COURSE DESCRIPTION

This 2-day intensive and highly practical course is designed for veterinary surgeons who wish to develop and refine their skills in small animal endoscopy, with a strong emphasis on practical technique and clinical application. Through a combination of focused lectures and extensive hands-on training using cadaver specimens, this course will provide participants with the knowledge and confidence to perform a range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures in general practice and referral settings.

Led by a European Specialist in Veterinary Internal Medicine, the course focuses on both the technical execution of procedures and the clinical decision-making required to interpret findings and manage cases effectively. Participants will work in small groups, allowing for close supervision, individualised instruction, and repeated practice of key techniques. Lectures will cover a structured and practical approach to gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital endoscopy, including patient preparation, scope handling, recognition of normal and abnormal findings, and biopsy techniques. Specific topics include endoscopic foreign body removal (oesophageal, gastric, and airway), upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, rhinoscopy and bronchoscopy (including bronchoalveolar lavage and blind nasal biopsy techniques), and cystoscopy in the bitch, with discussion of common complications and limitations. Hands-on wet lab sessions will provide extensive practical experience and will include:

• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
• Endoscopic foreign body removal
• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement
• Rhinoscopy
• Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
• Cystoscopy (demonstration and guided practice)

Throughout the course, there will be multiple opportunities for discussion and Q&A, as well as dedicated time in the practical sessions to review techniques and individual cases with the instructors. This course is ideal for veterinary surgeons with limited to moderate experience in endoscopy who are looking to introduce or expand endoscopic procedures in their practice, as well as those wishing to improve their confidence and technical. By the end of the course, participants will be able to approach common endoscopic procedures in a structured manner, improve their scope handling skills,,recognise normal and abnormal findings, and apply these techniques more confidently in clinical practice.

The course fee includes lunches, coffee/tea breaks, a wine & cheese reception, extensive electronic course notes and a certificate of attendance. Attendees can choose to only attend the lectures (= Lectures Only) on this course or can register for the entire course (= Lectures & Practical Sessions).  Early course registration is recommended as there are only limited number of places available due to the highly practical nature of this course.