Veterinary Nephrology Course

Lesson 1 • Comparative Renal Anatomy Across Species

Covers gross and microscopic kidney anatomy in dogs, cats, horses, and ruminants. Provides the structural baseline needed for all subsequent nephrology topics.

Lesson 2 • Renal Endocrine and Metabolic Functions

Examines the kidney's roles in erythropoietin synthesis, vitamin D activation, and renin secretion. Links endocrine dysfunction to clinical signs of chronic kidney disease.

Lesson 3 • Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion

Covers active and passive transport mechanisms along each tubular segment. Explains how tubular function shapes final urine composition.

Lesson 4 • Nephron Structure and Ultrastructure

Details each nephron segment from glomerulus to collecting duct at cellular and ultrastructural levels. Connects microanatomy to filtration and transport functions.

Lesson 1 • Potassium Regulation and Disorders

Covers renal potassium excretion, transcellular shifts, and the consequences of imbalance. Directly relevant to managing patients with acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.

Lesson 2 • Acid-Base Balance and Renal Compensation

Explains bicarbonate reabsorption, ammoniagenesis, and titratable acid excretion as renal acid-base tools. Enables systematic interpretation of blood gas and electrolyte data.

Lesson 3 • Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium Balance

Examines renal handling of divalent cations and their interplay with parathyroid hormone and calcitriol. Foundational for understanding mineral disorders in kidney disease.

Lesson 4 • Sodium and Chloride Homeostasis

Analyses renal mechanisms controlling sodium and chloride balance and their link to blood pressure. Prepares students to recognise hyponatremia and hypernatremia clinically.

Lesson 1 • History Taking and Signalment Analysis

Identifies breed predispositions, age-related risks, and key historical clues for renal disease. Teaches efficient, targeted questioning to guide diagnostic prioritisation.

Lesson 2 • Serum Biochemistry and Azotemia Classification

Interprets BUN, creatinine, SDMA, and electrolytes to classify prerenal, renal, and postrenal azotemia. Provides the biochemical framework for staging kidney disease.

Lesson 3 • Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio and Proteinuria

Explains quantification, localisation, and clinical significance of proteinuria in veterinary patients. Links proteinuria severity to prognosis and treatment decisions.

Lesson 4 • Urinalysis Interpretation

Teaches complete urinalysis including specific gravity, dipstick, and sediment microscopy. Establishes urinalysis as the cornerstone of renal diagnostic workup.

Lesson 1 • Ultrasonographic Assessment of the Kidneys

Teaches systematic renal ultrasound technique, normal echogenicity, and pathological patterns. Ultrasound is the most widely used advanced imaging tool in veterinary nephrology.

Lesson 2 • Renal Biopsy: Indications and Techniques

Covers ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy, patient selection, and contraindications. Prepares students to obtain diagnostic tissue safely and efficiently.

Lesson 3 • Renal Biopsy Histopathology Interpretation

Explains light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy findings in renal biopsies. Connects histopathological patterns to specific diagnoses and treatment choices.

Lesson 4 • Radiographic Evaluation of the Kidneys

Covers survey radiography and contrast urography for assessing renal size, shape, and opacity. Establishes radiography as the first-line imaging tool in many clinical settings.

Lesson 1 • Common Nephrotoxin Exposures and Treatment

Identifies the most clinically significant nephrotoxins in veterinary practice and their specific antidotes or supportive protocols. Enables rapid, targeted intervention after toxic exposure.

Lesson 2 • Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury

Explains ischaemic, nephrotoxic, and obstructive mechanisms leading to acute tubular necrosis. Provides the mechanistic basis for all AKI treatment strategies.

Lesson 3 • AKI Staging and Severity Classification

Applies validated veterinary AKI grading systems using creatinine, urine output, and clinical signs. Staging guides treatment intensity and prognosis communication.

Lesson 4 • Fluid Therapy in Acute Kidney Injury

Covers crystalloid selection, rate calculation, and monitoring endpoints for AKI fluid resuscitation. Fluid therapy is the cornerstone of AKI management and requires precise titration.

Lesson 1 • Anemia, Uremic Complications, and Quality of Life

Covers erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use, uremic toxin management, and quality-of-life assessment tools. Addresses the full burden of advanced CKD on patient wellbeing.

Lesson 2 • Nutritional Management of CKD

Covers phosphorus restriction, protein moderation, omega-3 supplementation, and caloric adequacy in CKD diets. Nutrition is a primary disease-modifying intervention in CKD.

Lesson 3 • CKD Staging Systems and Substaging

Applies internationally recognised CKD staging criteria based on creatinine, SDMA, proteinuria, and blood pressure. Staging determines treatment targets and monitoring frequency.

Lesson 4 • Managing Hypertension in CKD

Explains the pathogenesis of CKD-associated hypertension and evidence-based antihypertensive protocols. Hypertension control reduces target organ damage and slows CKD progression.

Lesson 1 • Fanconi Syndrome and Tubular Disorders

Explains proximal tubular dysfunction causing glucosuria, aminoaciduria, and electrolyte wasting. Covers acquired and hereditary forms and their clinical management.

Lesson 2 • Amyloidosis and Protein Deposition Diseases

Addresses renal amyloidosis pathogenesis, species predispositions, and the limited treatment options available. Highlights the importance of early detection and underlying disease control.

Lesson 3 • Glomerulonephritis: Immune-Mediated Mechanisms

Explains immune complex deposition, complement activation, and podocyte injury in glomerulonephritis. Mechanistic understanding guides immunosuppressive treatment decisions.

Lesson 4 • Nephrotic Syndrome Diagnosis and Management

Covers the tetrad of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia and its treatment. Prepares students to manage thromboembolic risk and fluid accumulation.

Lesson 1 • Ureteral Stenting and Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass

Explains minimally invasive interventions for ureteral obstruction including stenting and subcutaneous ureteral bypass devices. Covers patient selection, device management, and complication prevention.

Lesson 2 • Peritoneal Dialysis in Veterinary Patients

Covers peritoneal dialysis catheter placement, dialysate selection, and exchange protocols for small animals. Provides a practical alternative when hemodialysis is unavailable.

Lesson 3 • Hemodialysis: Principles and Veterinary Applications

Explains diffusion, convection, and ultrafiltration principles underlying hemodialysis and their veterinary applications. Covers indications, vascular access, and session monitoring.

Lesson 4 • Renal Transplantation in Cats

Covers feline renal transplantation indications, donor selection, surgical technique, and immunosuppression protocols. Addresses ethical considerations and long-term outcomes.