Oncology II

Course Master(s):

Dr. Martin Kessler, Dipl. ECVIM-CA (DE)
Dr. Joachim Proot, Dipl. ECVS, CERTSAS (BE)

Course Overview

From Skin Tumours to Complex Internal Disease:

Oncology II builds directly on Oncology I, expanding the same clinical approach from skin and adnexal tumours to systemic and internal tumour entities, including haematopoietic neoplasms, gastrointestinal tumours, and bone tumours – all highly relevant in daily clinical practice.

Many cases present as diagnostic challenges in everyday practice, such as suspected lymphoma without staging facilities or budget, an abdominal mass of unclear origin, or lameness where bone tumour must be differentiated from benign disease.

The course provides a structured framework for clinical decision-making based on the information realistically available in practice, enabling confident “stay or refer” decisions even under non-ideal conditions.

Each tumour group is taught in an integrated manner, combining tumour biology, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategy, staging, prognosis, and treatment options. This ensures a coherent and clinically applicable understanding of internal oncology.

A strong emphasis is placed on case-based learning and clinical reasoning, allowing participants to manage cases that are often perceived as complex in everyday practice.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Classify, stage, and treat the most common hematopoietic cancer types with confidence—from first cytology to sustainable therapy protocols.
• Develop a clear diagnostic and surgical plan for splenic, hepatic, and GI masses
• Confidently differentiate primary bone tumours from their mimics and master the “Amputation vs. Palliative Care” conversation with owners.
• Interprete blood smears and lymph node aspirates in-house to provide immediate answers for your clients.
• Make sound clinical “Stay or Refer” decisions based on the diagnostic tools you actually have in your practice.

This course is designed for:

• Veterinarians who have completed Oncology I and wish to expand their competence in managing internal and systemic tumour entities
• Clinicians seeking a structured and clinically applicable approach to more complex oncologic cases
• Practitioners working in settings where diagnostic decision-making and case management are part of daily clinical responsibility
• Surgeons aiming to refine their approach to abdominal and oral oncologic procedures within a broader oncologic framework

Topics

• Canine and feline lymphoma: classification, staging, and management principles
• Leukaemias and myeloproliferative diseases
• Tumours of the digestive tract (oral cavity to rectum)
• Hepatic and splenic tumours: diagnostic and surgical considerations
• Primary bone tumours: diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic strategies
• Haematological and lymphoid cytology (interactive dry-lab sessions)
• Principles of immunotherapy and emerging treatment approaches
• Interactive case management: structured discussion of complex internal oncology cases

The recommended path is doing Oncology II before III, but this is not essential and these courses can be taken in any order once either Oncology I or Feline Oncology are completed.

Course Program (Subject to change)