COURSE DESCRIPTION

Echocardiography has become an essential diagnostic tool in modern small animal practice, enabling clinicians to accurately assess cardiac health and support confident clinical decision-making. With increasing access to high-quality ultrasound equipment, veterinarians are expected to have a solid practical understanding of cardiac imaging and interpretation.

This intensive 2-day practical workshop has been designed for small animal practitioners who wish to develop or refine their echocardiography skills in a supportive, hands-on learning environment. Through a carefully balanced combination of expert-led lectures, interactive case discussions, and supervised practical sessions on live dogs, participants will gain the confidence and competence to apply echocardiography effectively in everyday clinical practice. 

Open and constructive discussions are encouraged throughout the course, and the speakers will share their extensive clinical experience, including practical tips, common challenges, and real-world problem-solving approaches.

In the mornings, the following topics will be covered through highly illustrated lectures and interactive case presentations:

• Optimising your echocardiography machine and settings
• Principles of cardiac imaging and examination protocols
• Right-sided views and Doppler echocardiography
• Accurate measurement techniques
• Left-sided views and advanced imaging
• Interpretation of echocardiographic findings
• Application of echocardiography in clinical decision-making
• Interactive review of real-world cardiology cases 

Across both afternoons, extensive practical sessions will provide participants with ample opportunity to develop hands-on skills in small groups under close supervision by the instructors. 

Participants will work on live dogs in small groups, allowing for individual guidance and feedback. Each attendee will rotate through structured practical stations covering:

• Machine optimisation and image acquisition
• Right-sided cardiac imaging
• Doppler echocardiography techniques
• Left-sided cardiac imaging 
• Measurement protocols 
• Complete echocardiographic examinations 
• Case-based image interpretation 

These sessions are designed to reinforce lecture content and to build confidence in performing systematic, high-quality echocardiographic studies in daily practice. The course fee includes lunches, coffee/tea breaks, extensive electronic course notes and a certificate of attendance. Early course registration is recommended as there are only a limited number of places available.