Veterinarian

Small Animal Neurology

ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)

Modular Program, Online Learning

Small Animal Neurology

This veterinary CPD program will help you to master the fundamentals of neurology.

Neurological cases can be difficult to get to the bottom of, even for experienced veterinary professionals. Our Small Animal Neurology program allows you to dive deeper into subjects such as neurological emergencies, neurodiagnostics, neuroanatomy and thoracolumbar myelopathy. By expanding your knowledge of different cases and presentations, you will gain confidence and be able to better diagnose and choose the treatment for your patients.

This program is taught entirely online, and each of the 13 modules is delivered by registered specialists. These interactive modules include lessons, video lessons (both live and recorded), case studies, course notes, weekly summary videos, live webinar, and forum tutoring for each module. Regular case discussions are also included to help you get a real-life meaningful approach to this topic. To test your knowledge, there are also regular informal assessments using a variety of different methods so you can reflect on your progress and apply what you learn directly in practice. Finally, by registering for this online learning program, you will gain free access to the RCVS Knowledge Library.

Change your perspective on neurology and uncover all the latest developments with this industry-leading program.

Please note you will be joining a global program run out of the United Kingdom, giving you the opportunity to network with peers from around the world.

Gain a Postgraduate Qualification

This program is accredited with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) meaning you can work towards a globally-recognised General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) qualification while you study!

Please note that ISVPS registration and examination fees are not included in the course fees.
For all enquiries about ISVPS requirements, contact [email protected].

Course Highlights

13 Varied Modules covering key clinical neurology topics
Specialist Support from your module tutor (a registered specialist in their field)
Discussion Forum: Ask questions and discuss cases with your specialist tutor and peers from around the world
Course Director: Simona Radaelli DVM PhD DipECVN MRCVS RCVS, European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology oversees the program
Dedicated Program Coordinator: To help you every step of the way
100% Online: Interactive and engaging modules include presentations, written notes, case studies, interactive quizzes and exercises test your knowledge
Regular Assessments: To track your progress and reflect on your learning
ISVPS Accredited: Work towards a globally-recognised postgraduate qualification (GPCert in Neurology)

Small Animal Neurology

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Learning Modules

Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology and Clinical Neurology

July 2026
Tutor: Simona Radaelli
Learning objectives:

Recognise the main anatomic structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems
Recall the function and the functional organisation of the key comonents of the peripheral and central nervous systems
Demonstrate the ability to select key information in the signalment and history of the patient to support the differential diagnosis
Select the steps of the general physical examination to support the neurological examination
Identify and reproduce the key steps of and the techiques used for the neurological examination using a systematic approach
Interpret the results of the neurological examination showing the ability to identify the neuroanatomical structures tested
Summarise the abnormal findings of the neurological examination and use the information to localise the lesion within the nervous system
Memorise and apply the sign-time graph and the acronym VITAMIN-D to list the differential diagnoses
Use the information collected from the signalment, history and neurological examination to list a differential diagnosis

Neuroimaging

September 2026
Tutor: Amy Ferreira
Learning objectives:

Identify the main use of survey radiographs of the skull and spine
Recognise the limitations of survey radiographs and justify the use of radiographs in the unanaesthetised patient
Demonstrate the ability to identify abnormal changes in the images collected and associate them with disease processes
Illustrate the technique and the clinical application of contrast radiology (myelography, epidurography, discography)
Identify abnormal changes in the images collected and associate them with disease processes
Recognise the limitations of contrast radiography
Explain the principles and the clinical application of computer tomography (CT) with and without contrast medium
Identify the risks and the advantages associated with the use of CT
Identify abnormal changes in the images collected and associate them with disease processes
Explain the principles and the clinical application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without contrast medium
Summarise basic MRI physics, MRI sequences and functional imaging
Identify the risks and the advantages associated with the use of MRI
Identify artifacts and abnormal changes in the images collected and associate them with disease processes
Describe the use of ultrasonography in neurology, especially as a supportive diagnostic tool

Encephalopathies

October 2026
Tutor: Lluis Sánchez
Learning objectives:

Demonstrate how to clinically localise a disease process to the encephalon
List differential diagnoses appropriate to lesion localisation
Summarise the key aspects (signalment, history, pathophysiology) of the most common diseases affecting the brain, using the acronym VITAMIN-D
Establish a protocol for diagnostic tests suitable to each disease process
Indicate appropriate treatment options and prognostic factors for common encephalopathies

Seizures, Paroxysmal Movement Disorders, Narcolepsy

November 2026
Tutor: Simona Radaelli

Learning objectives:

Recall the neuroanatomical and pathophysiological basis of seizure activity
Summarise the classification of seizures and the different stages of a seizure
Discuss how to perform a diagnostic evaluation of seizures, including history, general and neurological examination, key ancillary tests and list differential diagnoses based on the clinical findings
Explain the main criteria used in the selection of AEDs (antiepileptic drugs) in dogs and cats
Explain the contraindications, the side effects and the monitoring of the most common AEDs
Illustrate how to manage refractory epilepsy
Indicate the pathophysiology, the clinical evaluation and diagnosis of paroxysmal involuntary movement disorders (tremors, myoclonus, dyskinesia, myokymia and neuromyotonia)
Discuss the treatment and prognosis of the different paroxysmal involuntary movement disorders
Describe the diagnosis and the treatment of narcolepsy

Disorders of Cranial Nerves and Cerebellum

January 2027
Tutor: Cristina Toni

Learning objectives:

Explain how to perform a comprehensive cranial nerve assessment
Explain how to perform a neuro-ophthalmological assessment (including pharmacological evaluation of pupil function)
Distinguish the different neuro-ophthalmic syndromes, their neurolocalisation and causes
Review the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of the different neuro-ophthalmic syndromes
Identify the pathophysiology and neurolocalisation of the most common disorders of head and face: laryngeal paralysis, masticatory muscles abnormalities, facial paralysis, trigeminal neuropathy, Horner’s syndrome
Discuss the differential diagnoses, the neurodiagnostic investigation, the treatment and prognosis of the most common disorders of head and face
Illustrate how to evaluate the function of the vestibular system and how to distinguish between central and peripheral lesions
Illustrate how to evaluate the function of the auditory system (including BAEP)
List the diseases affecting the vestibular system (based on localisation), their diagnostic evaluation, treatment and prognosis
List the diseases affecting the auditory system, their diagnostic evaluation, treatment and prognosis
Describe the functional neuroanatomy of the key areas of the cerebellum
Summarise the clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction
List the diseases affecting the cerebellum, their diagnostic evaluation, treatment and prognosis

Cervical Myelopathy

February 2027
Tutor: Sebastien Behr

Learning objectives:

Demonstrate how to clinically localise a disease process to the cervical spinal cord
List differential diagnoses appropriate to the localisation
Summarise the key aspects (signalment, history, pathophysiology) of the most common diseases affecting the cervical spinal cord, using the acronym VITAMIN-D
Establish a protocol for diagnostic tests suitable to each disease process
Indicate appropriate treatment options and prognostic factors

Thoracolumbar Myelopathy

March 2027
Tutor: Sebastien Behr

Learning objectives:

Demonstrate how to clinically localise a disease process to the thoracolumbar spinal cord
List differential diagnoses appropriate to the localisation
Summarise the key aspects (signalment, history, pathophysiology) of the most common diseases affecting the thoracolumbar spinal cord, using the acronym VITAMIN-D
Establish a protocol for diagnostic tests suitable to each disease process
Indicate appropriate treatment options and prognostic factors

Cauda Equina Syndrome and Disorders of Micturition

April 2027
Tutor: James Elford

Learning objectives:

Demonstrate how to clinically localise a disease process to the lumbosacral junction and cauda equina
List differential diagnoses appropriate to the localisations
Summarise the key aspects (signalment, history, pathophysiology) of the most common diseases affecting the lumbar spinal cord and the cauda equina, using the acronym VITAMIN-D
Establish a protocol for diagnostic tests suitable to each disease process
Indicate appropriate treatment options and prognostic factors
Explain the physiology of micturition and the neurolocalisation of the disorders of micturition based on the clinical signs
Differentiate between upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron bladder dysfunction
List the most common differentials for the disorders of micturition, their treatment and the important prognostic factors

Disorders of the Peripheral Nervous System, Myopathies and Junctionopathies

May 2027
Tutor: Mark Lowrie

Learning objective:

Demonstrate how to clinically localise a disease process to the PNS
List differential diagnoses appropriate to the localisation
Summarise the key aspects (signalment, history, pathophysiology) of the most common diseases affecting the PNS, using the acronym VITAMIN-D
Establish a protocol for diagnostic tests suitable to each disease process
Indicate appropriate treatment options and prognostic factors

Neurologic emergencies: intensive care in the neurologic patient

June 2027
Tutor: Emili Alcoverro i Balart

Learning objectives:

Define status epilepticus and cluster seizures and describe their aetiology and pathophysiology
Illustrate the appropriate at home and in hospital emergency treatment of status epilepticus and cluster seizures
List the supportive care needed by a patient with status epilepticus and cluster seizures
Explain the diagnostic procedures required in case of status epilepticus and cluster seizures
Recognise prognostic factors and possible complications in a patient with status epilepticus and cluster seizures
Discuss the pathophysiology of head trauma (primary and secondary brain injury, raised ICP)
Illustrate how to assess the patient with head trauma (primary and secondary assessment) and the appropriate emergency treatment
Choose the necessary diagnostic procedures and select appropriate treatment for the patient with head trauma (medical and surgical)
Appraise the importance of ICP monitoring and of the modified Glasgow coma scoring system in a patient with head trauma
Recognise prognostic factors and possible complications in a patient with head trauma
Discuss the pathophysiology of spinal trauma and the possible causes
Illustrate how to assess the patient with spinal trauma and the appropriate stabilisation and emergency treatment
Choose the necessary diagnostic procedures and select appropriate treatment (for primary injury and secondary injury) for the patient with spinal trauma including principle and indications for surgical vertebral stabilisation
Recognise prognostic factors and possible complications in a patient with spinal trauma

Neuroanaesthesia, analgesia and fluid therapy

July 2027
Tutor: Alessandra Mathis

Learning objectives:

Estabilish a list of the appropriate clinical parameters and and blood tests needed to safely anaesthetise a patient with a neurological condition
Summarise the key aspects of the physiology and pathophysiology of anaesthesia, relevant to the neurological patient
Choose the appropriate protocol, drugs and anaesthetic agents to safely anaesthetise a patient with an intracranial disease
Illustrate a suitable monitoring for the anaesthesia of a patient with an intracranial disease
Summarize the protocol needed for a safe recovery and analgesia of a patient with an intracranial disease
Choose the appropriate protocol, drugs and anaesthetic agents to safely anaesthetise a patient with a spinal disease
Illustrate a suitable monitoring for the anaesthesia of a patient with a spinal disease
Summarize the protocol needed for a safe recovery and analgesia of a patient with a PNS disease
Choose the appropriate protocol, drugs and anaesthetic agents to safely anaesthetise a patient with a PNS disease
Illustrate a suitable monitoring for the anaesthesia of a patient with a PNS disease
Summarise the protocol needed for a safe recovery and analgesia of a patient with a PNS disease
Describe the essential physiology of pain (including transduction, transmission and perception) and the mechanism of neuropathic pain
Appraise the importance and the limitations of pain scoring a patient with a neurological condition
Plan the most suitable analgesic protocol for the most common neurological disorders and surgical procedures, listing indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions
Describe the use of fluid therapy in neurological patients during the pre operative, intraoperative and post operative periods: indications, protocols, monitoring
Explain how to evaluate and manage blood loss in the neurological patient

Physical rehabilitation and nursing care of neurological patient

September 2027
Tutor: Emma Box

Learning objectives:

Review the principles of physical rehabilitation, their indications, contraindications and benefits for the neurological patient
Discuss initial assessment of the patient and demonstrate its value in physical rehabilitation
Evaluate the physical modalities of rehabilitation indicated for the neurological patient (physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, massages, passive range of motion, laser therapy, heat and cold, electrotherapy).
Suggest therapeutic exercises for particular neurological diseases and justify the recommendations
Indicate the risks, benefits, therapeutic time frames and monitoring of the therapeutic plans recommended
Explain the modalities for the management of the bladder and bowel functions in the neurological patient and analyse their indications, possible complications and appropriate monitoring
Recognise how to care for the respiratory system in the neurological patient and how to monitor function and possible complications
Appraise the importance of appropriate nutrition in the neurological patient and indicate its specific needs

Neurodiagnostics: CSF, electrodiagnostics, muscle and nerve biopsies

October 2027
Tutor: Mark Lowrie

Learning objective:

Summarise the anatomy and the physiology of CSF production and drainage
Illustrate suitable techniques to collect CSF from the cisterna magna and the lumbar spinal area and the risks involved
Identify the contraindications of CSF sampling
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each type of CSF collection and their sutability to the different diease processes
Illustrate the suitable tests and techniques to analyse CSF after collection
Show how to interpret the results of CSF analysis and how to relate them to the disease processes
Identify the principles of electrodiagnostic evaluation of the neuromuscular system and the most appropriate technique to the clinical presentation
Show how to interpret the results of electrodiagnostic tests and how to relate them to the disease processes and clinical presentation
Evaluate the use of muscle and nerve biopsies in the neurodiagnostic evaluation of a neuromuscular disease: indications, limitations and contraindications
Show how to interpret the results of muscle and nerve biopsy analysis and how to relate them to the disease processes and clinical presentation

*Please note: Module order may be subject to change

Course Speakers

DVM CertVA DipECVAA MRCVS

BVSc DipECVDI MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

DVM MRCVS DipECVN

DVM Dip. ECVN MRCVS

BSc (Hons) PgDip MNAVP

BVetMed MRCVS DipECVN

LdoVet MRCVS DipECVN

VetMB MA,MVM,DipECVN MRCVS

DVM(Hons) DipECVN MRCVS RCVS Specialist (Veterinary Neurology)

Doctor in Veterinary Medicine, PhD, MRCVS, Dip.ECVN

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FAQ

Who is eligible to enrol in the Improve Veterinary Education veterinary Online Learning programs?

All applicants must:

Hold a qualification that allows you to practice as a veterinary surgeon
Have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice, with a clinical caseload

Please note: It is each delegate’s responsibility to ensure you meet the program entry criteria.

How do I register for an Online Learning Program?

You can enrol directly via the Improve Veterinary Education website. The Team will invoice you for the program and once agreed fees are paid, you will be able to join the program. You can reach out to the Team at [email protected] if you have any questions on how to do this.

How many hours per week will I need to spend studying in the Online Learning program?

You will spend on average 3-4 hours per week, working through the supplied online content and materials at your own pace. Some candidates spend significantly more, if they are engaging on the forums and reading and researching additional content.

In working towards the General Practitioner (GPCert) qualification for the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS), additional time will be required for assessments.

How long do I have to complete the whole program?

The full OL program must be completed within 12 months of the final module being delivered. For example, in a two-year program, you will have 3 years of access in total.

Candidates for the ISVPS Certifications are able to complete their assessment requirements and sit for the qualifications for a set time, after program completion with Improve Veterinary Education. Contact ISVPS directly for these guidelines on [email protected].

What happens if I am really busy and I am running behind in my module study?

The Online Learning Programs are designed to be worked through at your own pace and time. For each program module, a specialist is available to answer questions on the discussion board.

The specialist is available for the month their module runs and this interaction is one of the most valuable parts of the program. You are strongly encouraged to participate if possible and ask questions, even if you have not fully completed the module, to take advantage of the ‘live’ board.

All the discussion boards Q&A are available to review after the module is complete and for the length of the program. Candidates are also encouraged to discuss cases and ask their colleagues questions on earlier modules, if they have not had the opportunity to ask the specialist.

Can I defer partway through the Online Learning Program and complete it later?

Any deferral requests are considered on a case by case basis by the Improve Veterinary Education Team administering the Program. If deferral is agreed, it will include additional administration fees and charges. Specific modules of the program can not be deferred.

Can I enrol in an Online Learning program after the start date?

Yes, we do accept limited late admissions (subject to availability). If you join late, you will be required to catch up on the module content that you have missed. Please be aware that although discussion forums can be access after the module is finished, the Specialist Tutors are only available for questions during the month their module is being delivered.

What does the General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) consist of?

The GPCert is a middle-tier postgraduate qualification awarded to veterinary surgeons who successfully complete a dedicated modular training program accredited by International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and sit the associated ISVPS assessments, including online examinations.

Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.

To find out more about the ISVPS assessments please contact the team at [email protected] or visit the ISVPS website for more detail www.isvps.org.

I'm not based in Australia. Can I still complete the program and obtain the ISVPS qualifications, GPCert if I want to?

Yes. Location of study does not affect/change this global program. We can accept delegates across Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific region, and you will join the same global program. Additionally, all program content is pre-recorded so can be viewed at any time of day (i.e. time zone differences will not impact your access to content).

How do I register for the GPCert?

Registration is made directly to ISVPS for the GPCert once you are enrolled in the Online Learning Program. You will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms and pay additional fees as required.

How do I pay the registration fees for GPCert?

ISVPS registration fees are NOT included in the program fee. GPCert registration are fees payable are made directly to ISVPS – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration form.