Vets Course
Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert)
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03 Jun 2025 - 10 Oct 2026
Enhance your veterinary expertise with our advanced Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery programme
The General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery is an advanced programme designed for veterinary surgeons seeking to enhance their skills in small animal orthopaedics. This programme offers unique features aimed at building confidence and competence:
- Modules will be led by orthopaedic specialists, providing ample opportunities for questions and practical instruction.
- A systematic decision-making process will guide participants in choosing the most effective treatments for orthopaedic conditions, supported by numerous case studies.
- An online learning platform will supplement sessions, offering access to additional resources.
- Hands-on experience will be gained in each module in state-of-the-art wet-lab facilities and equipment, including demonstrations of advanced procedures.
- Participants will have access to radiography for critical assessment of their practical work.
This programme has been designed to enable you to:
- Develop further confidence and competence in small animal orthopaedics as a natural progression from the General Practitioner Certificate in Small Animal Surgery or an equivalent award.
- Provide an enhanced service to your clients
- Perform more orthopaedic procedures in practice and reduce the need for external referral
- Generate increased revenue in your practice
- Meet like-minded colleagues and share information about case management
- Gain the General Practitioner Advanced Certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery awarded by ISVP
NOTE: Dates displayed on this program are subject to change.
Key features of this program
Expert Speakers
Leading experts in a variety of clinical topics delivering the latest content and who will guide you throughout the programme
Reflective learning
In addition to the taught modules, you will receive pre- and post-module questions to help you reflect and track your learning. This approach to reflective learning will assist you throughout your career as a veterinary professional
Dedicated Online Platform
Access to our world-leading online learning management platform – providing access to course notes and other study resources
Latest clinical training environments
Convenient and state-of-the-art training and practical facilities, which contain the latest equipment
27 varied modules
Covering key clinical subjects with clinical case discussions for a more comprehensive learning
Multiple learning processes
Presentations, written notes, and multiple choice quizzes that test your knowledge as you work
Clinical case discussions
Allowing you to relate your theoretical knowledge to real clinical practice
Programme Details
Advanced Topics Covered
Our advanced Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery programme offers a comprehensive array of structured learning, allowing you to access the training you need while managing your busy practice life. You can gain new knowledge and skills to apply in your practice, or work towards earning a recognised qualification.
Module Summary
- Stifle Surgery I
- Stifle Surgery II
- Shoulder Surgery
- Elbow Surgery I
- Elbow Surgery II
- Stifle Surgery I - Practical session
- Stifle Surgery II - Practical session
- Shoulder Surgery - Practical Session
- Elbow Surgery I - Practical session
- Elbow Surgery II - Practical Session
- Internal Fixation
- External Fixation
- Carpus and Hock
- Pelvic Surgery I
- Pelvic Surgery II
- Internal Fixation - Practical session
- External Fixation - Practical session
- Carpus and Hock - Practical session
- Pelvic Surgery I - Practical session
- Pelvic Surgery II - Practical session
- Neurosurgery I
- Neurosurgery II
- Advancements
- Neurosurgery I - Practical session
- Neurosurgery II - Practical session
- Stifle Surgery - Arthroscopy
- Shoulder and Elbow Surgery - Arthroscopy
Please note the module order may be subject to change
Qualifications
This programme is provided by Improve Veterinary Education in collaboration with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS). Complete all modules and be eligible to apply for the General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) by purchasing and passing the required assessments with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
The Course Includes
The fees DO NOT include registration and exam fees to achieve a General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) from ISVPS. If you intend to pursue this route, please contact ISVPS at english@isvps.org.
Venue: Online / Nicosia
Date: 03 Jun 2025 - 10 Oct 2026
GPAdvCert in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
Improve International CY Practical Facilities
Get in touch
01 - Stifle Surgery I
- Describe the radiographic features of a complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in a dog.
- Describe the position of the arthroscopic portals used to inspect and treat the stifle joint.
- Discuss the different types of meniscal lesions that can be found on meniscal inspection and reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of stifle arthroscopy vs stifle arthrotomy.Explain the two most common methods to calculate the tibial plateau angle (TPA)
- Describe how to calculate the size of the wedge to be removed when performing a Cranial Closing Wedge Osteotomy (CCWO) and perform planning on radiographs.
- Describe all surgical techniques available to correct a case of medial patellar luxation grade III/IV
- Describe how to measure the degree of deformity of the distal femur and the proximal tibia.
- Explain how to surgically correct a deformity of the distal femur and the proximal tibia.
02 - Stifle Surgery II
- Describe the clinical signs and radiographic features of a complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in a dog.
- Describe the position of the arthroscopic portals used to inspect and treat the stifle joint.
- Discuss the different types of meniscal lesions that can be found on meniscal inspection and reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of stifle arthroscopy vs stifle arthrotomy. Explain the most common methods to calculate the tibial plateau angle (TPA)
- Describe how to calculate the size of the wedge to be removed when performing a Cranial Closing Wedge Osteotomy (CCWO) and perform planning on radiographs.
- Describe all surgical techniques available to correct a case of medial patellar luxation grade III/IV
- Describe how to measure the degree of deformity of the distal femur and of the proximal tibia.
- Explain how to surgically correct dthe eformity of the distal femur and of the proximal tibia.
- Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
03 - Shoulder Surgery
- Describe the modified Cheli approach to the shoulder joint to treat an Osteochondral (OC) lesion of the humeral head.
- Describe the cranio-medial surgical approach to biceps tendon to perform a tenotomy/tenodesis.
- Describe the advantageous properties of cancellous bone in regards to a bone graft.
- Describe how to collect a cancellous bone graft from the proximal humerus.
- Arthrodesis/ Arthoplasty
04 - Elbow Surgery I
- Describe the anatomic structures that require assessment in order to perform elbow arthroscopy.
- Describe the positioning of the portals used to perform elbow arthroscopy.
- Describe how to perform arthroscopy and an arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy.
- Describe the modified Wendelburg approach commonly used to treat Osteochondral (OC) lesions of the medial humeral condyle or to approach the medial compartment to perform an unicompartimental elbow replacement.
- Describe the anatomy of the ligaments of the elbow joint and perform an open reduction (tunnel technique) following a traumatic luxation of the elbow joint.
- Describe common techniques to diagnose an ununited anconeal process and the treatment options.
- Compare the surgical options that are available for the different manifestations of elbow dysplasia *IC .
- Recognise the case selection criteria to perform Canine Unicompartmental Elbow (CUE) and Proximal Abducting Ulnar Osteotomy (PAUL) surgeries.
- Describe step-by-step how to repair a Y or T fracture.
05 - Elbow Surgery II
- Describe the anatomic structures that require assessment in order to perform elbow arthroscopy.
- Describe the positioning of the portals used to perform elbow arthroscopy.
- Describe how to perform arthroscopy and an arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy.
- Describe the modified Wendelburg approach commonly used to treat Osteochondral (OC) lesions of the medial humeral condyle or to approach the medial compartment to perform an unicompartimental elbow replacement.
- Describe the anatomy of the ligaments of the elbow joint and perform an open reduction (tunnel technique) following a traumatic luxation of the elbow joint.
- Describe common techniques to diagnose an ununited anconeal process and the treatment options.
- Compare the surgical options that are available for the different manifestations of elbow dysplasia *IC .
- Recognise the case selection criteria to perform Canine Unicompartmental Elbow (CUE) and Proximal Abducting Ulnar Osteotomy (PAUL) surgeries.
- Describe step-by-step how to repair a Y or T fracture.
06 - Stifle Surgery I - Practical session
- Perform planning for Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) (Tibial Plateau Angle (TPA), degree of rotation, size of implants) on radiographs in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform Cranial Closing Wedge Ostectomy (CCWO) surgery in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a lateral transposition (+/- proximalisation/distalisation) of the tibial tuberosity followed by stabilisation with k-wires and tension band in a wet-lab environment
- Perform a distal femoral ostectomy to treat deformity of the distal femur that lead to patella luxation in a wet-lab environment.
07 - Stifle Surgery II - Practical session
- Perform planning for Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) (Tibial Plateau Angle (TPA), degree of rotation, size of implants) on radiographs in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform Cranial Closing Wedge Ostectomy (CCWO) surgery in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a lateral transposition (+/- proximalisation/distalisation) of the tibial tuberosity followed by stabilisation with k-wires and tension band in a wet-lab environment
- Perform a distal femoral ostectomy to treat deformity of the distal femur that lead to patella luxation in a wet-lab environment.
08 - Shoulder Surgery - Practical Session
- Perform the biceps test, the drawer test, and the biceps retraction test to diagnose biceps pain.
- Perform arthroscopy of the shoulder joint in a wet-lab environment.
- Demonstrate how to perform a Velpeau bandage and a spica splint bandage.
- Perform collection of cancellous bone graft from the proximal humerus in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a Cheli approach
- Arthrodesis/ Arthoplasty
09 - Elbow Surgery I - Practical session
- Perform a Canine Unicompartmental Elbow (CUE) in a wet-lab environment. Perform a lateral condylar humeral fracture repair in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform an oblique proximal ulnar osteotomy and a distal ulnar ostectomy as a treatment for short ulnar syndrome and elbow dysplasia in a wet-lab environment.
- Arthrodesis of the elbow
10 - Elbow Surgery II - Practical Session
- Perform a Canine Unicompartmental Elbow (CUE) in a wet-lab environment. Perform a lateral condylar humeral fracture repair in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform an oblique proximal ulnar osteotomy and a distal ulnar osteotomy as a treatment for short ulnar syndrome and elbow dysplasia in a wet-lab environment.
- Arthrodesis of the elbow
11 - Internal Fixation
- Compare the difference between stress and strain and strength and stiffness and describe a stress/strain curve produced when a material is loaded.
- Describe the different properties of cortical and cancellous bone.
- Compare the difference between the typical load-displacement curves produced when cortical and cancellous bone is loaded.
- Summarise the differences between primary and secondary bone healing. *IC
- Describe the radiographic appearance of delayed union, non-union and malunion.
- Explain the causes and treatment options for delayed union, non-union and malunion.
- Recognise the type of forces that need to be considered when choosing an implant.
- Discuss the types of fractures that are suitable for open anatomic reconstruction.
- Identify the primary implants that can be used in the most common fractures of the thoracic and pelvic limbs.
- Compare the differences between cortical and cancellous screws.
- Describe the role that a locking screw has in a plate-screw construct compared to a non-locking screw.
- Explain the tension side/surface in the long bones of the thoracic and pelvic limbs.
- Describe the different methods of plate application in long bones of the thoracic and pelvic limbs.
- Explain the different configurations and considerations when using wire in a tension band cerclage of a transposed tibial tuberosity.
- Describe the lateral surgical approach to the femur.
- Explain the considerations made when selecting an intramedullary pin size to be used in conjunction with a lateral plate (plate-rod construct).
- Biomechanics and initial management of the trauma patient (including open fractures), types of internal fixation stabilization techniques, postoperative management and complications
12 - External Fixation
- Recognise the critical principles for the application of a skeletal fixator.
- Describe the different External Skeletal Fixation (ESF) configurations that can be used to treat long bone fractures.
- Explain how to apply an External Skeletal Fixation (ESF) to treat a short oblique tibial and fibular fracture.
- Describe the safe corridors to apply an External Skeletal Fixation (ESF) on humerus, radius, femur, and tibia.
- Discuss the factors that can influence the resulting biomechanics of an External Skeletal Fixation (ESF) construct.
- Discuss how the biomechanics of External Skeletal Fixation (ESF) will influence fracture management planning.
- Describe the different types of External Skeletal Fixation (ESF) available and their specific use.
- Postoperative management and complications of ESF
13 - Carpus and Hock
- Describe the anatomy of the carpus and the hock joints *IC.
- Compare the difference between performing a partial vs pancarpal arthrodesis.
- Compare the difference between performing a partial vs pantarsal arthrodesis.
- Describe the basic principles to adhere to when performing an arthrodesis.
- Discuss three different techniques to treat multiple metacarpal/metatarsal fractures.
- Describe in detail how to place a Secured Pin Intramedullary Dorsal Epoxy Resin (SPIDER) external fixator.
- Describe the principles of tendon repair. *IC
- Explain how to perform placement of a tibio-calcaneal screw to temporary immobilise the hock joint.
- Injury to the common calcaneal tendon
- Evaluation of carpal and tarsal injuries, including fractures and instability/luxation
14 - Pelvic Surgery I
- Describe the different anatomic approaches to treat a fracture of the iliac body and acetabulum.
- Describe how to approach and stabilise a short oblique iliac fracture.
- Explain how to perform a sacro-iliac stabilisation using a lag screw and/or a trans-iliac pin/bolt.
- Indications for a femoral head and neck excision and technique explanation
15 - Pelvic Surgery II
- Describe the anatomy of the hip joint and the surgical approach to perform a toggle stabilisation.
- Describe all different surgical options to treat an acute coxo-femoral luxation.
- Describe all surgical options available for hip dysplasia: based on the dog’s signalment.
- Explain the advantage and disadvantage of all surgical options for hip dysplasia.
- Explain how to perform a Juvenile Symphysiodesis.
16 - Internal Fixation - Practical session
- Perform a tension band cerclage of a transposed tibial tuberosity, using an appropriate configuration and wire size for the patient, in a wet-lab environment. *IC
- How to place a lag screw in a femoral long oblique fracture
- How to place an IM pin in the femur (normograde) and cerclage wires, and application of a neutralization plate in the femur
- Application of a DCP plate in a transverse fracture in the radius.
- Stabilization of a lateral condylar fracture (locking plates)
17 - External Fixation - Practical session
- ESF: How to apply a type 2b ESF in the tibia, application of an ESF in the mandible, and a Type 1b in the radius.
18 - Carpus and Hock - Practical session
- Perform a locking-loop suture (Kessler) and a three-loop pulley suture to repair tendon ruptures in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform placement of a tibio-calcaneal screw to temporary immobilise the hock joint in a wet-lab environment.
- How to perform a partial and pan tarsal arthrodesis
19 - Pelvic Surgery I - Practical session
- Perform a sacro-iliac stabilisation in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a femoral head and neck excision in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a Juvenile Symphysiodesis in a wet-lab environment.
- Approach to the sacrum and place a transilial pin for SI luxation, place a lateral plate in the ilium, osteotomy of the greater trochanter for stabilization of an acetabular plate, FHNE and JPS.
20 - Pelvic Surgery II - Practical session
- Perform a sacro-iliac stabilisation in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a femoral head and neck excision in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a Juvenile Symphysiodesis in a wet-lab environment.
- Approach to the sacrum and place a transilial pin for SI luxation, place a lateral plate in the ilium, osteotomy of the greater trochanter for stabilization of an acetabular plate, FHNE and JPS.
21 - Neurosurgery I
- How to perform a neurological examination.
- Describe all different causes for paraparesis in dogs.
- Recognise the cytologic feature of normal Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- Describe the surgical approach to perform a cisternal and lumbar spinal tap.
- Recognise the antibiotics that have a higher penetration of the blood-brain barrier.
22 - Neurosurgery II
- Describe the Magnetic resonance (MR) features of a dog suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
- Describe the surgical approach to perform a lumbar hemilaminectomy.
- Describe the radiographic and Magnetic resonance (MR) features of a dog suffering from lumbosacral disease.
- Explain the surgical and non-surgical treatment for lumbosacral disease.
- Compare the advantages and disadvantage for each surgical and non-surgical treatment for lumbosacral disease.
- Describe the anatomic landmarks for an epidural injection of steroids.
23 - Advancements
TBC
24 - Neurosurgery I - Practical session
- Perform a neurological examination.
- Perform a cisternal and lumbar spinal tap in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a one space thoraco-lumbar hemilaminectomy in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a dorsal laminectomy at the L7-S1 disc space in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform an epidural injection of steroids in a wet-lab environment.
- Ventral slot
25 - Neurosurgery II - Practical session
- Perform a neurological examination.
- Perform a cisternal and lumbar spinal tap in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a one space thoraco-lumbar hemilaminectomy in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform a dorsal laminectomy at the L7-S1 disc space in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform an epidural injection of steroids in a wet-lab environment.
- Ventral slot
26 - Stifle Surgery - Arthroscopy
- Stifle arthroscopy, evaluate menisci
- More to be defined
27 - Shoulder and Elbow Surgery - Arthroscopy
- Perform arthroscopy of the elbow joint in a wet-lab environment.
- Perform an arthroscopic subtotal coronoid ostectomy in a wet-lab environment.
- Describe the anatomic structures that require assessment in order to perform arthroscopy.
- Describe the positioning of the portals used to perform shoulder arthroscopy.
- Craniotomy medial approach to the shoulder to do a biceps tenotomy, approach to treat contracture of the infraspinatus, an excision arthroplasty and arthrodesis
Venue: Online / Nicosia
Date: 03 Jun 2025 - 10 Oct 2026
GPAdvCert in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
Improve International CY Practical Facilities
Get in touch
Available Plans
Early
Regular
Pricing Billing
Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery Early price
Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
---|---|---|---|
Immediate Payment | 12,990.00€ | - | 12,990.00€ |
Payment with Deposit | 1,299.00€ | 11,691.00€ | 12,990.00€ |
Installments Plan 2 | 1,494.00€ | 1,120.00€ x 12 (monthly) | 14,934.00€ |
Payment Terms & Conditions
1. Payments can be made by ACH, credit or debit card, GooglePay and ApplePay.
2. Direct debit payments can be set up using a credit or debit card.
3. In certain circumstances, multiple booking and corporate discounts are available, please contact us on info.cy@improveinternational.com for further information.
4. To confirm your place, we must receive payment in full or the one defined in the invoice.
5. Please also see our full terms and conditions on our website – Terms and Conditions.
Registration Information
1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.
2. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
3. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
4. Confirmation and enrollment details will then be sent to confirm your booking.
Venue: Online / Nicosia
Date: 03 Jun 2025 - 10 Oct 2026
GPAdvCert in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
Improve International CY Practical Facilities