Exotics CPD topic survey

Re: Exotics CPD topic survey

Marie Kubiak — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 09:41:03 GMT

Thanks, really good to have input.

'Emergencies in exotics' was one of the possible topics discussed too - what is a true emergency and how to deal with the acute crisis in a small animal practice. Will add this back into the discussion mix at work then!

Mark - we changed the way we structured it this year and have the main talk for ~1hr, then one of my colleagues runs through a few case studies which has gone down really well as it does make it more applicable. And I don't bore people solid with dry lecture stuff for quite so long :)

Marie

Re: Exotics CPD topic survey

Jenny Smith — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 18:42:05 GMT

Common emergency presentations, and like someone said earlier (sorry can't see all the replies!) a how to keep them stable and comfortable until further exotic advice/referral can be obtained.

Jenny

Re: Exotics CPD topic survey

Mark Hedberg — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 18:33:02 GMT

Case study days. What are some cases you frequently get referred that you feel could be easily handled in first opinion practice? CPD on identifying and treating those problems.

Also, analgesia. Pain relief is frequently underdosed or neglected in exotics!

Re: Exotics CPD topic survey

Marie Kubiak — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 15:32:44 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]

Basic exotics husbandry has to be the priority for me. Get this right and we won't need the other CPD much!

How about species group by species group?

[/quote]

Completely agree. I find it odd to think that if I am really successful in my client education aims then I'll put myself out of business!

Unfortunately for the animals I only tend to get input when problems are already established. The BVZS is working on the pet shop standards at the moment and this should have some impact on reptiles in particular which are frequently shop bought but those falling outside pet shops (including rabbits and many birds) will still escape the requirement of any form of owner commitment and knowledge.

So, how broad would you want the groups? I struggle when asked to talk about 'reptile medicine' for an hour or two as there is far too much to discuss but think that a single species talk, though detailed and very satisfying to cover thoroughly, isn't of so much clinical use for the time dedicated to listening... I do tend to go through basic husbandry and common errors that lead to disease but it's often hard to be completely specific without doing it species by species and boring people to death.

Marie

Re: Exotics CPD topic survey

Bob Russell — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 11:43:27 GMT

Basic exotics husbandry has to be the priority for me. Get this right and we won't need the other CPD much!

How about species group by species group?

Re: Exotics CPD topic survey

Marie Kubiak — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 21:19:39 GMT

Thanks Francisco, it is all aimed at GPs and I hope would be pitched at the level that makes it useful in practice :)

Re: Exotics CPD topic survey

Francisco Gomez — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:57:58 GMT

I think most of the problems I have with exotic species (on top of obvious inexperience) is that the practices where we do cats and dogs, are probably not the best places for lizards or parrots.

A suggestion would be a CPD of 'what to do' with common presentations in exotic animals (as to keep them alive/avoid deterioration) until they can be referred to someone like you. This would be good for lizards, tortoises, parrots...

As for rabbits and guinea pigs, since we do see these more often, a CPD about how to improve their care in the dog and cat practice would be appreciated. Yesterday I went to a free CPD Evening by (for the love of God, I can't remember his name...) a resident from Swindon in rabbit medicine. I found very helpful his tips and the current literature regarding rabbits. (E.cuniculi forms, stomach tubing, dacryocystitis...)