Emergency Ready – Practical tips for treating emergencies in small animal practice

8 hoursECCPrimary Care8 CPD hours

Join us for an immersive CPD course designed to support the realities of working emergency and critical care shifts in small animal practice. While the sessions use seasonal emergency presentations as a framework, the conditions discussed are commonly encountered all year round, making this course highly relevant regardless of when or where you work emergency shifts.

This practical, case-led programme focuses on the real challenges of emergency shift work; from triage and prioritisation to managing life-threatening cases under pressure and navigating the unexpected. Through evidence-based updates and real-world clinical insights, our expert speakers share practical hints and tips to help you make confident decisions, streamline your approach, and stay effective during busy emergency shifts.

Each session is broken down into focused lessons that reflect the flow of a real emergency shift. Expand each section to view a full lesson synopsis and clear learning outcomes, helping you target the areas most relevant to your practice. In total, this course provides 8 hours of CPD.

To consolidate learning, the course concludes with an interactive panel discussion featuring our expert speakers. Pre-prepared questions will be explored in depth, with opportunities for discussion around clinical decision-making, common pitfalls, and emergency-shift problem-solving. Delegates are also encouraged to bring challenging cases from their own practice for group discussion and shared learning through our course discussion forum.

This is a practical course aimed at improving confidence, efficiency, and clinical reasoning on emergency and critical care shifts. If you’re looking for actionable strategies that will support you through real emergency work, all year round, this course is designed for you.

The course is run by an amazing collaboration of (EBVS and RCVS Recognised Specialists) in Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Soft Tissue Surgery, ECC and Neurology. The course takes around 8 hours to complete. The course is delivered via video webinars and supplemented with a real-time discussion forum, giving you the opportunity to ask questions or discuss cases you may be facing in your practice and MCQs to consolidate your learning.

(Access to this course is for 12 months).

Course Content

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Lesson 1: Dealing with cardiovascular emergencies (Dr. Liz Bode) 1 Quiz

learning outcomes

Identify key signs of cardiovascular distress in emergency settings.
Apply evidence-based decision-making for suspected heart failure.
Understand pharmacological interventions for acute stabilization.

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Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 1

Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 1

Lesson 2: Thrombocytopenia Management (Dr. Scott Kilpatrick) 1 Quiz

learning outcomes

Understand the pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia in emergencies.
Explore treatment options, including immunosuppressants and transfusions.
Develop confidence in managing complex cases under pressure.

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Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 2

Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 2

Lesson 3: Acute Abdomen Decision-Making (Professor Jon Hall) 1 Quiz

learning outcomes

Recognize critical signs of acute abdomen in emergencies.
Formulate a diagnostic plan to differentiate causes.
Apply up-to-date techniques for managing surgical and septic cases.

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Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 3

Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 3

Lesson 4: Emergency Urethral Obstructions in cats (Dr. Samantha Taylor) 1 Quiz

learning outcomes

Master catheterization techniques for male cats.
Understand up-to-date treatment protocols and their evidence base.
Prevent and manage complications post-relief.

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Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 4

Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 4

Lesson 5: Seasonal Toxicities in Dogs and Cats (Dr. Kerry Doolin) 1 Quiz

learning outcomes

Recognize common seasonal toxins, including chocolate, xylitol, raisins, grapes, and ethylene glycol.
Understand the pathophysiology of toxicity and its impact on organ systems, especially the kidneys.
Develop evidence-based strategies for managing toxic exposures, including decontamination, supportive care, and specific antidotes where applicable.
Educate clients on preventive measures to keep pets safe during the holiday periods.

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Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 5

Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 5

Lesson 6: Managing Anorexia in Hospitalized Patients (Dr. Scott Kilpatrick) 1 Quiz

learning outcomes

Assess and address anorexia in hospitalized patients.
Understand indications for feeding tubes and how to place them.
Use pharmacological aids to improve patient outcomes.

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Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 6

Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 6

Lesson 7: Neurological Emergency Management (Dr. Pablo Amengual-Batle) 1 Quiz

learning outcomes

Assess and stabilize patients with neurological emergencies.
Understand imaging modalities and their role in diagnosis.
Formulate treatment plans for spinal injuries and acute neuro cases.

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Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 7

Lesson Content

Test your knowledge: Lesson 7

Lesson 8. Expert Panel Discussion (All speakers)

learning outcomes

Consolidate knowledge from previous sessions by revisiting key clinical themes and applying them to real-world small animal practice.
Identify practical strategies and time-saving tips shared by experienced clinicians for managing common diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Enhance clinical confidence through expert insights on navigating subtle presentations, client constraints, and non-textbook cases.

Meet the speakers

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Scott Kilpatrick

Director, Internal Medicine Specialist

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Scott graduated from the University of Edinburgh Veterinary School in 2007. He initially worked for the PDSA before taking up a Senior Veterinary Surgeon position with Vets Now in Edinburgh in 2010. In 2012, Scott began his residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, following a year as a Teaching Fellow in Anatomy and Physiology. He completed his residency in 2016 alongside a Master’s degree focused on the pathogenesis of canine liver disease and has since worked exclusively in referral-level clinical practice. Scott is currently based in Canada and undertakes his clinical work at Westcoast Animal Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital on Vancouver Island, where he sees internal medicine referral cases. In addition to his clinical work, Scott has created and delivered a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency Medicine in association with the University of Chester. In 2023, he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) in recognition of his meritorious contribution to clinical practice.

Samantha Taylor

Internal Medicine Specialist

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Sam graduated from the Royal Vet College in 2002 and completed internships in private referral practice before starting a Feline Advisory Bureau Residency at Bristol University. She was awarded the European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2009. In 2011 she became an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine and in 2019 was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for outstanding contributions to the profession. She is also a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Feline Medicine). Sam is the International Society of Feline Medicine Veterinary Specialist Lead and works as a Medicine Specialist at Lumbry Park in Hampshire. Sam is an Honorary Lecturer in Internal Medicine at Surrey University Veterinary School, is an editorial board member for JFMS and Frontiers in Veterinary Science, a tutor on the Sydney CVE feline medicine course and coordinates the ISFM International Guidelines. Sam co-authored guidelines on hypertension, diabetes mellitus, NSAIDs, acute pain, inappetence and blood transfusion and others. She has written books, book chapters and papers on internal medicine topics and enjoys a mix of clinical work, writing and lecturing. She has a particular interest in clinical research to answer those important clinical questions to practically improve feline health and wellbeing.

Pablo Amengual-Batle

Neurology Specialist

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Pablo graduated from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in 2012, followed by a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. After gaining experience in general practice for 6 months, he pursued further training in the United Kingdom. He completed a 6-month externship in the Neurology and Neurosurgery service at the University of Edinburgh, followed by a second rotating internship at the same institution. In 2016, Pablo commenced a residency program in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Glasgow. Once finished in 2019, he moved back to Edinburgh as a Lecturer in Neurology. Pablo achieved diplomate status in the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 2020. He has worked in various hospitals in the United Kingdom and Spain, gaining diverse experiences and perspectives in Veterinary Neurology. In 2024, Pablo joined the Neurology Service at Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, where he continues to pursue his passion for Neurology. His primary interests lie in neuro-oncology, advanced imaging techniques, and neurosurgical interventions."

Liz Bode

Director, Cardiology Specialist

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Liz graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2006. She started her veterinary career in mixed practice in the East Ridings of Yorkshire, UK. However, she soon realised that she wanted to pursue a Specialist career. In 2008, Liz joined the University of Cambridge to undertake a rotating internship and then moved to the University of Manchester in 2009 to start a PhD. Her PhD focused on pathophysiology of heart failure and ageing, and was undertaken in the medical department. She gained her thesis in 2013 before starting a residency at the University of Edinburgh (where she met Scott and Andy). In 2016 Liz joined the University of Liverpool as a lecturer and subsequently senior lecturer. She was awarded her Diploma in 2017 and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2019. In 2020 she took the leap into private practice and joined Chestergates Veterinary Specialists based in Chester, UK. She also had her first child that same year (it was very busy!). She has been at Chestergates ever since, and has been promoted to Clinical Director and now Senior Clinical Director. She was awarded FRCVS for her Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice in 2022.

Kerry Doolin

ECC Specialist

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Kerry has been an emergency vet for 15 years after graduating from the University of Sydney in 2005. Kerry furthered her training via a speciality emergency and critical care internship at the University of California in Davis, followed by a three year residency in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College in London. In 2019 she passed her specialty exams to become a diplomat of the American College of Emergency and Critical Care. For the last year she has been working in Sydney as Head of ECC at North Shore Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre.

Jon Hall

Surgery Specialist (Soft Tissue)

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Jon was born into primary care practice and spent several years working as a small animal GP. He became an ECVS specialist in small animal surgery in 2015 and has worked at the RVC, the University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh. He was Professor in small animal surgery at the University of Nottingham (2020-2025) and is a Fellow of the Royal College and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has been an undergraduate and postgraduate examiner, regularly lectures internationally, regularly contributes to veterinary scientific literature and particularly enjoys helping veterinary surgeons with cases and refining their own surgical technique.

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