7. Diseases of the Pancreas

7. Diseases of the Pancreas

369,00 €

This is the seventh module of Vet Clinical Nutrition Academy.
The full bundle of 60-hour program (12 modules) is available here: Vet Clinical Nutrition – 60-hour course

In this module, we focus on nutritional management of pancreatic diseases in dogs and cats, covering both endocrine and exocrine disorders. Participants explore evidence based dietary strategies for diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), with clear guidance on diet selection, adjunct therapies and long term monitoring.

Key topics include:
• Endocrine pancreas: diabetes mellitus – etiopathogenesis, dietary management, comorbidities, and key differences between diabetic dogs and diabetic cats
• Insulinoma – nutritional considerations, diet selection and stabilization strategies
• Exocrine pancreas: exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) – management, enzyme therapy and diet adaptation
• Pancreatitis – acute vs chronic presentations, dietary strategies and monitoring
• Adjunctive therapies: MCTs, enzyme supplementation, cobalamin, and fat restriction

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this module, you will be able to:

• Set appropriate fat limits and feeding frequency for patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis.
• Determine when adjunct therapies such as MCTs, enzyme supplementation and vitamin support are indicated, and understand how to monitor their effectiveness.
• Prevent relapse by adjusting diet, feeding strategies and owner instructions based on clinical response.

Schedule:

9 Apr 2026 – Pre‑recorded material (2 h)

16 Apr 2026 – Live: cases + Q&A (2 h)

23 Apr 2026 – Live: cases + Q&A (2 h)

Total ~6 h

(Live sessions take place at 7:30 p.m. CEST via Google Meet.)

Live meetings include case discussions and small-group workshops. The course also includes supporting literature, practical tools, knowledge-check quizzes, and access to a private Facebook community.
It is conducted in English.
This is a fully online program that you can complete from anywhere, at your own pace.

This module provides a detailed and evidence based exploration of pancreatic diseases in dogs and cats and the central role of nutrition in their management. The endocrine pancreas section covers the etiopathogenesis and nutritional treatment of diabetes mellitus, with attention to carbohydrate management, weight control, glycemic stability and differences between canine and feline diabetes. Participants also learn dietary strategies for insulinoma, including feeding frequency, nutrient composition and monitoring for hypoglycemia.

The exocrine pancreas component addresses exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), focusing on diet selection, fat tolerance, enzyme therapy protocols, cobalamin support and how to monitor treatment success.

A major part of the module is devoted to pancreatitis, distinguishing between acute and chronic disease. Participants learn how to set safe fat thresholds, select appropriate diet formats, determine when ultra low fat options are indicated and provide structured feeding plans for recovery and long term management. Adjunct nutritional tools, including MCT supplementation and targeted micronutrient support, are reviewed with an evidence based approach.

The module concludes with practical strategies for relapse prevention, including owner education, long term monitoring protocols and dietary adjustments tailored to individual patient response.

By the end of this module, participants will feel confident in designing, implementing and monitoring nutritional plans for a wide spectrum of pancreatic diseases in both dogs and cats.

Dr Kerstin Gerstner, DVM, Dr. med. vet., Dip ECVCN
Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition

She obtained her veterinary degree by the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany in 2009. Her doctoral thesis – at the Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland (“Disturbed eating at high altitude”, Dr. med. vet., 2012) was followed by one year as a postdoctoral research assistant. She was the first resident completing a standard residency program of the European College for Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition at the Institute of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zurich (EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition, 2018). As a research assistant at the Institute of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zurich until 2021 Kerstin focused on clinical nutrition provided by the veterinary nutrition consultation service, was involved in teaching of students, veterinarians as well as pet owners and was part of various research projects. From 2022 Kerstin follows her passion in clinical nutrition and dietetics, spreading scientifically based knowledge to support pet’s health by healthy, individually suitable nutrition as veterinary specialist in Marigin Zentrum für Tiermedizin, a big veterinary clinic and referral centre in Feusisberg, Switzerland. “My daily motivation is to impart scientifically based specialized veterinary knowledge in order to support our pets with balanced nutrition as an essential basis for life and health. It fascinates me that even with more than 10 years of experience in this field, every day brings something new, no two cases are the same and every animal benefits from an individually adapted diet.”

  • I’m so glad I came across your website in the endless sea of online content, most of which isn’t really worth much. It’s such a pleasure to learn from lectures that are so professionally prepared, and at the same time delivered in a clear and genuinely friendly way.
    Anna Ożga
  • I didn’t expect such a great way of teaching – and above all, I appreciate that you are open to all types of feline diets. You don’t impose one “right” way, but instead show that every approach has its pros and cons. Your passion really comes through – it’s not just dry theory.
    Thank you for so many practical tips!
    Renata
  • During the course I learned many new things that truly surprised me. Reading posts from other nutritionists, I honestly think Karolina is the best in Poland at what she does. The course debunks myths that have been repeated for years and proves that there is always more to learn.
    Katarzyna Kuryłowicz

Yes. Each module can be purchased separately.
However, if you plan to complete the entire Vet Clinical Nutrition Academy (60 hours), purchasing the full package is more cost-effective and allows you to take the final exam.

The course is also open to veterinary technicians, animal nutritionists, students, and pet food professionals who wish to expand their clinical nutrition knowledge.
It was, however, designed primarily for veterinarians and assumes a basic understanding of pathophysiology and diagnostic principles in small animal medicine.
Lectures include short refreshers on key topics but focus mainly on nutritional management of clinical patients.

Live meetings are held online via Google Meet in English, at 7:30 p.m. (CEST).
You will receive a meeting link by email before each session.
All live sessions are recorded, so you can watch them later if you can’t attend in real time.

Yes. Upon completing all lessons and quizzes, you will receive a personalized PDF certificate (in English), signed by the lecturer and featuring the Vet Clinical Nutrition Academy logo.

You will have 12 months of access to all videos and course resources from the date of purchase.

Yes. Invoices are issued automatically after purchase – for EU companies with an active VAT number (reverse charge mechanism).
For participants outside the EU, the net price (0% VAT) applies.

No, but participation is highly recommended, as live sessions include clinical case discussions, practical calculations, and Q&A with the instructor.
Recordings are available for those who cannot attend.

Yes. In addition to video lectures, the course includes hands-on exercises (small-group workshops), calculations, quizzes, and opportunities to analyze real clinical cases and pet foods submitted by participants.

Yes. You can purchase the course as a gift voucher.
Please contact: pytania@karolinaholda.com for more details.

  • Start date: April 9, 2026
  • Total duration: 6 hours
  • Certificate: Yes
  • Access period: 12 months

The VCNA course has been designed primarily for veterinarians who wish to deepen their expertise in the dietary management of canine and feline diseases.
It is also suitable for veterinary technicians, animal nutritionists, veterinary students, and pet food professionals interested in the clinical application of nutrition.

Related products