Nursing the Endocrine Patient: From Initial Presentation to Long Term Care

Endocrine diseases are some of the most common long-term medical conditions we see in practice; the veterinary nurse plays a key role in caring for endocrine patients, from assisting with examination and diagnostic sample collection, to providing inpatient care, providing client advice and performing nurse consultations.

This course will explore the most common endocrine diseases seen in dogs and cats – diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s and Addison’s disease. Each disease process will be discussed, along with the common clinical signs seen, diagnostic tests performed, and treatment options used. The two most common endocrine emergencies – diabetic ketoacidosis and addisonian crisis – will also be explored and their pathophysiology, stabilisation, treatment considerations, and nursing care requirements discussed.

This course will also focus on the vital role of the veterinary nurse in supporting the endocrine patient, not only during hospitalisation, but also throughout the patient’s life. Attendees will leave with a thorough understanding of the common endocrine diseases, and the tools they need to support these patients in practice.

Topics to be covered include:

• Common endocrine presentations and disease processes
• Diagnostics and treatment options
• Dealing with endocrine emergencies
• Nurse clinics and the nurse’s role in long term patient care and monitoring