Emergency Surgery in the Acute Abdomen (2 day course – Sheffield)

This intensive two-day practical course explores the diagnosis, stabilisation and surgical treatment of common acute abdominal conditions in dogs and cats. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on wet-lab training, you’ll review the clinical decision-making required when managing time-critical abdominal emergencies.

You will practise a range of key surgical techniques under expert supervision, helping to build confidence in approaching emergency laparotomy and associated procedures. The course places strong emphasis on practical skills and systematic exploration of the abdomen, ensuring you leave with techniques that can be applied directly in practice.

Topics to be covered

• Clinical decision-making and stabilisation of the acute abdomen
• Systematic abdominal exploration
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): derotation, gastropexy and partial gastrectomy
• Splenectomy and management of splenic disease
• Management of intestinal obstruction and intestinal anastomosis
• Techniques for controlling hepatic haemorrhage
• Serosal patching and intestinal repair techniques
• Repair of diaphragmatic rupture
• Urinary diversion techniques and urethrostomy procedures