Learning objectives

Day 1: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology

By the end of this day, participants will be able to describe the basic anatomical structures of the heart in dogs and cats, identify clinically relevant landmarks during auscultation, and understand how anatomical differences affect murmur localization. 

They will gain a functional understanding of cardiac physiology, including preload, afterload, contractility, and the heart rate and rhythm, and apply these to clinical situations. Delegates will also understand the pathophysiology of heart failure and how compensatory mechanisms such as neurohormonal activation and remodeling contribute to disease progression and clinical signs.

Day 2: Physical Examination and Thoracic Radiographs

Participants will learn to perform a structured cardiac physical examination, identify and grade heart murmurs, and correlate auscultatory findings with likely underlying diseases.

They will be able to interpret thoracic radiographs with a focus on cardiac silhouette assessment, pulmonary vascular patterns, and signs of congestive heart failure.

Through case discussions, they will develop diagnostic reasoning skills to integrate clinical findings and radiographic data into practical diagnostic and treatment decisions.