Emergency Animal Disease Training – Case Study 5: Dog with neurological signs

About the course

In this module, you will work through a real-world case study involving a dog with neurological signs on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. Delivered in an interactive, problem-based format, the case study encourages critical thinking and practical application of knowledge in a simulated field scenario.

This case study is part of the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Online Training developed by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). It is designed to equip veterinarians and veterinary students with essential knowledge and skills for recognising, reporting, and responding to suspected EADs in Australia. Each module can be completed independently.

The case study concludes with a quiz to provide an opportunity to assess your knowledge. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate as evidence of course participation.

What you’ll learn

On the successful completion of this module, you will:

• be reminded of your professional and legal obligations to identify and report cases of suspected EADs to government authorities and be able to identify appropriate reporting mechanisms.
• understand key response strategies and intervention options in an EAD event.
• Be aware of key roles for private veterinarians in the detection, investigation, reporting, and response to EAD events.
• know where to source technical resources on EADs.
• develop appropriate differential diagnosis lists for diseases with neurological presentations in dogs.
• understand the emergency response pathway for suspected EADs in small animal practice.

Course content

Participants work through a realistic scenario involving a dog presenting with neurological symptoms. The module guides learners through:

• Clinical assessment, history taking, and neurological examination.
• Development of a differential diagnosis list for neurological disease in dogs.
• Determining when to notify authorities and understanding reporting obligations.
• Understanding the emergency response pathway for suspected EADs in small animals.
• Exploring the potential for disease incursion and outbreak management in Australia.
• Case wrap-up and further references for continued learning.

Enrolment

To access this training, you will need to log in to the platform, eadonline.com.au. Access is free and aimed toward veterinarians and veterinary science students, however, the modules are available to anyone with an interest in emergency animal diseases. If you are not already registered on the Emergency Animal Disease Online Training platform, then you will need to register and create a new account.

For help with the online training platform, please contact [email protected]

Funding acknowledgement

The development of this course was funded by the Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, the Government’s plan for stronger farmers and a stronger economy, and the Australian Government’s Other Exotic Disease Preparedness program, to provide for the Commonwealth’s contribution to Australia’s commitment to safeguard animal health status to maintain overseas markets and protect the economy and environment from the impact of exotic pest and diseases.