2-Day Small Animal Internal Medicine Course (Dogs & Cats)

2-Day Small Animal Internal Medicine Course (Dogs & Cats)

Nov 24, 2025

Target audience: Practicing veterinarians
Format: Lectures, interactive case discussions, wetlabs, small-group workshops
Focus: Practical diagnostic skills, problem-oriented approach, and hands-on procedures

Course Introduction

Welcome to this comprehensive 2-day Small Animal Internal Medicine Course designed for practicing veterinarians seeking to enhance their clinical skills and decision-making abilities. This course uniquely combines cutting-edge theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on sessions, ensuring that participants can immediately apply what they learn in their daily practice. From diagnostic strategies to problem-oriented clinical reasoning, renal and urinary disorders, polyarthritis, and PU/PD management, this programme offers an unparalleled learning experience.
Participants will benefit from interactive case discussions, practical wetlabs—including nasogastric and oesophageal feeding tube placement, joint taps, and bone marrow biopsies—and small-group workshops, allowing for intensive skill development and personalised guidance from experienced instructors.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Apply systematic diagnostic strategies in small animal internal medicine.
  2. Utilise a problem-oriented approach for effective differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning.
  3. Recognise, diagnose, and manage renal and urinary tract disorders, including FLUTD.
  4. Understand and implement treatment strategies for polyarthritis and PU/PD cases.
  5. Perform key practical procedures confidently, including feeding tube placement, joint taps, and bone marrow biopsy.
  6. Integrate practical knowledge from wetlabs and case-based workshops into clinical practice for better patient outcomes.
Jana Milenkovic

Jana Milenkovic

DVM, Dr. med.vet, DACVIM (SAIM)

Jana Milenkovic graduated with honors in 2015 from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. After graduation, she worked for two years at the Veterinary Clinic “Novak” in Belgrade, Serbia. In 2017, she enrolled in a Rotating Internship program at the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen, Germany. Following the successful completion of the Rotating internship, she began a Specialty Internship in Internal Medicine in 2018 at the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland. In 2020, at the same university, she completed her doctoral thesis on canine thyroid tumors and tumor-derived organoids. Later that year, she started a Residency program of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM – SAIM). In 2024, Jana achieved Diplomate status, becoming Board Certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Jana is currently working as a senior clinician in internal medicine at the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.

Day 1 – Diagnostic and Problem-Oriented Approach in Internal Medicine and Urinary Disorders

08:30–09:00 Registration and Welcome Coffee

09:00–09:15 Introduction and Course Overview

09:15–10:00 Diagnostic Strategies in Small Animal Internal Medicine

10:00–10:45 Problem-Oriented Clinical Reasoning: Differential Diagnosis in Practice

10:45–11:15 Coffee Break

11:15–12:00 Acute Kidney Disorders: Recognition and Initial Management

12:00–12:45 Chronic Kidney Disease: Long-Term Management Strategies

12:45–13:30 Glomerular Disorders: Diagnosis and Clinical Approach

13:30–14:30 Lunch Break

14:30–15:15 Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): Practical Approach

15:15–16:00 Interactive Case Discussion: Renal and Urinary Tract Conditions

16:00–16:30 Coffee Break

16:30–18:00 Small Group Case-Based Workshop: Applying Diagnostics and Clinical Decision-Making

18:00–18:30 Welcome Cocktail

Day 2 – Advanced Clinical Skills, Polyarthritis, and PU/PD Approach

09:00–09:15 Welcome and Brief Recap of Day 1

09:15–10:00 Polyarthritis: Recognition, Diagnosis, and Clinical Importance

10:00–10:45 PU/PD in Dogs and Cats: Systematic Assessment and Differential Diagnosis

10:45–11:15 Coffee Break

11:15–12:00 Treatment Strategies in Internal Medicine: Focus on PU/PD and Polyarthritis

12:00–12:45 Practical Wetlab: Nasogastric and Oesophageal Feeding Tube Placement

12:45–13:30 Practical Wetlab: Joint Tap (Arthrocentesis)

13:30–14:30 Lunch Break

14:30–15:15 Practical Wetlab: Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy Techniques

15:15–16:00 Case Discussion: Polyarthritis, PU/PD, and Complex Internal Medicine Scenarios

16:00–16:30 Coffee Break

16:30–18:00 Small Group Case-Based Workshop: Applying Diagnostics, Clinical Reasoning, and Treatment Planning

18:00–18:30 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Internal Medicine meets practical hematology and cytology

Internal Medicine meets practical hematology and cytology

Oct 10, 2025

Discover the exciting world of hematology and cytology in internal medicine! Our hands-on seminar offers you the opportunity to deepen your diagnostic skills and stay up-to-date with expert knowledge. Learn to efficiently interpret blood panels and cytological samples to provide the best possible treatment for your patients. Benefit from practical workshops, interactive case studies, and direct exchange with fellow professionals.

Prof. Dr. med. vet. Stephan Neumann

Prof. Dr. med. vet. Stephan Neumann

Clinical Director of the Small Animal Clinic and apl. Prof. at the University of Göttingen, Germany

After studying Veterinary Medicine at the Vet School Hannover and a short period in a private practice Dr. Neumann has started working at the Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Goettingen in 1992.
In 1996. he received the diploma as a national specialist for small animals and in 1998. for clinical pathology. In 2004. he received the certificate of the ECVCP. 2007. he finished his habilitation and since 2010. he is Professor at the University of Goettingen.
His scientific fields of interest are; orthopedic diseases, especially osteoarthritis; cytokine research of different disease mechanisms and development of biomarkers, gastroenterology, especially liver diseases.
Dr. Neumann is author of about 70 publications in international journals and he is lecturing at four faculties in the fields of small animal surgery, CT, general subjects and clinical pathology.
Dr. Neumann is active in continuing education and specialization in Lower Saxony and nationwide.
He is author of Textbook of Small Animal Pathophysiology

DAY 1

Time Title
09:00 – 10:30 Hematology
Interpretation blood smears and hematological results
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 – 12:30 Practical Work: Performing blood smears, discussion of cases including therapy
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch break
14:00 – 15:30 Introduction into Cytology
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee break
16:00 – 18:00 Practical Work: Collection, preparation and staining of cytology samples. Interpretation of clinical cases based on cytology

DAY 2

Time Title
09:00 – 10:30 Effusions: Diagnostic approach of thoracal and abdominal effusions
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 – 12:30 Practical Work: Interpretation of cytology from effusions, discussion of the cases with therapy
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch break
14:00 – 15:30 Discussion of internal cases: Endocrinology, renal diseases
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee break
16:00 – 17:30 Discussion of internal cases: hepatology, gastro-intestinal
Internal Medicine meets practical hematology and cytology

Internal Medicine meets practical hematology and cytology

Dec 24, 2024

Discover the exciting world of hematology and cytology in internal medicine! Our hands-on seminar offers you the opportunity to deepen your diagnostic skills and stay up-to-date with expert knowledge. Learn to efficiently interpret blood panels and cytological samples to provide the best possible treatment for your patients. Benefit from practical workshops, interactive case studies, and direct exchange with fellow professionals.

Prof. Dr. med. vet. Stephan Neumann

Prof. Dr. med. vet. Stephan Neumann

Clinical Director of the Small Animal Clinic and apl. Prof. at the University of Göttingen, Germany

After studying Veterinary Medicine at the Vet School Hannover and a short period in a private practice Dr. Neumann has started working at the Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Goettingen in 1992.
In 1996. he received the diploma as a national specialist for small animals and in 1998. for clinical pathology. In 2004. he received the certificate of the ECVCP. 2007. he finished his habilitation and since 2010. he is Professor at the University of Goettingen.
His scientific fields of interest are; orthopedic diseases, especially osteoarthritis; cytokine research of different disease mechanisms and development of biomarkers, gastroenterology, especially liver diseases.
Dr. Neumann is author of about 70 publications in international journals and he is lecturing at four faculties in the fields of small animal surgery, CT, general subjects and clinical pathology.
Dr. Neumann is active in continuing education and specialization in Lower Saxony and nationwide.
He is author of Textbook of Small Animal Pathophysiology

Every delegate will get brand new book signed by the author

https://www.wiley.com/en-fr/Textbook+of+Small+Animal+Pathophysiology-p-9781119824619

DAY 1

Time Title
09:00 – 10:30 Hematology
Interpretation blood smears and hematological results
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 – 12:30 Practical Work: Performing blood smears, discussion of cases including therapy
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch break
14:00 – 15:30 Introduction into Cytology
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee break
16:00 – 18:00 Practical Work: Collection, preparation and staining of cytology samples. Interpretation of clinical cases based on cytology

DAY 2

Time Title
09:00 – 10:30 Effusions: Diagnostic approach of thoracal and abdominal effusions
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 – 12:30 Practical Work: Interpretation of cytology from effusions, discussion of the cases with therapy
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch break
14:00 – 15:30 Discussion of internal cases: Endocrinology, renal diseases
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee break
16:00 – 17:30 Discussion of internal cases: hepatology, gastro-intestinal
2-Day Small Animal Internal Medicine Course (Dogs & Cats)

Feline Internal Medicine – key aspects of feline health

Dec 12, 2024

Dear participants,
I am thrilled to have you join us on this journey into feline medicine. Throughout this course, we will explore key aspects of feline health, focusing on respiratory, gastrointestinal, and geriatric diseases. The curriculum will cover a range of topics, starting with upper and lower respiratory conditions, progressing to chronic gastrointestinal disturbances, and examining common age-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The program will feature case-based discussions that will enhance your understanding of these specific conditions, providing you with practical insights into diagnosis and management. Additionally, hands-on training will be offered in critical procedures, including the placement of thoracic drains, nasal sampling, and inserting feeding tubes, among others. These practical sessions aim to equip you with the skills necessary for effective clinical practice in feline medicine.
We look forward to engaging with you in these specialized areas and supporting your development in this field.
Yi Cui
DVM, DECVIM-CA, MRCVS

Dr Yi Cui

Dr Yi Cui

DVM, ECVIM-CA, MRCVS, European Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine

Yi’s love and passion for animals has led her to pursue the art of veterinary science at the university of Ghent (Belgium). To get a taste of all the different specialisations in companion animals, she finished a rotating internship the following year and visited many different universities in the UK, Germany, France and Switzerland, exploring the different worlds of internal medicine. This gave her the insight in how the same problem can be approached from many different angles with each their own advantages and disadvantages. After her travels, she started a residency Internal Medicine at the university of Giessen (Germany) and became an European Internal Medicine specialist in 2019.

To explore different academic environments, she worked at the Universities of Ghent, Utrecht and Bern, to practice Internal Medicine and learn from esteemed colleagues in their own respectable fields. After her academic career she tried private practice in Hong Kong, to experience a completely new environment, which has taught her many lessons.

Exploring new places, learning different ways of medicine and experiencing new cultures has been an important part of her personal growth. That is why, in 2023, she decided to explore the world, one country at the time and work online, educating and supporting primary vets. Combining that with working in different clinics around the world, learning from other colleagues and volunteering at local shelters.

Day 1 – Suturday

  1. Block 1 theory: Infectious diseases
    • How COVID Changed the Game for FIP
    • Chest Full of Trouble: Understanding Pyothorax in Cats
  2. Block 1 practical
    • FIP Case Discussion
    • Thoracocentesis and chest tube placements in cats
  3. Block 2 theory: Respiratory diseases
    • Sniffles, Snores to masses: Nasopharyngeal Disease in Cats
    • From Cough to Crisis: Tackling Feline Asthma in Practice
  4. Block 2 practical
    • Mastering inhalation techniques in cats
    • Step-by-Step practice in feline nasopharyngeal polyp removal techniques
    • Feline Nasal Biopsy Techniques Made Practical

Day 2 – Sunday

  1. Block 1 Theory: Geriatric diseases
    • Feline CKD: From Early Diagnosis to Long-Term Management
    • Taming the Glucose Rollercoaster: Holistic Management of Feline Diabetes
  2. Block 1 Practical
    • The Art of the Infusion: Fluid Therapy 101
    • Choose Your Fluid: Case-Based Challenges in Therapy
  3. Block 2 theory: GI diseases
    • The Triple Threat: Navigating Feline Triaditis
    • The Backed-Up Cat: Managing Chronic Constipation
  4. Block 2 Practical
    • Feeding Tube Fundamentals: Mastering naso-oesophageal/gastric and e-tube Placement
    • Flush with Confidence: Colonic Lavage Training Workshop

2-Day Small Animal Internal Medicine Course (Dogs & Cats)

Internal medicine – problem oriented approach

Mar 4, 2024

Course background and summary:

POA in veterianry internal medicine is a stepwise process of gathering case information; defining problems; making plans for diagnosis, treatment, and client education; and evaluating patient progress over time. This explicit method of diagnostic reasoning forms the basis of evidence-based veterinary medicine and informed decision making.
This three-days course will provide the attendants with a logical, easy to replicate diagnostic approach to the most common clinical signs encountered in general practice. The speakers will use evidence based-medicine and clinical scenarios to show how, by means of a systematic approach, it is possible to start from a clinical symptom and to arrive at a provisional/definitive diagnosis ensuring both clients’ satisfaction and best patients’ care. The participants will find the course very useful and inspiring and will be able to apply what they have learnt into day-to-day practice. Both speakers are European Board-Certified Specialists in small animal internal medicine and have mastered POA-based teaching courses over many years in Europe and worldwide.

Speakers

Federico Fracassi

Federico Fracassi

DVM, PhD, DECVIM (SAIM)

European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine

Dr Fracassi graduated in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) “cum laude” at the University of Bologna, Italy. In 2005 he defended his Ph.D. thesis and then completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Zurich, Switzerland and became ECVIM-CA (internal medicine) diplomate in 2012. He is now an Associate Professor of Veterinary Internal Medicine at the University of Bologna. His main research focus is the field of small animal endocrinology. His publication list consists of more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and 10 book chapters. He is the editor of “Veterinaria”, a peer-reviewed journal and associate editor of Journal of Small Animal Practice. He has been president of the European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology, and the Italian Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and is currently vice-president of the ECVIM-CA congress board. In 2017 he co-edited “Feline Endocrinology” (a book translated into 6 languages) with Dr Feldman and Dr Peterson. In 2022 has edited “Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms in internal medicine for dogs and cats” (book translated in 7 languages). Dr Fracassi has lectured in in 22 countries.

Francesca Del Baldo

Francesca Del Baldo

DVM, MRCVS, PhD, Dipl. ECVIM-CA

European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine

Current position
Assistant Professor in Internal Medicine
Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy, head of Internal Medicine unit
Main Focus: clinical endocrinology and internal medicine

Education and postgraduate training
2022: Dipl. European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – companion animals (ECVIM-CA), speciality Internal Medicine
2018-2021: Position as Resident ECVIM-CA- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
2020: Defense PhD thesis
2016-2019: PhD Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
2016: Rotating Internship Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
2014: Doctor in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with 110/110 cum laude State University of Bologna, Italy

Memberships
2021-present: Board member of the European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology (ESVE)
2021-present: Board member of the Italian Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine

DAY 1

Time Topic Speaker
08.15-09.15 Registration
09.15 Introduction
09.30-10.45 Problem-oriented approach: the steps that follow history taking and physical examination Federico Fracassi
10.45-11.30 How to use and maximise scientific sources Federico Fracassi
11.30-12.00 Coffee Break
12.00-13.00 Interactive section: Journal Club Francesca Del Baldo
13.00-14.00 Lunch
14.00-14.45 Approach to the patient with regurgitation Francesca Del Baldo
14.45-15.30 Approach to the patient with vomiting Francesca Del Baldo
15.30-16.15 Diagnostic approach to acute diarrhoea Francesca Del Baldo
16.15-16.45 Coffee Break
16.45-18.00 Problem solving: discussion of clinical cases in small groups Federico Fracassi Francesca Del Baldo

DAY 2

Time Topic Speaker
9.00-9.45 Diagnostic approach to chronic diarrhoea Francesca Del Baldo
9.45-10.30 Approach to the patient with icterus Federico Fracassi
10.30-11.00 Coffee Break
11.00-11.45 Hyperthermia and fever of unknown origin: from the clinical case to the diagnosis Francesca Del Baldo
11.45-12.15 Approach to the patient with pale mucous membranes Francesca Del Baldo
12.15-13.00 Interactive clinical cases Federico Fracassi
13.00-14.00 Lunch
14.00-14.45 Petechia and ecchymosis through the discussion of clinical cases ( part 1) Federico Fracassi
14.45-15.45 Petechia and ecchymosis through the discussion of clinical cases ( part 2) Federico Fracassi
15.00-15.45 Interactive clinical cases Francesca Del Baldo
15.45-16.15 Coffee Break
16.45-18.00 Problem solving: discussion of clinical cases in small groups Francesca Del Baldo Federico Fracassi

DAY 3

Time Topic Speaker
9.00-09.45 Clinical and diagnostic approach to the patient with cough Francesca Del Baldo
09.45-10.30 Clinical approach to nasal discharge Francesca Del Baldo
10.30-11.15 Interactive clinical cases Francesca Del Baldo
11.11-11.45 Coffee Break
11.45-12.30 Polyuria and Polidipsia: from the theory to the clinical case Federico Fracassi
12.30-13.00 Interactive clinical cases Federico Fracassi
13.00-14.00 Lunch
14.00-14.45 Increase in volume of the abdomen / ascites: clinical cases Federico Fracassi
14.45-17.00 Problem solving: discussion of clinical cases in samll groups Federico Fracassi Francesca Del Baldo
17.00-17.30 End of the course and final discussion