Course Open: January 2-June 12, 2019
Level and Prerequisites: This basic course is geared towards small animal practitioners and assumes some basic understanding of calcium homeostasis and the consequences of hypercalcemia in feline patients.
VIN CE Course: Open to VIN members only. This non-interactive course is approved by RACE for veterinarians. (RACE 22-30043) Course Description:
Calcium homeostasis is a complex process involving several hormones and organ systems. Hypercalcemia is increasing recognized in feline practice, and is a significant cause of patient morbidity. This course will start with a review the essentials of calcium regulation, with an emphasis on the interactions between the various players. The clinical impact of hypercalcemia will be discussed, with a focus on common clinical signs and those associated with significant morbidity. A logical diagnostic approach based on the most common causes of hypercalcemia will then be outlined. And finally, management options for cats with hypercalcemia will be outlined, with an emphasis on the current evidence to support each approach. This course will consist of four non-interactive modules that are in the form of videos to be watched. Modules will include handouts to be read and an end-of-module quiz. The final module will include an end-of-course test. To earn a certificate of participation, you must attain a minimum score of 80% for each module quiz and for the end-of-course test. Completion of all four modules (videos, reading library handouts, quizzes and end-of-course test) will take a minimum of 136 minutes to complete. Participants must complete participation requirements by June 12, 2019 to be eligible for a certificate of completion. Course Outline: Module 1: Calcium Homeostasis
Total Time: 31 minutes
Video: 28 minutes
Polls: 3 minutes
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
- describe the roles of parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and vitamin D in calcium homeostasis.
- understand the impact of serum phosphorus concentrations on calcium homeostasis.
- understand the impact of the kidney, bone and gastrointestinal tract on calcium homeostasis.
Total Time: 37
Video: 24 minutes
Handouts: 10 minutes
Polls: 3 minutes
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
- recognize the clinical signs associated with mild, moderate and severe hypercalcemia in the cat.
- identify patients requiring in-depth evaluation of calcium regulation.
Total Time: 28
Video: 25 minutes
Polls: 3 minutes
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
- describe and prioritize the most common causes of feline hypercalcemia.
- outline a logical diagnostic approach to the hypercalcemic cat.
- interpret appropriate diagnostic test results.
Total Time: 37
Video: 26 minutes
End of Course Test: 14 minutes
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
- create an appropriate therapeutic plan for the hypercalcemic cat.
- describe the mechanisms of the various treatment options.
- evaluate the limitations and possible complications associated with treatment options.
Dr. Audrey Cook is an ACVIM Board Certified Internist and ABVP Specialist in Feline Practice. She is currently Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, with particular interests in gastroenterology and endocrinology. Total CE Credit: 2 Tuition: $46
Prices are listed in US dollars. *Enrollment will close on May 12, 2019 at 5 pm ET (USA).
*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center. To Enroll:
- Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 797 or email CEonVIN. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.
VIN Education Director VIN CE Services: CEonVIN
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 797
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357