Empowering Veterinary Nurses in Dermatology: From Diagnostic Skills to Clinic Setup

Dermatology holds a significant role in veterinary medicine, with skin and ear conditions accounting for approximately 30% of all cases seen in cats and dogs. Veterinary Nurses are uniquely positioned to play a crucial role in this field, aiding in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of dermatological cases.

In this interactive course, you will learn to establish and manage nurse-led dermatology clinics, gain insights into recognising and managing prevalent dermatological conditions and explore various diagnostic tests to aid accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The comprehensive care and support to dermatology patients will be covered, empowering you to improve patient outcomes in this field.

Topics to be covered include:

• Nurse-led dermatology clinics- covering organisation, threats to the clinic, and methods to maximise their potential.
• Identification of common dermatological conditions- allergic dermatitis, otitis externa, and microbial overgrowth.
• Diagnostic tests in dermatology- to include skin scrapings, ear cytology, and tape strips.
• Nursing care for dermatology patients- from case management to client education.

N.B. There will be a practical microscopy session to learn hands-on techniques in superficial cytology. Do feel free to bring along any ear swabs or tape strips from your own pets if you wish to take the chance to have to look at them, but slides will be provided.