Introduction and course objectives:
This echocardiography training programme is designed to provide participants with a solid theoretical foundation while building the hands-on competence required to perform transthoracic cardiac ultrasound in both diagnostic evaluation and management of cardiovascular conditions. The course enables attendees to strengthen and tailor their practical abilities according to their professional background and day-to-day clinical practice.
The programme explores the clinical relevance of echocardiography, with in-depth coverage of ultrasound equipment, Doppler principles, cardiac anatomy, blood flow dynamics, and cardiovascular physiology. Emphasis is placed on understanding functional cardiac measurements and their application in routine practice. Participants will engage in supervised practical sessions focused on image acquisition and interpretation, and will gain guidance on producing accurate, structured echocardiography reports in line with accepted professional standards.
Practical scanning:
Laurent Locquet
Nikoleta Novak
Speaker
Laurent Locquet
DVM MRCVS GPCert (VC) Diplomate ECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Laurent graduated in 2015 from Ghent University, Belgium and worked in general practice for one year both abroad in South-Africa as well as in Belgium, primarily with cats, dogs and wildlife, before starting a rotating Internship in a busy referral centre in the UK. During his Internship, Laurent obtained his certificate in Veterinary Cardiology. After completing his Internship, Laurent completed a Residency in Veterinary Cardiology at the University of Ghent before joining a busy referral practice in the Greater London Area for one year before joining Dick White Referrals in 2022.
Laurent enjoys all aspects of veterinary Cardiology though he has a particular interest in procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass, minimally invasive interventions and wildlife cardiology.
DAY 1
| Time | Topic |
| 09.00 – 10.30 | Anatomy and (patho) physiology |
| 10.30 – 11.00 | Break |
| 11.00 – 12.30 | Echocardiography in daily veterinary practice |
| 12.30 – 13.30 | Practical |
| 13.30 – 14.30 | Lunch |
| 14.30 – 16.00 | Practical |
| 16.00 – 16.30 | Break |
| 16.30 – 17.30 | Practical |
| 17.30 – 18.00 | Questions and remarks |
| Time | Topic |
| 09.00 – 10.30 | MMVD and DCM in dogs |
| 10.30 – 11.00 | Break |
| 11.00 – 12.30 | Common congenital cardiac diseases in dogs |
| 12.30 – 13.30 | Practical |
| 13.30 – 14.30 | Lunch |
| 14.30 – 16.00 | Practical |
| 16.00 – 16.30 | Break |
| 16.30 – 17.30 | Practical |
| 17.30 – 18.00 | Questions and remarks |