POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE DERMATOLOGY PgC & GPCert (DERM) 2018 SYLLABUS
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN DERMATOLOGY PgC & GPCert (Derm) 2018 SYLLABUS This syllabus is designed as a guideline to the key areas that the delegate will be expected to understand. The emphasis is very much on the approach to different conditions practical examination techniques, application of appropriate diagnostic procedures and an understanding of the potential complications associated with different body systems, rather than an exhaustive list of potential disorders. The veterinarian will instead be expected to have knowledge of common skin disorders and an appreciation of resource material from where further research can be undertaken into more unusual conditions. An understanding of normal anatomy and physiology, and how these impact on the pathogenesis and treatment of skin disease. A range of different species will be covered including dogs, cats and commonly encountered exotics such as small rodents, reptiles and birds. Suitable reading lists and resource material will be provided by individual tutors during the course. 1. Anatomy and Physiology of the skin An understanding of the comparative gross and histological anatomy of the skin of companion animals. An understanding of the function and physiology of skin of companion animals. 2. Cutaneous pathological processes An understanding of the pathological processes occurring in skin disease. An understanding of how pathological processes relate to clinical signs and the diagnosis of disease. Hypersensitivity reactions types I, II, III, IV in the skin and examples of specific skin diseases involving these processes. The skin response to insults including physical, chemical and microbiological. of skin neoplasia. 3. Clinical examination and history Clinical history taking and its interpretation in the diagnosis of skin disease. Performing a general clinical examination. Performing a detailed examination of the skin. An ability to accurately describe skin lesions. Understanding of key diagnostic tests and their use. Diagnosis and management of common skin diseases. Complications encountered during therapy, their prevention and management.
4. Diagnostic Techniques Principles of the collection of samples from the skin relating to skin diseases and interpretation. Collection of samples for microbiology skin scrapings, hairs, acetate strips and impression smears The use of intradermal skin testing and serology in the diagnosis of allergy. The use of clinical chemistry in the diagnosis of skin disease. Basic cytology of samples collected from the skin including masses and discharging sinuses. Skin and skin mass biopsy. 5. Laboratory Diagnosis and Clinical Pathology Skin scrapings, hair examination, acetate strip examination, and impression smears. Sampling techniques (including biopsies), sample processing, storage and recording. Basic cytology of samples collected from the skin including masses and discharging sinuses. Interpretation of clinical laboratory medicine information in relation to skin disease, including: haematology, biochemistry and endocrine tests, fluid and electrolyte disorders and cytology. Diagnostic tests for infectious diseases techniques and interpretation (including viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases) An understanding of the principles of the use of pattern analysis by histopathologists in dermatohistopathology as it relates to disease pathogenesis and diagnosis. Interpretation of histopathology reports. This module includes a practical component in the laboratory preparing and interpreting slides. 6. General conditions commonly found in dermatology alopecia, keratinization disorders and pigment changes Alopecia Investigation of alopecia using a problem solving approach Keratinisation disorders / scaling Investigation of scaling diseases using a problem solving approach
Pigment changes Differential diagnosis specific conditions Investigation of pigment-changes using a problem solving approach 7. Infectious Diseases and Preventative Healthcare Clinical pathology of the major bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic diseases affecting the skin of companion animals in UK and Europe. An awareness of diseases that may be imported by pets travelling from abroad Zoonosis, health and safety concerns and precautions 8. Allergic skin disease An understanding of the immune system and immune response by the skin Flea and parasite allergies, atopic dermatitis, food and other hypersensitivities Underlying pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment options Use of combination therapy in atopic dermatitis 9. Autoimmune skin disease An understanding of the immune system Underlying pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment options of autoimmune diseases including pemphigus complex, phemphigoid, SLE/DLE and adverse drug reactions 10. Endocrine and metabolic skin disease An understanding of the physiology of the endocrine system Underlying pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment options of the more common endocrine disease Iatrogenic endocrine disease 11. Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease Investigation of internal disease with cutaneous signs 12. The role of nutrition in skin disease Deficiency or excess of vitamins or minerals in skin disease Underlying pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment options The role of nutrition in the therapy of skin disease
13. Exotics Normal epithelial anatomy of exotic species The importance of husbandry housing, environment, nutrition Ecdysis / dysecdysis in reptiles Common conditions seen in small mammals, reptiles and birds:, clinical features, differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment options 14. Diseases of the feet, nails, anal sacs and ears Investigation of pedal, nail, anal sac and aural disease 15. Congenital and hereditary skin disease Common conditions including seborrhea, allergy, sebaceous adentitis, alopecia and breed specific conditions Underlying pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment options. 16. Psychogenic skin disease Common presentations Underlying pathology, diagnostics and treatment options 17. Neoplasia Tumour biology. Diagnosis and staging of cancer. Principles of surgical management of skin neoplasia and chemotherapy 18. The Pharmacy & Therapeutics Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 Medicines Act 1968 Medicines Regulations 2012 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2012 Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 Storage dispensing and labeling Veterinary Medicines Directorate Prescribing Cascade, off license use, importation of medication, certification
An understanding of the pharmacokinetics, potential interactions and adverse effects of common therapeutics agents (anti-inflammatories, anti-microbials and anti-parasitics) used in the management of skin disease Use of topical, enteral and parenteral medications Owner compliance and support required for long term skin conditions The role of the veterinary nurse in dermatology consultations 19. Wound management Overview of wounds and wound healing Medical management of wounds Surgical management of wounds Dressings / topical treatment options
A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis, clinical signs and differential diagnoses of the following conditions (all species unless specified): Allergic skin disease atopy, food allergy, contact allergy. Flea allergic dermatitis. Feline eosinophilic granuloma complex. Bacterial pyodermas. Canine acral lick dermatitis. Pyotraumatic dermatitis. Malassezia dermatitis. Demodicosis. Sarcoptic mange. Pediculosis. Common ticks and tick borne disease. Feline pox virus. Myxomatosis in the rabbit. Leishmaniasis. Pemphigus foliaceus. Symmetric lupoid onychodystrophy. Systemic and cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Canine hypothyroidism. Hyperadrenocorticism. Hyperoestrogenism due to testicular or ovarian neoplasia. Canine alopecia X. Canine seasonal cyclical alopecia. Hair follicle dysplasia. Mycobacterial skin disease in the cat. Canine histiocytoma. Mast cell tumours. Cutaneous lymphoma including epitheliotropic lymphoma. Soft tissue sarcomas including fibrosarcoma. Squamous cell carcinoma including multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen s disease). Feline injection associated fibrosarcoma. Feline thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis. Superficial necrolytic dermatitis / hepatocutaneous syndrome. Zinc responsive dermatosis. Ecdysis / dysecdysis (reptiles) Ectoparasites of exotic species Wound healing and management