Elevate Your Practical Skills in Small Animal Medicine
This intensive 3-day practical course focuses on developing core, high-impact clinical skills for the management of emergency and critically ill small animal patients. Through a strongly hands-on approach, participants will build confidence in the use of point-of-care ultrasound to support rapid assessment and decision-making, alongside essential techniques for the placement and management of tubes and drains commonly used in hospitalised patients. The programme also covers the practical application of blood smear preparation and cytology, helping clinicians make better use of in-house diagnostics to guide treatment plans. Designed to reflect real clinical scenarios, the course emphasises practical application, clinical reasoning, and patient-centred care, enabling participants to enhance their day-to-day practice and improve outcomes in urgent and critical cases.
Key features of this programme
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
Multiple learning processes
Presentations, written notes, and multiple choice quizzes that test your knowledge as you work
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
Multiple learning processes
Presentations, written notes, and multiple choice quizzes that test your knowledge as you work
Programme details
Module Summary
01 - Blood Smears and Cytology – Sample Management and Interpretation
- Prepare high-quality blood smears and cytology slides from various sample types, ensuring proper labelling, fixation, and staining.
- Distinguish key morphological features on blood smears, including red cell abnormalities, white cell changes, and platelet patterns.
- Differentiate cytological features of inflammation, infection, and neoplasia in mass aspirates and fluid samples.
- Recognise common sampling artefacts and interpretive pitfalls in both blood and cytology slides.
- Evaluate the need for further testing (e.g., biopsy, culture) when cytological findings are inconclusive or ambiguous.
- Integrate cytological findings with clinical context to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Communicate cytological findings clearly in medical records and client discussions, including uncertainty and limitations.