand the interpretation of CT, MRI and be able to demonstrate critical reflection of pros and cons for CT and MRI and identification of neurological patients suitable for advanced neurological diagnostic procedures
• Continously seek out, reflect on and apply new evidence based methods and solution models
• Communicate and discuss academic issues and solution models with both peers and non-specialists at an advanced level and across disciplines within companion animal practice
• Communicate effectively in writing and pass on results to relevant parties

Competences
• Evaluate and manage companion animal diseases within clinical neurology, which may necessitate novel solutions and approaches identified from current medical literature or other resources
• Work independently, take responsibility for, predict, prognosticate and make decisions within the clinical neurology
• Collaborate constructively within and between specialists/​professionals and lay persons involved in companion animal patient management 
• Make ethic considerations regarding diagnostic methods and therapies and place these into perspective
• Independently evaluate and structure own learning processes and continuously obtain new knowledge at a specialty level within clinical neurology