Florida Veterinarian Continuing Education

FL Veterinarian CE Package – 15 Hours

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Canine Endocrine Diseases (3 hrs)
  This course provides an overview of four common canine endocrine diseases: hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), and hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease). Topics covered will include pathophysiology and etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, management, and prognosis, as well as special notes on common complications or other factors that clinicians should be aware of. 
• Feline Heartworm Disease: It's More Common Than You Think (2 hrs)
  Feline heartworm disease is a significant risk to the health of cats throughout the United States. Although Dirofilaria immitis has traditionally been regarded as a parasite of dogs, recent research has demonstrated that feline infections are far more common than veterinarians once thought. These infections often remain undiagnosed, however, given the wide variation in clinical signs of feline heartworm disease and the challenges of obtaining an accurate diagnosis with currently available diagnostic tests. If feline heartworm infection is detected or suspected based on tests, treatment is similarly challenging. There is no single “best” treatment for heartworm disease in cats; most cases are treated symptomatically, with a guarded prognosis.
  
  
  Learning Objectives
  

  • Describe the current range of feline heartworm disease, discussing changes in range that have occurred as a result of urbanization and climate change.
  • Identify whether or not a cat is at risk of feline heartworm disease.
  • Explain the pathophysiology and clinical signs of heartworm-associated respiratory disease in cats.
  • Compare the incidence of feline heartworm disease to other well-known feline infectious diseases, such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
  • Compare and contrast the diagnostic tests currently available for feline heartworm disease, including heartworm antigen tests, heartworm antibody tests, microfilaria tests, and imaging modalities.
  • Convince clients of the importance of feline heartworm disease and the need for consistent, year-round, monthly heartworm prevention.
  • Design a monitoring protocol for a cat with asymptomatic heartworm disease. 
  • Create a treatment protocol for a cat with clinical signs of heartworm-associated respiratory disease.
• Canine Influenza (2 hrs)
  This course is designed to provide veterinarians with information on the historical background and epidemiology of canine influenza, as well as practical information related to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. With this information, veterinarians will be more prepared for canine influenza outbreaks in their community, and also more prepared to educate dog-owning clients and address their concerns.
• Avian Influenza and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (2 hrs)
  Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness of birds, which tends to circulate primarily within the avian population but can occasionally affect domestic animals. It is important for all veterinarians to have a basic understanding of this virus so they can provide appropriate guidance to their clients and the community.
• Dispensing Veterinary Prescription Drugs (2 hrs)
  This course provides information on the laws and regulations enforced by the FDA as they relate to veterinary medicine. Under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, FDA has the broad mandate to assure safety and effectiveness of drugs (including animal drugs), devices (including veterinary devices) and the safety of the food supply.
• Florida Laws and Rules Governing Veterinary Practice (2 hrs)
  To remain current on the scope of practice for veterinarians, it is essential that they be updated on new rules being passed or introduced. This course will review Florida’s rules on these matters, as well as the new acts recently enacted in the last few years. As a licensed veterinarian, it is imperative to be judicious in understanding the laws and rules governing the profession.  This course will review the recently adopted rules, rule changes or amendments that, in particular, impact the profession and the practice of veterinary medicine. 
• Heartworm Disease in Dogs (2 hrs)
  Heartworm infection is a serious parasitic infection in dogs, with worldwide distribution. Testing for heartworms can be complicated and controversial, as can determining treatment options. In this course, you will learn about recent developments in heartworm testing, treatment, and prevention, allowing you to better serve your canine patients.