Individual Courses and Comprehensive Study Program

The ESAVS Orthopaedic Surgery courses are dedicated to veterinarians in practice or in the academic field who are willing to deepen their knowledge in small animals’ orthopaedic diseases. Focus will be placed on diagnostic and treatment principles of various orthopaedic diseases. The practical aspects of fracture treatments are beyond the scope of these courses but such courses principles (for instance AO courses) can be acknowledged under certain circumstances for the Certificate and Master in small animal orthopaedics/surgery.

The comprehensive study program consists currently of 3 one-week modules. A fourth “advanced” module is being planned. Each course is composed of a mix of theory and practice on models and cadavers. Much time is dedicated to interactive and practical training under the supervision of course masters and instructors, all internationally recognized European or American specialists.

After attending the whole program, participants shall have acquired sufficient knowledge not only to face most of the current clinical situations but also to further progress by themselves and then recognize the cases that need to be referred to specialists.

Course one (Orthopaedics I) has to be taken before taking any other one. Ortho II and III may be taken in any order. It is recommended to take Ortho IV only after completion of the other courses.

Orthopaedics I

This course focuses on the basic knowledge in small animal orthopaedics. The first part is dedicated to anatomy, orthopaedic and neurologic examinations as well as basic and advanced diagnostic modalities. The second part concentrates on degenerative joint disease and orthopaedic diseases of the juvenile patients.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, participants 1) shall have acquired a sound knowledge of anatomy enabling to differentiate neurologic from orthopaedic lameness using clinical and diagnostic imaging tools, 2) shall be updated in their comprehension of orthopaedic diseases.

Orthopaedics II

This module focuses on hind limb orthopaedic diseases (Hip joint, Knee joint, Tarsal joint, Tendons …) and surgeries. For each anatomic location, current knowledge and treatment options including surgical techniques will be presented and trained.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, participants 1) shall possess the current knowledge to come to a final diagnosis, 2) be aware of the current state of the art methods of treatment, 3) master simple surgical techniques and do or refer more complicated or advanced cases.

Orthopaedics III

This module focuses on fore limb orthopaedic diseases (Shoulder joint, Elbow joint, Carpal joint, Tendons …) and surgeries. For each anatomic location, current knowledge and treatment options including surgical techniques will be presented and trained.