TECH220-0213: Feline Hyperthyroidism

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INSTRUCTOR(S): Tina DeVictoria, BS, CVT
COURSE OPEN: February 15-March 9, 2013
REAL TIME SESSIONS (RTS): Friday, February 22, 2013; 9:00pm-10:30pm ET (USA)
Course RTS Times in Your Area: World Clock Converter

Practice Sessions: In order to prepare you for a successful experience in your CE course, we request you attend a Practice Session prior to the first Real Time Session. Please arrive promptly at the start time; each Practice Session is up to 1 hour in length. For more information, please visit the CE Practice Area.

Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate course is for veterinary technicians looking for a deeper understanding of feline hyperthyroidism including pathophysiology, clinical signs and complications of the disease process, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and nursing care. Participants should be well versed in basic feline anatomy and physiology. The course format is that of a VINgnette where interaction in the message boards discussing case scenarios will be required to enhance the single Real Time Session. Participants should plan on this more intensive study.

VSPN CE Course: This course has been submitted for RACE approval for veterinary technicians only.

Course Description:
In clinical practice, older cats often present with dramatic weight loss, a ravenous appetite, and a confused owner. You may recognize these as hyperthyroid cats, but do you really understand what is happening to these patients physiologically? Good nursing care starts with understanding all aspects of the disease process, from clinical signs to testing protocols to understanding how the treatment options really work. This knowledge will make you invaluable to both the veterinarian and the pet owner.

This course consists of one (1) ninety (90) minute Real Time Sessions, supplemental library materials, interactive message board discussions, a mandatory end-of-course test, and may include online multiple choice quizzes (after each Real Time Session). Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course.

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to

• describe the physiology behind the hyperthyroid state.
• associate specific clinical signs with hyperthyroidism and its concurrent/complicating disease states.
• demonstrate knowledge of different diagnostic testing protocols as well as interpretation of their results.
• outline the different treatment options in coordination with the veterinarian and impart them to the client.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.

Required Textbook(s):
There is no required textbook for this course.

About the Instructor: Tina DeVictoria is a CVT supervisor in active practice as well as teaching in a veterinary assisting program in New Jersey. She has an extensive background in small animal clinical practice with specific interests in feline and emergency critical care medicine. She authored several articles in The NAVTA and Veterinary Technician Journals.

Course Outline:
Week 1 (Real Time Session February 22): Feline Hyperthyroidism
Content: We will begin this session with a review of the anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland. Clinical signs, diagnostic tests, complications of the disease state, treatment options, and the veterinary technician's role in each will be discussed.

CE CREDITS: 1.5

Tuition: $30 ($27 early bird special if enrolled by February 1, 2013).
*Students currently enrolled in and taking at least 2 classes or 5 units at an AVMA accredited or CAAHT approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status).
*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close when the maximum number of participants is reached or at 5pm ET the day of the first Real Time Session unless otherwise noted. If the first Real Time Session is on a weekend, course enrollment will close on the Friday before the first Real Time Session.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

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1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
2. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
3. Each person is individually responsible for his/her own registration. To ensure that all information received is secure and correct, please do not enroll for a course on behalf of another individual.
4. For further assistance call 1-800-700-INFO (4636) or email (VIN CE) CEonVIN@vin.com or (VSPN CE) VSPNCE@vspn.org. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.

*Note: "This course is submitted for approval for 1.5 continuing education credits in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education."Call VSPN/VIN CE at 1-800-700-4636 for further information. (Attendees are encouraged to check with their licensing jurisdiction(s) for information regarding recognition by their board).

Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN/VSPN office 1-800-700-INFO (4636) to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.
* Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you call the VIN/VSPN office at 1-800-700-INFO (4636).

*For more information on VSPN's upcoming CE courses, check the VSPN Course Catalog.

Nanette R. Walker Smith, MEd, RVT, CVT, LVT
VSPN Content Director & CE Coordinator

VSPN CE Services: VSPNCE@vspn.org
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-756-4881 or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01452226154
Barb Burri (Barb@vspn.org); ext. 764 (New Hampshire)
Charlotte Waack (Charlotte@vspn.org); ext 193 (Illinois)
Chris Upchurch (Chris@vspn.org); ext 197 (Florida)
Debbie Bess (DBess@vspn.org); ext 178 (Nevada)
Jennifer Withrow (Jennifer@vspn.org); ext 159 (Virginia)
Nanette Walker Smith (Nanette@vspn.org); ext 187 (Colorado)

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