Carol Wright BVSc CertVR CertSAS MRCVS

Carol qualified from the University of Bristol in 1991. She then spent three and a half years in mixed practice in Shropshire before returning to Langford to take up a residency position in small animal surgery. During the residency she obtained certificates in veterinary radiology and small animal surgery. In 1998 she moved to Vale Referrals in Gloucestershire where she was an associate in the practice. At Vale she was responsible for a wide variety of soft tissue surgical cases. In 2010 she started working for the Veterinary Defence Society but still works part-time at Vale.Carol has particular interests in oncologic and reconstructive surgery.

Course content

This combined lecture and practical-based course aims to provide a logical approach to common surgical problems of this anatomical area, discussing how to investigate and manage these cases effectively. More challenging surgical procedures such as laryngeal tieback will be covered in detail. The common pitfalls associated with these surgeries and how to avoid them will be discussed. Half of the course time will be devoted to the delegates mastering these surgical procedures for themselves. Case studies will be used to demonstrate the surgical conditions.

Who should attend

This course is aimed at veterinary surgeons in primary small animal practice.

What the course will help the attendees to do

Many vets shy away from the challenge of surgery in this area through lack of anatomical knowledge. This course should increase their confidence in dealing with these cases.

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of this course delegates should be able to:

• Practice more advanced procedures e.g. laryngeal tieback and surgery for salivary mucocoele

• Revise more commonly carried out procedures e.g. thyroidectomy

• Discuss dealing with oesophageal foreign bodies and stick injuries

• Be confident with placing tracheostomy tubes

• The appropriate indications for the surgical procedures discussed

• Recognise the common complications associated with neck surgery and how to avoid them