The Veterinary Eras: Clinical Decision-Making That Shapes Outcomes

Veterinary medicine has never been more complex. With increasing diagnostic options, evolving treatments, and growing client expectations, clinical decision-making has become both more powerful and more challenging.

The Veterinary Eras is a live, interactive CPD day designed for veterinary surgeons, built around case-based learning, practical diagnostics, and real-world clinical reasoning.

Across seven themed “eras”, expert speakers will guide you through the key areas of modern veterinary practice focusing not just on knowledge, but on ‘how to think, interpret, and act in everyday clinical scenarios’.

Expect a highly practical day with real cases, common pitfalls, and clear frameworks you can apply immediately in practice.

Each session consists of 55 minutes of teaching followed by 15 minutes of live Q&A with the speaker, ensuring discussion and application are embedded throughout. This event will provide you with 8.5 hours of CPD.

Once you have signed up to this event, you will also receive 12 months access to all of the content. Each session will be recorded and uploaded after the session – so you can watch the content back as many times as you want.

Secure your spot for this exclusive live CPD event to gain actionable skills and engage with industry experts. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your approach to brachycephalic patient care and connect with peers in a collaborative learning environment.

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08:30 - 18:00

Introduction to the day

08:30-08:45

Dr. Scott Kilpatrick & Dr. Katie Ford

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Kickstart the day with an overview of the program, highlighting how these sessions will address the distinct needs of RVNs and their patients in clinical practice.

ERA 1: The Arthritis Era (Canine Osteoarthritis: Modern, Multimodal Management)

08:45-09:55

Dr. Hannah Capon (Veterinary Surgeon)

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This session will explore how to move beyond “NSAIDs and rest” towards a structured, multimodal approach to managing canine osteoarthritis that feels clinically realistic rather than overwhelming. Through practical frameworks, preventative strategies, and case based discussions, we will highlight often overlooked “game changers” in osteoarthritis management and demonstrate how to integrate them into everyday practice. We will conclude with practical, ready to use tools and resources that delegates can immediately apply in clinic.

Learning Outcomes

Apply structured clinical frameworks to support contextual and multimodal management of canine osteoarthritis
Recognise opportunities for preventative approaches in osteoarthritis care
Integrate often overlooked strategies that can significantly impact long term outcomes
Interpret and apply pain management strategies using case based examples
Utilise practical tools and resources to implement osteoarthritis management effectively in practice

ERA 2: The Radiography Era (Thoracic Radiographs: Lung Patterns Without the Guesswork)

10:00-11:10

Mark Coia (Diagnostic Imaging Specialist)

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This session will provide a practical and structured approach to interpreting thoracic radiographs, focusing on lung pattern recognition and clinical relevance. Through case-based discussion, delegates will learn how to navigate pattern overlap, avoid common pitfalls, and make confident diagnostic decisions in real-world scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply a structured framework to assess lung patterns on thoracic radiographs
• Differentiate between interstitial, alveolar, and bronchial patterns in clinical context
• Recognise common sources of diagnostic error and uncertainty
• Use radiographic findings to guide clinical decision-making

Break

11:10-11:25

We will be right back!! It's time to grab refreshments for the upcoming sessions!

ERA 3: The Ear Era (Otitis Externa: When the Usual Rules Don’t Work)

11:25-12:35

Victoria Robinson (Dermatology Specialist)

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This session will explore the management of chronic, recurrent, and treatment-resistant otitis externa. Using real clinical cases, we will focus on identifying underlying causes, selecting appropriate diagnostics, and developing practical treatment strategies for challenging presentations.

Learning Outcomes

Approach chronic and recurrent otitis externa using a structured framework
Select appropriate diagnostic tools, including cytology and culture
Identify and manage underlying drivers of disease
Apply case-based reasoning to guide treatment decisions

ERA 4: The ECG Era (ECG Interpretation Made Practical)

12:40-13:50

Liz Bode (Cardiology Specialist)

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This session will provide a clear, systematic approach to ECG interpretation, focusing on clinically relevant arrhythmias and common areas of confusion. Through case-based examples, delegates will learn how to differentiate artefact from pathology and apply ECG findings to real clinical scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply a structured approach to ECG interpretation
• Differentiate artefact from true arrhythmias
• Recognise common arrhythmias encountered in practice
• Integrate ECG findings into clinical decision-making

Lunch

13:50-14:20

We will see you after lunch for more great sessions!

ERA 5: The FIP Era (Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Where We Are Now)

14:20-15:30

Samantha Taylor (internal Medicine Specialist)

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The initial excitement surrounding the ability to treat feline infectious peritonitis has settled and now the real learning begins. Increasing research is helping us better understand prognosis, optimal antiviral dosing strategies, and how best to manage challenging cases, including neurological presentations and cats with severe anaemia or sepsis.

This session will provide an update on the latest evidence and explore how we can continue to improve outcomes beyond the already impressive survival rates, while maintaining a pragmatic and cost effective approach to treatment in everyday clinical practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the current evidence surrounding antiviral treatments for FIP, including dosing strategies and potential adverse effects
• Explain how supportive care can influence outcomes and how to optimise this in clinical practice
• Identify factors that may influence prognosis in cats with FIP
• Describe management strategies for challenging cases, including neurological disease and cats presenting with viral sepsis

ERA 6: The Chronic Enteropathy Era (Chronic Enteropathy: Practical Decision-Making)

15:35-16:45

Scott Kilpatrick (Internal Medicine Specialist)

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This session will provide a structured and practical framework for approaching chronic enteropathy in dogs. Through case-based discussion, we will explore classification, diagnostic interpretation, and treatment decision-making, with a focus on balancing appropriate escalation with clinical pragmatism.

Learning Outcomes

• Categorise chronic enteropathy presentations in clinical practice
• Interpret diagnostic findings, including biopsy results, in context
• Apply a structured approach to treatment selection and escalation
• Use case-based reasoning to guide long-term management

ERA 7: The Cytology Era (Getting the Most Out of Body Fluid Cytology)

16:50-18:00

Francesco Cian (Clinical Pathology Specialist)

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This session will explore the fundamental principles of fluid cytology, revisiting the essential concepts that underpin accurate effusion interpretation. Through practical examples and real clinical cases, we will translate theory into a structured diagnostic approach, highlighting common pitfalls, interpretative challenges, and clinically relevant decision points. The aim is to strengthen confidence in cytological assessment and support sound diagnostic reasoning in everyday practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Select appropriate fluid samples and prepare them correctly for cytological assessment
• Apply accurate effusion classification while recognising common interpretative traps
• Use case-based cytology findings to guide diagnosis and inform next clinical steps

Meet the speakers

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Hannah Capon

Veterinary Surgeon

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Hannah Capon graduated from Cambridge University in 2002 and has since worked in a wide range of veterinary settings, from sole-charge first opinion practice to emergency teamwork environments. Her career has given her valuable insight into the complexities of veterinary care, particularly in the management of chronic conditions. Hannah has a strong interest in chronic pain management, geriatrics, musculoskeletal health, and rehabilitation. Her dedication to these fields has been widely recognized, earning her the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Welfare Award in 2025, the 2020 Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Impact Award, 2019 CEVA Vet of the Year, and a finalist spot for 2019 Petplan Vet of the Year. She is the founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), an online educational and support platform designed to help both pet owners and veterinary professionals improve the care of arthritic dogs. Through CAM, she has played a key role in raising awareness and providing practical guidance on managing canine arthritis. Hannah’s work continues to support and educate the veterinary community, ensuring that dogs with arthritis receive better pain management and quality of life.

Mark Coia

Diagnostic Imaging Specialist

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Mark is an alumnus of the University of Glasgow Veterinary School (2003-2008). Following graduation, he embarked on a diverse professional journey, beginning with three years in Small Animal practice within Central Scotland. This was followed by an enriching four and a half years working across various regions of Australia (2011-2015), where Mark developed a profound interest in diagnostic imaging, and its pivotal role in investigating and diagnosing pathology. In 2015, Mark made the decision to return to Glasgow Veterinary School to pursue a one-year Clinical Training Scholarship (Internship) in Small Animal Clinical Sciences. In 2017, Mark embarked on an ECVDI Residency training program at the University of Glasgow, which he successfully completed in 2021, culminating in passing his ECVDI board certifying examination in July 2021. Mark now stands as a recognized Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, accredited by both the RCVS and European authorities. He operates as a freelance veterinary specialist in the field, offering services such as teleradiology consultancy, educational resources through continued education (CE/CPD) providers, and remote teaching for veterinary undergraduates. Previously, Mark served as a Veterinary Diagnostic Imager (Veterinary Radiologist) at North Downs Specialist Referrals in Southeast England, where he worked on clinics interpreting all imaging modalities (CT, MR, US, XR, Fluoroscopy/XA) and mentored an ECVDI resident. Mark finds fulfilment in all facets of diagnostic imaging, revelling in the diversity of caseloads it presents. He particularly enjoys the dynamic nature of advancing ultrasound and MRI technology within the field, as well as engaging in interventional procedures.

Victoria Robinson

Dermatology Specialist

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Victoria Robinson (Tori) qualified from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, in 2008. After several years in general practice, she completed a rotating internship at The University of Liverpool. After a year at Rutland House Referrals in St Helens, she started her specialist training at The Dermatology Referral Service in Glasgow in 2017 and passed ECVD boards in 2020. She re-joined the Dick Vet in 2022 as Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Dermatology. Her research interests include canine atopic dermatitis, otitis (biofilm) and antimicrobial resistant infections. Outside of work, Tori enjoys nothing more than socialising, keeping active and spending time with her family.

Liz Bode

Director, Cardiology Specialist

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Liz graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2006. She started her veterinary career in mixed practice in the East Ridings of Yorkshire, UK. However, she soon realised that she wanted to pursue a Specialist career. In 2008, Liz joined the University of Cambridge to undertake a rotating internship and then moved to the University of Manchester in 2009 to start a PhD. Her PhD focused on pathophysiology of heart failure and ageing, and was undertaken in the medical department. She gained her thesis in 2013 before starting a residency at the University of Edinburgh (where she met Scott and Andy). In 2016 Liz joined the University of Liverpool as a lecturer and subsequently senior lecturer. She was awarded her Diploma in 2017 and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2019. In 2020 she took the leap into private practice and joined Chestergates Veterinary Specialists based in Chester, UK. She also had her first child that same year (it was very busy!). She has been at Chestergates ever since, and has been promoted to Clinical Director and now Senior Clinical Director. She was awarded FRCVS for her Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice in 2022.

Samantha Taylor

Internal Medicine Specialist

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Sam graduated from the Royal Vet College in 2002 and completed internships in private referral practice before starting a Feline Advisory Bureau Residency at Bristol University. She was awarded the European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2009. In 2011 she became an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine and in 2019 was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for outstanding contributions to the profession. She is also a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Feline Medicine). Sam is the International Society of Feline Medicine Veterinary Specialist Lead and works as a Medicine Specialist at Lumbry Park in Hampshire. Sam is an Honorary Lecturer in Internal Medicine at Surrey University Veterinary School, is an editorial board member for JFMS and Frontiers in Veterinary Science, a tutor on the Sydney CVE feline medicine course and coordinates the ISFM International Guidelines. Sam co-authored guidelines on hypertension, diabetes mellitus, NSAIDs, acute pain, inappetence and blood transfusion and others. She has written books, book chapters and papers on internal medicine topics and enjoys a mix of clinical work, writing and lecturing. She has a particular interest in clinical research to answer those important clinical questions to practically improve feline health and wellbeing.

Scott Kilpatrick

Director, Internal Medicine Specialist

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Scott graduated from the University of Edinburgh Veterinary School in 2007. He initially worked for the PDSA before taking up a Senior Veterinary Surgeon position with Vets Now in Edinburgh in 2010. In 2012, Scott began his residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, following a year as a Teaching Fellow in Anatomy and Physiology. He completed his residency in 2016 alongside a Master’s degree focused on the pathogenesis of canine liver disease and has since worked exclusively in referral-level clinical practice. Scott is currently based in Canada and undertakes his clinical work at Westcoast Animal Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital on Vancouver Island, where he sees internal medicine referral cases. In addition to his clinical work, Scott has created and delivered a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency Medicine in association with the University of Chester. In 2023, he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) in recognition of his meritorious contribution to clinical practice.

Francesco Cian

Clinical pathology Specialist

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Francesco Cian graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Padua, Italy, in 2006. After several years as a general practitioner, he relocated to the UK in 2010 to pursue a residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at the University of Cambridge, completing it in 2013 with both ECVCP and FRCPath diplomas. He became Head of Veterinary Clinical Pathology at the Animal Health Trust in late 2013 and joined BattLab (LABOKLIN) as a Senior Veterinary Clinical Pathologist in 2015. Dr. Cian also freelances for digital cytology laboratories. In 2024, he was honoured with a Fellowship from the RCVS for his contributions to clinical practice. Currently, he serves as the Secretary of the ECVCP and is a member of the Cytology Examination Board. Dr. Cian has authored several peer-reviewed publications, edited three cytology books, and co-authored the cytology chapter in the BSAVA Manual of Veterinary Clinical Pathology. He is actively involved in veterinary education, speaking and organizing courses for several education providers. Dr. Cian is also actively involved in providing education via social media and has a specialized website dedicated to veterinary cytology.

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The Veterinary Eras: Clinical Decision-Making That Shapes Outcomes

08:30 - 18:00

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