Continuing Education

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) helps us make better clinical decisions, faster. In human patients, diagnostic confidence increases in 89.2 % when general practitioners add bedside POCUS to patient evaluation! By asking clinically relevant, often binary yes/no response questions, veterinary POCUS (VPOCUS) can be rapidly and efficiently learned and applied by anyone in any setting. Expertly delivered by Dr. Serge Chalhoub, an internist, and Dr. Soren Boysen, a criticalist, blends diverse professional insights with a shared, engaging sense of humor. This course is designed to familiarise participants with the essential criteria for conducting a Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) examination. It provides a comprehensive overview of key protocols for abdominal, pleural, lung, vascular, and cardiac imaging. More specifically, it succinctly covers over 30 clinically-driven questions in these areas, demonstrating how each can be effectively addressed in 5 minutes or less, without compromising patient safety. This unique offering is a blend of expertise, practicality, and accessibility.

Although Cushing’s disease is well known, new insights into its presentation, diagnosis, and treatment continue to reshape how veterinarians manage this condition. Led by Dr Luke Johnston, a recognised authority in endocrine disorders, this course covers the latest evidence-based strategies for diagnosing and treating hyperadrenocorticism in dogs and cats. You’ll learn to recognise key clinical presentations, distinguish Cushing’s disease from similar conditions, and confidently navigate modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic options. The course also explores adrenal pathology and offers practical guidance on adrenal ultrasound to strengthen your diagnostic accuracy. By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident managing canine and feline Cushing’s cases.

Ophthalmic surgery is often put in the too hard basket and referred on to specialists. This course is designed to give you a better understanding of the principles and practicalities of performing eye surgery with the aim of expanding the range of procedures you can confidently offer your clients. The course will feature a number of video procedures to help guide your learning. Veterinary nurses with a special interest in the topic are welcome to enrol in this course. Please be aware that the course is designed for qualified veterinarians and you should consider this in light of your knowledge and experience before you register.

Confident you have a sound understanding of the differences between dogs and cats in their nutritional requirements? There is diminished awareness in the veterinary profession of the special nutritional characteristics of dogs and cats due to the widespread feeding of commercial foods to dogs and cats over the last four decades. Despite commercial foods having been formulated to meet the known nutrient requirements of dogs and cats which has ensured good nutritional health, there are still circumstances where malnutrition of these species can occur.

This 2-day, hands-on workshop is designed for veterinarians who wish to expand their surgical skillset and confidently incorporate a wider range of soft tissue and orthopedic procedures into their clinical practice. The course emphasizes clinically relevant anatomy, step-by-step technique instruction, and practical tips to improve surgical efficiency and outcomes. Each procedure will be introduced through lectures that integrate case-based videos, followed by extensive laboratory time to allow participants to practice techniques under instructor guidance.

Led by Dr Suzanne Tso, this session covers the recognition, triage, and early management of traumatic brain and spinal injuries in small animals, with a strong emphasis on preventing secondary injury and protecting neurological function.

“When something is visualised, the truth of its occurrence or existence can no longer be doubted - Seeing is Believing”! This proverb has particular meaning when it comes point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS); diagnostic confidence increases in 89.2% of patients when general practitioners add bedside POCUS to patient evaluation! Recent surveys suggest 50-80% of veterinary clinics have an ultrasound machine. Unfortunately, despite POCUS revolutionising all facets of veterinary medicine, many ultrasound machines are underutilised in general small animal practice. This should not be the case! By asking clinically relevant, often binary yes/no questions, veterinary POCUS can be rapidly and efficiently learned and applied by anyone in almost any setting! So, dust off that ultrasound machine, go beyond looking for the urinary bladder to get a urine sample, and start using ultrasound to make a difference in in the daily assessment and management of your patients! Through practical, hands-on training using live dogs, participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice all of the common veterinary POCUS techniques currently used to assess the abdomen, pleural space, lung, and heart. Phantoms training models will also be used to demonstrate and practice ultrasound guided vascular access. This lab will focus on techniques developed by the instructors, designed to increase veterinary POCUS diagnostic accuracy, and help facilitate easier application into everyday veterinary practice. These are all techniques that can be performed by any practitioner and should be used in everyday practice! We will also briefly review basic ultrasound machine function and probe manipulations. As part of this workshop, an online learning component is required as a prerequisite to the lab. Participants must complete online lectures provided by Calgary, or complete the CVE’s VPOCUS: Practical Applications for GPs Distance Education course.

The utilisation of Veterinary Nurses & Technicians in the production of dental radiographic surveys of patients has been a growing trend across small animal general practice.  This is a skill that has been learned on-the-job in most cases, with limited access to education specific to its performance. In this presentation we will take a deep dive into more advanced techniques to obtain the diagnostic images that our veterinarians need to better assess their patients, to determine pathology from anatomy and some helpful tips on the more challenging views needed.  You'll learn how tubeshift techniques can be used, various new angles beyond the 45o and what to do with the zygomatic arch!  If you're confident with your dental radiography or just want to get some useful tips this webinar is for you.

This theory session, targeting general practitioners, provides the anatomical and procedural foundation necessary to master targeted pain control in small animal practice. Dr Uquillas will cover some pharmacology, but the main focus is on the strategic application and landmark identification for the most valuable local anesthetic techniques. Join us to improve your confidence controlling pain in your patients!

In this session, Dr Ava Tan focuses on the critical clinical triggers associated with hemorrhage, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), and chronic anemias. We will explore the physiological and evidence-based rationale underpinning these triggers. Furthermore, we will review the appropriate use of various red cell products and discuss the latest updates regarding stored blood products.

We know that cats are different, in fact, many would say they are spectacularly ‘special’! But those of us in-the-know recognise them for what they are not - and that is they are NOT ‘small dogs’! They are stoic creatures - the Masters of Deception - often misleading their owners into thinking that they no longer 'like' that particular food rather than divulge the true extent of their oral pain. It is this stoic behaviour that leads to many cats suffering in silence. This presentation will cover the common and not-so-common oral diseases seen in cats of all ages. You will discover the prevalence of Tooth Resorption in your feline patient population, the various types and stages of this condition and the true value of dental radiography for our feline patients. We will explore gingivitis, periodontitis and the significance of early intervention, along with juvenile periodontitis and stomatitis and how to recognise the difference. Through this presentation, you will gain an appreciation of the significance of carrying out oral examinations on cats of all ages and advocating for regular thorough examinations of all feline patients. Patient advocacy is at the core of veterinary nursing, and in no greater area can you impact your feline patient’s quality of life than recognising the subtle signs of oral pain.

Cats are not small dogs! What are the feline-specific considerations one need bear in mind when managing ear disease om the clinic floor? What ear conditions do you need to be aware of that are only recognised in cats? Do we need to worry about that pesky bulla septum in the feline middle ear? Tune in with fan favourite Dr Callum Bennie to hear the latest in managing cat ear disease in 2026.

Gain a better understanding of reptile husbandry, medicine and surgery, to provide veterinary care with competence and confidence. Many reptile disorders are related to suboptimal husbandry; hence, it is critical to understand reptilian biology and captive management to diagnose and treat reptilian disorders.

Develop a logical approach to disease investigation and management of a range of complex dermatological cases, particularly immune-mediated and systemic diseases Skin problems are among the most common reason for presentation in everyday practice. The CVE’s Dermatology Distance Education Program consists of three courses, Pruritic Disease, Infectious Disease and Advanced Dermatology. The emphasis of the program is on deepening your personal logical approach to case management. The courses review the latest information available on a wide range of conditions and presents the latest evidence-based treatment options available. Ultimately, having more confidence in your abilities to manage skin patients will lead to netter outcomes and higher personal satisfaction. The ‘Advanced Dermatology’ course covers diseases which may at times be more difficult to recognise and for which there is often a lack of practical information in textbooks and readily available literature.  The diseases covered are not as common as allergies and infections but can be more life-threatening and often require uncommon treatments. The diseases include immune-mediated skin disease, scaling diseases, non-inflammatory alopecia and cutaneous signs of systemic disease. If you are only interested in completing part of the program, both the Pruritic and Infectious Disease courses include an introductory module that covers the general approach to a dermatology patient. It also features practical work with microscopy and skin biopsy sampling conducted on-line and the key steps in the approach to nodules. If you are interested in the Advanced course please note that the infectious and pruritic courses are pre-requisites for enrollment.

Managing hypotension in small animals can be challenging, especially when trying to understand the underlying causes and appropriate treatments. In this webinar, Lisa Partel will help veterinary nurses build a strong foundation in the physiology of blood pressure regulation — including how the body compensates during hypotensive episodes and the triggers that signal the need for clinical intervention.

Stay ahead in veterinary care with this essential update on heartworm disease prevention.  Dr. Peter Atkinson, a leading expert and contributor to the development of new heartworm prevention guidelines, will share the latest insights and evidence-based approaches. This webinar will cover cutting-edge recommendations, practical management strategies to implement in clinic, and updates on disease prevention protocols that promote client-centric care. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and stay informed about this critical aspect of veterinary medicine.

Have you ever had a trauma patient arrive, and all you can think of is ‘where do I start?’  This course is designed for emergency veterinarians as well as general practitioners around how to deal with traumatic emergencies.  There are many layers of managing trauma patients, from the initial triage and stabilisation through to advanced surgery; monitoring critical patients; and dealing with associated complications. This will be an intensive course where you will develop a broad range of skills and knowledge that you can also apply to many of your other patients as well. We promise it will be challenging but rewarding!

What would you do if an injured bird, possum or turtle was admitted to your clinic tomorrow? Would you feel confident triaging them, stabilising them, or relieving them from pain? Presented by Melissa Fangmeier, this webinar has been designed to provide veterinary nurses (vets, and veterinary students) with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for wildlife health and welfare in small animal clinical practice. This webinar will cover the non-negotiables of emergency wildlife care, including welfare considerations, triage, euthanasia, stabilisation and first aid treatment.

Exotics emergencies require special skills and knowledge. Whether you’re working in an emergency clinic or general practice, this course will develop the skills and confidence you need to deal with these often-challenging presentations. The aim of this course is to outline fundamental skills and understandings with which every clinician treating exotics should be familiar, with a focus on species commonly and legally kept in Australia including birds, small mammals and reptiles. The course will cover triage and basic supportive care as well as the hospitalisation needs of exotic patients. You couldn’t be in better hands as Izidora’s bio testifies.  As well as being a phenomenal educator, she has the singular distinction of being the only registered specialist in zoological medicine in both Australia and USA.

Feline gingivostomatitis is a debilitating disease, but emerging therapies are offering new hope for affected cats. Join Dr Andrea Harvey for a webinar exploring novel treatment strategies for feline chronic gingivostomatitis through a spectrum of care approach. Led by an expert in veterinary medicine and animal welfare science, this session will highlight cutting-edge research, including the integration of antiviral agents and precision therapies. Gain insights into improving patient outcomes while balancing welfare considerations in clinical decision-making. Perfect for veterinary professionals seeking innovative solutions to a challenging condition, this webinar will equip you with practical tools to enhance your feline care protocols.

This small group workshop is designed to give you a basic understanding of small animal (dog and cat) echocardiography. Major topics will include ultrasound principles, normal cardiac anatomy and physiology. Also included will be techniques for achieving quality 2D and M-mode images and results, case presentations of important diseases and emergency cases, as well as plenty of opportunity for hands-on scanning of normal dogs. Individual coaching of how to obtain 2D and M-mode echocardiographic views and measurements (taught in the lectures) will be the main focus. Requirements: No prior experience or knowledge is required to participate in this workshop.

This small group workshop is designed to give you a basic understanding of small animal (dog and cat) echocardiography. Major topics will include ultrasound principles, normal cardiac anatomy and physiology. Also included will be techniques for achieving quality 2D and M-mode images and results, case presentations of important diseases and emergency cases, as well as plenty of opportunity for hands-on scanning of normal dogs. Individual coaching of how to obtain 2D and M-mode echocardiographic views and measurements (taught in the lectures) will be the main focus. Requirements: No prior experience or knowledge is required to participate in this workshop.

The fluids we give our patients can be considered a benign substance and something we often take for granted. However, when given to a patient without a plan, it can have severe consequences on coagulation, cardiovascular system, organ function and a patient’s overall survival. Fluid therapy has played its part in pushing patients into congestive heart failure, causing organ dysfunction through generalized oedema, and contributed to the riddle of the lethal triad. This presentation with Dr Courtney Reddrop will debunk ‘shock rates’, make you think thrice about keeping patients in hospital for 48 hours on twice maintenance for a toxicity, and provide a plan on reassessing patients following formulating a rehydration plan.

Radiographs are one of the most common diagnostic tools in veterinary practice—yet interpreting them confidently can be challenging.  Join Dr Jane Day for a practical and interactive webinar designed to help you master a systematic approach to evaluating thoracic and abdominal radiographs. This session will give you the tools to an approach to reading images with clarity and confidence, supported by real-world tips and tricks that make a difference in everyday practice.  This webinar will give you a taste of what to expect at the CVE Integrated Diagnostic Imaging Conference scheduled for February 2027 in Sydney, produced in partnership with Animal Imaging. Lead by Dr Jane Day, this is a truly multidisciplinary conference that brings together specialists in diagnostic imaging, emergency medicine, surgery and internal medicine in a case-based approach to learning.

Ultrasonography is a complex discipline to master. How do you use vasculature as a “road map”? How do you reliably find the pancreas and adrenal glands? How do you get the opportunity to image the “normal” to identify the “abnormal”?

This 2-day, hands-on workshop is designed for veterinarians who wish to expand their surgical skillset and confidently incorporate a wider range of soft tissue and orthopedic procedures into their clinical practice. The course emphasizes clinically relevant anatomy, step-by-step technique instruction, and practical tips to improve surgical efficiency and outcomes. Each procedure will be introduced through lectures that integrate case-based videos, followed by extensive laboratory time to allow participants to practice techniques under instructor guidance.

This course will look at what is needed to operate a successful dentistry unit. As well as practical oral anatomy knowledge, dental nomenclature and dental equipment and instrumentation, the course covers how to take a whole mouth series of dental radiographs. An important focus isthe management of the most common disease in dogs: periodontal disease - from the consulting room to the surgery and then back to the home including treatment, homecare advice and disease prevention.

There are numerous myths surrounding canine aggression. Many veterinarians do not feel confident providing advice to owners about an aggressive dog. Without appropriate advice, owners may seek help from the internet or other sources that may be unreliable or not evidence based. As a result, animal welfare can be severely compromised, and human and animal safety can be at risk.

Lacerations are very common in horses. There are myriad ways to handle them and often we get stuck in our ways. This course aims to briefly review the basics but then expand to cover assessment, debridement, closure, stabilisation, monitoring, complications and managing expectations. The emphasis is on trying to push the boundaries to some degree on options so you feel confident to try some new things in handling this common injury in horses and achieve improved outcomes.

This course aims to help you get the best out of your histopathology submissions, including how to optimize your biopsies, fix them appropriately and avoid annoying artefacts which can lead to non-diagnostic samples. Practical advice on how to approach particularly challenging samples, such as limb amputations, spleens and large tumours, is covered. The course also provides critical information on to include on the submission form, how tumour margins are assessed, and an insight into what happens in a histology laboratory.

Neurology is often considered a challenging specialty. It is therefore often assumed that neurology cases can only be managed in specialty referral hospitals. In contrast to popular belief, many small animal neurology patients can however be successfully managed in a first opinion setting. Recognizing the neurological nature and characterizing the clinical problem are the most important aspects of clinical neurology. During this course we hope to break down some of the barriers associated with neurology. We will discuss the absolute minimum of neuro-anatomy you should know, how to perform a neuro-exam in practice, and how to recognize the most likely differential diagnoses without expensive and advanced diagnostics. The concept of problem-based clinical reasoning will be central in answering the most important clinical questions. This course is aimed at primary care veterinary clinicians that don’t feel comfortable assessing neurology patients in practice.

Clinical signs of chronic diarrhoea commonly result in cat owners seeking veterinary attention for their pets. Whilst consideration of the many causes of feline chronic diarrhoea can feel overwhelming, this course aims to review the common differential diagnoses and provides a logical investigative plan to reach a definitive diagnosis. The course will cover the pathophysiology of common feline chronic enteropathies and discuss appropriate selection and refinement of individualised treatment plans.