Are you using or planning to use computed tomography (CT) in your practice? 

This online course will help you develop a thorough understanding of CT technology and its diagnostic applications in thoracic and abdominal imaging, including CT angiography of the thorax and abdomen. It will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to successfully integrate CT into your small animal veterinary practice, whether you perform CT onsite or utilise offsite imaging services.

The course begins with a practical review of CT technology as it applies to small animal practice, providing the foundation needed to interpret CT images and, for those with access to an onsite CT unit, optimise image acquisition and scanning protocols.

You will then explore the normal cross-sectional anatomy of the thorax and abdomen before applying this knowledge to a range of clinical cases involving common thoracic and abdominal diseases. This approach will strengthen your diagnostic skills when interpreting CT examinations and support informed decision-making when referring patients for advanced imaging.

Finally, a practical review of vascular anatomy and CT angiography techniques for the thorax and abdomen will further expand your diagnostic capabilities and help you take your CT knowledge to the next level.

Why do this course? 

This course is designed to give small animal veterinarians the knowledge and confidence to effectively utilise computed tomography (CT) in clinical practice. Whether you have access to an onsite CT unit or refer patients for advanced imaging, you will develop a practical understanding of CT technology, image interpretation, and the diagnostic applications of CT for thoracic and abdominal disease.

Through a combination of anatomy review, case-based learning, and practical discussions, delegates will learn how to recognise normal cross-sectional anatomy, identify common pathological findings, and apply CT findings to clinical decision-making. The course also introduces the principles and applications of thoracic and abdominal CT angiography, enabling participants to broaden their diagnostic capabilities.

By the end of the course, delegates will have gained confidence in interpretation of CT studies and reports of the thorax and abdomen, optimise CT image acquisition where appropriate, and make informed decisions about when CT is indicated and how it can improve patient diagnosis and management. In house decision making can be accelerated and communication with offsite radiologist services will be improved.

This course is designed for small animal veterinarians who wish to develop or expand their knowledge of computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of thoracic and abdominal disease. It is suitable for:

• General practice veterinarians seeking to integrate CT into everyday clinical practice
• Veterinarians with access to an onsite CT scanner who want to optimise image acquisition and interpretation
• Clinicians who refer patients for advanced imaging and wish to better understand CT findings and reports
• Veterinary interns, residents and postgraduate veterinarians developing their diagnostic imaging skills
• Specialists and clinicians in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, oncology and diagnostic imaging/radiology who would like to refresh or update their knowledge of CT anatomy, image interpretation and current clinical applications
• Veterinarians with a basic understanding of diagnostic imaging who are looking to build confidence in CT interpretation

No prior experience in CT interpretation is required, although a basic knowledge of radiographic anatomy and diagnostic imaging principles will be beneficial.

Please note this includes a one week break week commencing 15th February where you can still access the course but there will be no tutor interaction.

CPD Hours
CPD hours are awarded based on the level of participation. Depending on the course, this may include viewing live or recorded lectures, contributing to the discussion forums, completing online case assessment exercises or self-assessment quizzes and reviewing supplementary reading material.

Please note most of our courses are time released to open with a new topic each week, please bear this in mind when allocating time to complete these courses.

For more information on our eCPD and Webinar Plus CPD please visit: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/study/cpd/about/delivery-modes