Guided steps on abdominal ultrasound

Course overview

This course is designed for general veterinary practitioners seeking to enhance their diagnostic capabilities through the effective use of abdominal ultrasound in canine and feline patients. With a focus on both theoretical understanding and practical application, the program offers a structured and clinically relevant approach to mastering abdominal ultrasonography in daily practice. Participants will first gain a solid foundation in ultrasound principles, including image generation, probe handling, and optimisation of settings. Emphasis will be placed on developing the ability to perform a systematic abdominal examination, ensuring a thorough and repeatable assessment of all major abdominal organs. The course will then guide participants through the normal ultrasound anatomy of the abdomen, helping them visualise, memorise, and recognise the sonographic appearance of healthy abdominal structures. This anatomical understanding serves as the basis for identifying deviations from normal and recognising pathological changes with greater confidence. Building on this knowledge, the program focuses on developing the skills required to identify key ultrasonographic findings in the most common abdominal diseases of dogs and cats. Participants will learn how to correlate ultrasound images with clinical signs and laboratory data, enabling them to formulate accurate diagnoses or generate meaningful differential diagnosis lists in a variety of clinical scenarios. Through a combination of lectures, and image interpretation sessions, this course empowers general practitioners to confidently incorporate abdominal ultrasound into their diagnostic routine, ultimately improving patient care and clinical outcomes.