Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
The General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery is an advanced level ‘next-step’ programme for veterinary professionals who may have already completed their General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) or Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), accredited by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and validated by Harper Adams University (HAU) or equivalent qualifications from other providers.
You can also attend this programme even if you do not hold a postgraduate qualification, however, the GPAdvCert award route is only available to those delegates who hold or intend to obtain the appropriate GPCert/PgC award or equivalent.
The Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences, achieved by obtaining the PgC in Small Animal Surgery, plus the ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery (together with two further modules with HAU), has also been recognised as an eligible entry qualification for applying for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner status in Small Animal Orthopaedics.
Practical and condensed learning
Interactive and engaging lectures, demonstrations and practical application
World class clinicians providing you with the very latest information in small animal orthopaedics
Perform new surgical techniques and more advanced procedures under close supervision in a wet-lab environment
The programme
This 15 module programme, spread over 3x5 day blocks, has been designed for veterinary surgeons who want to progress their orthopaedic skills to the next level.
- Each module will be presented by two orthopaedic specialists (ECVS or ACVS diplomates) allowing you plenty of opportunity to ask questions and receive practical instruction.
- A step-by-step decision-making process will help you make the best choice in treating orthopaedic conditions and numerous case studies will be used to place theoretical concepts into practice.
- The sessions will be complemented by an online learning platform providing access to notes, case discussions via a closed forum and further resources such as videos and reading references.
- Practical hands-on experience will be gained on every module in excellent wet-lab facilities at three different European venues. The latest equipment will be provided to accelerate your learning.
- You will also be able to observe demonstrations of more complex procedures such as CUE, PAUL and THR. The availability of radiography will allow you to critically assess your practical work.
- A dedicated Programme Tutor will support you during your programme.
- A subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts.*
*only for those registered with HAU to progress to PgD.
Modules at a glance
Cremona, Italy
1 Pelvic Surgery I – Coxofemoral & Hip Dysplasia
2 Pelvic Surgery II – Total Hip Replacement
3 Stifle Surgery I – TPLO & CCWO
4 Stifle surgery II – TTA & CBLO
5 General Hindlimb Surgery – Patella Alta; Tibial and Femoral Procedures
Madrid, Spain
6 Shoulder Surgery
7 Elbow Surgery I
8 Elbow Surgery II
9 Neurosurgery I
10 Neurosurgery II
Sheffield, UK
11 Arthroscopic Procedures I
12 Arthroscopic Procedures II
13 Achilles Tendon and Tarsal Surgery
14 Limb Fractures I – Internal Fixation
15 Limb Fractures II – External Fixation
Find out about our state-of-the-art training facilities by clicking on the images below:
Sheffield, UK
Cremona, Italy
Madrid, Spain
Venue partner:
This programme is kindly sponsored by:
Learn more about our Advanced Certificates from our speakers and delegates
Venue: Cremona
Start date: 8 July 2021
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
4 Mar 2022
Sponsored by
Swann Morton
In partnership with
What do our customers think of our training?
Neurosurgery I
8 Jul 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- Pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of interverterbral disc disease
- How to perform a hemilaminectomy/corpectomy to decompress the thoraco-lumbar spine
- How to perform a dorsal laminectomy to decompress the lumbo-sacral spine
Delegates will practise hemilaminectomies, corpectomies and dorsal laminectomy in a wet-lab environment
Bill Oxley
MA VetMB DSAS(Orth) Sebastien Behr
DVM DipECVN MRCVS RCVS Specialist (Veterinary Neurology) Sebastien graduated from the Veterinary School of Toulouse, France in 2001. The same year he presented a veterinary thesis on 'Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins in the Dog', awarded by the French Companion Animal Veterinary Association and the University of Medicine Paul Sabatier of Toulouse.
He then performed an internship the following year in Fregis small animal hospital in Paris, the largest private small animal hospital in France. Sebastien then undertook and completed a three years residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery in the same hospital from 2002 to 2005. During his residency, he focused his research on the topic of cerebrospinal fluid analysis and inflammatory non-infectious diseases of the central nervous system. Sebastien was awarded the Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 2006 and the following year he was recognised as an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology.
He moved to the United Kingdom in 2005 to join the multidisciplinary team at Davies Veterinary Specialists where he worked as a neurologist and neurosurgeon before joining Willows Referral Services as a senior clinician in March 2010. Sebastien has a special interest in idiopathic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, advanced neuro-imaging and spinal surgery.
He is the past associate editor for neurology of the Journal of Small Animal Practice and a member of the Examination Committee of the European College in Veterinary Neurology.
RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology.
Neurosurgery II
9 Jul 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- Cervical disc disease
- Cervical spondylomyelopathy
- How to perform a ventral slot
- How to stabilise vertebral fractures
Delegates will perform a ventral slot and stabilise vertebral fractures in a wet-lab environment
Bill Oxley
MA VetMB DSAS(Orth) Sebastien Behr
DVM DipECVN MRCVS RCVS Specialist (Veterinary Neurology) Sebastien graduated from the Veterinary School of Toulouse, France in 2001. The same year he presented a veterinary thesis on 'Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins in the Dog', awarded by the French Companion Animal Veterinary Association and the University of Medicine Paul Sabatier of Toulouse.
He then performed an internship the following year in Fregis small animal hospital in Paris, the largest private small animal hospital in France. Sebastien then undertook and completed a three years residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery in the same hospital from 2002 to 2005. During his residency, he focused his research on the topic of cerebrospinal fluid analysis and inflammatory non-infectious diseases of the central nervous system. Sebastien was awarded the Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 2006 and the following year he was recognised as an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology.
He moved to the United Kingdom in 2005 to join the multidisciplinary team at Davies Veterinary Specialists where he worked as a neurologist and neurosurgeon before joining Willows Referral Services as a senior clinician in March 2010. Sebastien has a special interest in idiopathic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, advanced neuro-imaging and spinal surgery.
He is the past associate editor for neurology of the Journal of Small Animal Practice and a member of the Examination Committee of the European College in Veterinary Neurology.
RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology.
Achilles Tendon and Tarsal Surgery
27 Sep 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- How to diagnose and treat achilles tendon disease
- How to stabilise a luxated tarsal joint using ligament replacement/augmentation techniques
- How to perform a pantarsal arthrodesis
- How to perform a partial tarsal arthrodesis
Delegates will practise the above procedures in a wet-lab environment
Scott Rutherford
BVMS CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS BVMS CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS
RCVS Recognised and European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Scott is the Surgical Specialist who heads the team at frank.. After graduating from Glasgow University Vet school in 2001 his first job was as a Temporary Veterinary Inspector during the Foot and Mouth Epidemic of that year. He then spent six years in general practice, both mixed and small animal, before moving to Croft Veterinary Hospital in Northumberland to work with Malcolm Ness and undertake an ECVS Residency. He completed his RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery in 2009, became a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery in 2013 and an RCVS Recognised Specialist in 2014.
In 2013 Scott moved to North Downs Specialist Referrals, a large multidisciplinary referral hospital based in Surrey, before moving to Willows Referral Services in Solihull in 2015, which is one of the largest multidisciplinary referral hospitals in Europe.
Scott is actively involved in clinical research and CPD provision. He has published extensively in the veterinary literature and has lectured widely in the UK, Europe, USA and Australasia.
He left Willows in 2017 to pursue his dream of establishing his own surgical referral hospital with the aim of working in partnership with local vets to provide accessible veterinary specialist surgery to the pet owners of Yorkshire and beyond.
Stephen Clarke
BVM&S DSAS (Orth) DipECVS MRCVS Limb Fractures I - Internal Fixation
28 Sep 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- General principles of internal fixation
- How to treat humeral condylar fractures (unicondylar / bicondylar)
- How to reduce and stabilise fractures of the acetabulum
- How to reduce and stabilise carpal fractures
- How to reduce and stabilise tarsal fractures
Delegates will practise the above procedures in a wet-lab environment
Heidi Radke
DVM DipECVS MRCVS and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics) Dr. Heidi Radke is a European and Royal College Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopedics)
Dr. Radke has studied and worked at a variety of universities in Munich, Zurich, Georgia, Texas and Bern before joining Cambridge University in 2006, where she is currently a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery.
She runs a busy referral, resident and student teaching clinic in small animal orthopedics at the University’s Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital.
Her clinical responsibilities include all aspects of orthopedics in dogs and cats. She is particularly interested in joint surgery including minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopy and management of complicated trauma and angular limb deformity cases.
Her research interests include decision making in canine elbow dysplasia and assessment of outcomes after small animal orthopedic procedures.
Richard Meeson
MA, VetMB, PhD, MVetMed, DipECVS, FHEA, FRCVS Limb Fractures II - External Fixation
29 Sep 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- General principles and of external skeletal fixation
- How to stabilise radial fractures with a type Ib linear ESF frame
- How to stabilise tibial fractures with a type IIb linear ESF frame
- How to stabilise humeral and femoral fractures using a linear ESF frame / tie in configuration
Delegates will practise the above procedures in a wet-lab environment
Hannes Bergmann
DrMedVet DipECVS MRCVS Hannes graduated from the UVM Vienna in 2001 and completed an internship at the Small Animal Hospital of the School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. Following research in perioperative pain therapy he achieved his Doctorate degree in 2003. After one year in small animal practice he started a three year residency in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Berne. Hannes has worked in multidisciplinary referral hospitals in the UK since 2007 and became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2008 and is also an RCVS recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. He has established his independent "Oxford Veterinary Specialists" referral service in 2016. Hannes is surgery course director for Improve International and the editor of the Improve Surgery Textbook.
Mark Longley
Arthroscopic Procedures I
30 Sep 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of this module delegates should be able to:
- Review the instrumentation necessary for arthroscopic procedures
- Discuss common joint pathology
- Understand the indications for arthroscopy
- Understand patient preparation and the creation of portals for elbow, shoulder and stifle arthroscopy
Practise the above techniques in a wet-lab environment
Pilar Lafuente
DVM, PhD, Dip. ACVS/ECVS, MRCVS Ulrich Rytz
Dr. med. vet., Dipl ECVS Arthroscopic Procedures II
1 Oct 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of this module delegates should be able to:
- Understand the limitations and possible complications of arthroscopic procedures
- Perform an arthroscopic examination of the elbow, shoulder and stifle joints
- Perform simple arthroscopic surgery of the elbow, shoulder and stifle joints
Practise the above techniques in a wet-lab environment
Pilar Lafuente
DVM, PhD, Dip. ACVS/ECVS, MRCVS Ulrich Rytz
Dr. med. vet., Dipl ECVS Shoulder Surgery
8 Dec 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- Indications for salvage procedures of the shoulder joint
- How to perform an excision arthroplasty of the shoulder joint
- How to perform an arthrodesis of the shoulder joint
- How to apply a velpeau sling or spica splint
Delegates will practise the above procedures in a wet-lab environment.
Alessandro Andreoni
DVM Dipl ECVS (European College of Veterinary Surgeons) CCRT (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist ) Pilar Lafuente
DVM, PhD, Dip. ACVS/ECVS, MRCVS Elbow Surgery I
9 Dec 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the module delegates should have an understanding of:
- Diagnosis and treatment of un-united anconeal process
- Diagnosis and treatment of elbow incongruence
- How to reattach an un-united anconeal process using a lag screw
- How to perform proximal and distal ulna osteotomies/ostectomies including
Delegates will practise the above procedures in a wet-lab environment
Alan Danielski
DVM MRCVS DipECVS Alessandro Andreoni
DVM Dipl ECVS (European College of Veterinary Surgeons) CCRT (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist ) Elbow Surgery II
10 Dec 2021 | SheffieldAt the end of the module delegates should have an understanding of:
- Indications of performing a canine unicompartimental elbow (CUE) procedure
- Indications of performing a proximal abducting ulna (PAUL) procedure
- Indications of performing a sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) procedure
- How to perform a CUE procedure
- How to perform a PAUL procedure
- How to perform an SHO procedure
Delegates will receive demonstrations of a variety of these procedures in a wet-lab environment
Alan Danielski
DVM MRCVS DipECVS Alessandro Andreoni
DVM Dipl ECVS (European College of Veterinary Surgeons) CCRT (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist ) Pelvic Surgery I - Coxofemoral Luxation & Hip Dysplasia
28 Feb 2022 | CremonaBy the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- Diagnosis and treatment of coxofemoral luxations
- Diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia
- How to treat a luxated hip using a toggle pin or an ileofemoral sling
- How to perform a juvenile symphysiodesis
- How to perform a triple pelvic osteotomy
Delegates will practise the above procedures in a wet-lab environment. Delegates will also have the chance to practice TPOs on plastic bones.
Pelvic Surgery II -Total Hip Replacement
1 Mar 2022 | CremonaBy the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- Indications of Total Hip Replacement
- Complications of Total Hip Replacement
- How to perform Total Hip Replacement using the Biomedtrix system (CFX, BFX and hybrid)
- How to perform Total Hip Replacement using the PorteVet system (cemented and cementedless)
Demonstrations of total hip replacement procedures using the Biomedtrix and PorteVet system will be performed in a wet lab environment.
Eva Schnabl-Feichter
Dr.med.vet. Dipl.ECVS Philippe Haudiquet
DMV, Dipl ECVS, DESV Chirurgie Stifle Surgery I - TPLO & CCWO
2 Mar 2022 | CremonaBy the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- Advantages and disadvantages of performing a TPLO or CCWO
- Complications of TPLOs and CCWOs
- How to perform a TPLO
- How to perform a CCWO
Delegates will practise the above procedures in a wet-lab environment
Ditte Skytte
DVM, ECVS Hugo Schmökel
Prof. Dr. med. vet., PhD, Dipl ECVS, MRCVS Hugo graduated from the Veterinary Faculty of the Zurich University in 1989. After his Doctoral thesis he completed a Residency in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Zurich and achieved the European College of Veterinary Surgeons Diploma in 1995. From1994 to 1999 he worked in a private referral clinic and then enrolled on a clinical PhD program at the VetSuisse Faculty in Zurich. During this period, he also worked as an Assistant Professor at the Small Animal Surgery Clinic of the University of Bern, finishing 2004 with his PhD. Since 2006 Hugo has been working in private practice in the UK and Switzerland.
Stifle Surgery II - TTA & CBLO
3 Mar 2022 | CremonaBy the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- Advantages and disadvantages of performing a TTA or CBLO
- Complications of TTAs and CBLOs
- How to perform a TTA
- How to perform a CBLO
Delegates will practise a TTA and a CBLO in a wet-lab environment
General Hindlimb Surgery - Patella Alta; Tibial and Femoral Procedures
4 Mar 2022 | CremonaAt the end of the course delegates should have an understanding of:
- How to correct a patella alta
- How perform a tibial crest transposition in combination with a TTA / TPLO / CBLO
- How to perform femoral osteotomies to correct femoral deformities predisposing patellar luxation
- How to perform tibial osteotomies to correct tibial deformities predisposing patellar luxation
Delegates will practise the above procedures in a wet-lab environment
Alan Danielski
DVM MRCVS DipECVS Miguel Solano
DVM DipECVS MRCVS Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery Pricing
| Payments | Initial Payment |
Total Payable |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment Options | All prices exclude VAT | ||
| GPAdvCert Programme (Pay in full) | £11,995.00 | £0.00 | £11,995.00 |
| GPAdvCert Programme (Deposit to secure place) | £10,500.00 | £1,495.00 | £11,995.00 |
| GPAdvCert Programme Deposit and 12 monthly payments | £925.00 | £1,495.00 | £12,595.00 |
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Book Full Programme
Start date and location
This course has already started but you can join part way through and finish any modules you missed during the next course.
The start date of this course is in the past. You can no longer book the full course, but can register your interest in future dates.
Speak to us
All GPAdvCert exam fees are included in the course fees however if you do not hold the appropriate GPCert entry criteria then additional fees will be incurred to achieve the entry criteria – please contact ISVPS to discuss this further.
Payment Terms & Conditions
- A non-refundable initial payment is due on registration. Initial payments can be paid by cheque, credit card or bank transfer.
- Full payment to be made by BACS, card or cheque within 30 days of the deposit payment in order to be eligible for the discounted rate.
- Direct debit plans are administered and collected on our behalf by Animal Healthcare Limited.
- Multiple booking discounts available. Please contact us on 01793 759159 for further information.
- If paying by direct debit we must receive the first payment prior to the course commencing.
- You will be charged VAT by default. If you are part of an EU country outside of the UK and you have a valid intra-community VAT number the invoice will be exempt of VAT.
- Full details regarding the course cancellation procedure can be found here: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/terms-and-conditions/
Registration Information
- Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
- Improve International reserves the right to close the intake early if the number of applications received exceeds the number of available places.
- Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to applicants once we have received a completed application form.
Venue: Cremona
Start date: 8 July 2021
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
4 Mar 2022
Sponsored by
Swann Morton
In partnership with
What do our customers think of our training?
Venue: Cremona
Start date: 8 July 2021
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery
4 Mar 2022
Sponsored by
Swann Morton
In partnership with