Instructor(s)

Darryl Millis, Michelle Tilghman

Learning Objectives

After completion of this program, participants will understand the basic pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, common conditions causing osteoarthritis, examination of the arthritic patient, and various treatment options for osteoarthritis and their application to clinical patients.

Details

Why enroll in the Osteoarthritis Case Manager Certificate Program?

There is more to managing Canine Ostroarthritis than prescribing medications after the dog is disabled. This course will help you and your staff to recognize OA early and to effectively provide pre-emptive care and treatment for dogs in all stages of OA. The course will cover the entire spectrum of OA Case Management from maximizing the effectiveness of business practices, correct utilization of the veterinary technician in case management applications, and exploration and application of the most common treatment modalities using the multimodal approach. This program offers the following advantages:

• Emphasis on evidence based medicine and best practices.
• Access to the latest clinical and laboratory research results presented by an instructor who has performed research directly applicable to OA case management
• Demonstration of numerous treatment modalities and evaluation of their effectiveness, based upon research and experience at the world renown University of Tennessee Veterinary Science Department.
• Commitment to presenting a comprehensive curriculum to provide information, training, and support to the Veterinarian and the Vet Tech. This program provides a solid foundation upon which to build an OA treatment practice.
• Upon completion of this course your clinic will receive a certificate of completion.

Outline

Our objective is to educate the entire staff in this comprehensive program to help animals maintain activity throughout the entire cycle of their lives. Graduates of the course will strengthen this new approach to canine OA care by sharing their knowledge of comprehensive canine OA treatment with their colleagues and the animal's owners. Curriculum Although all modules of study may be viewed by all participants, some modules have been identified for use by the Veterinarian and some modules have been identified for use by the veterinarian and the vet tech. The course is designed to give all team members the information they need to operate effectively as a team member in OA case management.

Introductory Module: 1 Hour - Participants: Veterinarians and Vet Techs

•   Concept of the Osteoarthritis Case Manager
•   The Economics of Osteoarthritis
•   Description of the Course Modules Upon completing this module you will be able to:
  • Describe how an osteoarthritis case manager can help your patients and your practice and
  • Identify the roles of the treatment team.
  • Calculate the potential increase in business by implementing a team approach to OA case management

Module I - Basics of Osteoarthritis: 3 Hours - Participants: Veterinarians and Vet Techs

• Normal Cartilage Structure and Function
• Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis
• Common Conditions Leading to Osteoarthritis

In this module you will learn about the structure of cartilage and the effects of OA on the cartilage. You will learn the common conditions and activities that may lead to OA.

Module II - Assessment and Diagnosis of the Arthritic Patient: 3 Hours - Participants: Veterinarians

• History & Gait Evaluation
• Physical Examination
• Outcome Assessment, including Range of Motion, Lameness Scoring, Muscle Mass Evaluation, Activities of Daily Living

In this module you will learn to identify the early indicators of canine OA, as well as increase your ability to track improvement in your patient's condition.

Module III - Medical Management of Osteoarthritis: 3.5 Hours - Participants: Veterinarians

• NSAIDS
• Other Analgesic Agents
• Disease Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs

In this module you will experience an in-depth discussion of the medical management of OA. Your patients will greatly benefit from the wealth and depth of outcome based research presented in this module.

Module IV - Nutritional Management of Osteoarthritis: 2.5 Hours - Participants: Veterinarians and Vet Techs

• Nutritional Management of OA
• Nutritional Supplements and Nutraceuticals

Evidence-based presentation of weight management products. Learn how to effectively employ your Vet Tech in assisting your patient's owners with advice and support in the weight management of their animals.

Module V - Exercise and Manual Therapy for the Patient with Osteoarthritis: 1.5 Hours - Participants: Veterinarians and Vet Techs

• Range of Motion, Stretching, Massage, Joint Mobilization
• Proprioceptive and Therapeutic Exercises
• Aquatic exercises

Explore the use of popular and little known therapies that can be provided by the Veterinarian or the Vet Tech.

Module VI - Physical Modalities to Treat Osteoarthritis: 3.5 Hours - Participants: Veterinarians and Vet Techs

• Heat and Cold
• Therapeutic Laser Treatment
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
• Therapeutic Ultrasound
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields

Both low and high tech modalities are discussed. Learn how both modern and traditional techniques can be employed to improve your patient's quality of life.

Module VII - Other Treatments for Osteoarthritis and Putting It All Together - Case Management: 4 Hours - Participants: Veterinarians

• Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis
• Additional Medical Treatments
• Acupuncture
• Future Treatments