Diagnostic Ultrasound for Clinical Decision Making
Online Course
Extend your ultrasound skills from patient presentation, through to investigation, diagnosis and planning.
March 3rd - 31st, 2026
Live & Online
Tuesday Nights 7:30pm (QLD Time)
10 CPD Points
Early Bird Special
Save $100 When You Register by 3rd February 2026!
Your investment: $497 AUD (Normally $597 AUD)
Early Bird Ends 3rd February 2026
Hear From Our Educator Anna Dengate
Is This Course for You?
This exciting and engaging online course has been created specifically to enhance the existing skills of veterinary surgeons who are confident with basic abdominal ultrasound. As we all know, the canine and feline abdomen is a key region where pathology rears its ugly head: from liver and kidneys through to lymph nodes and adrenals, you’ll discover new skills, bust myths and refine your technique, all under the guidance of Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist Dr Anna Dengate.
This course focuses on observing and analysing how clinical exam and lab findings progress into abdominal ultrasound through the guided interpretation of clinical cases and video material. Weekly modules cover liver, kidneys, causes of anaemia, lesion localisation and the use of abdominal ultrasound as a tool to help direct your diagnostic and treatment plans.
You’ll be guided through how to:
- Improve your structured approach to abdominal ultrasound, with a focus on key areas where pathology arises.
- Marry liver enzyme increases with scan findings and determine the most reasonable course of action; identify a metabolic liver when you see one.
- Determine causes of renomegaly and loss of renal size; demystify whether your azotaemic patient is acute or chronic.
- Confidently use abdominal ultrasound to assist with working up your anaemic patient, including investigation of immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA).
- Localise gastrointestinal (GI) tract lesions and recognise obstructions; utilise ultrasound to inform surgical planning.
- Identify areas of pathology with reactive lymph nodes, assess the pancreas and differentiate Cushings vs neoplasia in adrenomegaly.
An absorbing, rewarding and supportive online classroom awaits, where your mic is on, and your questions are invited and discussed. Each weekly module consists of 45 minutes of content delivery, leading into a solid 30 minutes dedicated to discussion of cases put forward by participants. This CPD promises to be more than just a ticked box.
Why This Course is Different
Building on Your Experience
You’re past the point of beginner ultrasound CPD, and that’s an achievement to be proud of. It’s time to take your competencies to new heights, starting now.
Live, Visual & Participatory
This isn’t passive ‘watch-and-doze’ CPD. Engage with a virtual treasure trove of ultrasound cases, following patients from exam room to outcome.
Good Habits, Better Results
We understand it’s easy to get lost in the trees when imaging the abdomen. Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist Dr Anna Dengate helps you orient to anatomical landmarks to find the woods again.
Simple & Seamless CPD
You’re a busy clinician with more proverbial plates spinning than a circus performer. This CPD option is planned to integrate more easily into your life: concise, effective, and with all sessions recorded, just in case something unexpected crops up.
Relevant & Real
Each weekly module directly incorporates common cases and an abundance of real video footage. If it’s not valuable and clinic-ready, it doesn’t make the cut.
Course Outline
Module 1: Liver Diagnostics
This module sheds light upon the coupling of clinical exam and lab findings with ultrasonographic assessment of the liver. The significance of hepatic nodules and (importantly) identification of a metabolic liver are cornerstones. An age old question is also addressed: when is it ok to wait and see?
Module 2: Kidney Diagnostics
You’re faced with an unwell patient with azotaemia: is it acute, or chronic? Ultrasound is your best friend – herein lies how. Recognition of urinary system obstructions is also a critical consideration. A final central theme: if that kidney is big…why?
Module 3: Working Up Anaemia
Module 3 reviews the causes of anaemia, ranging from decreased production to haemorrhage to destruction, the latter two of course being more relevant to an abdominal quest. IMHA is uncovered, and a systematic neoplasia sweep is performed. And those splenic nodules, are they pathologic, or not? This is the perfect opportunity to improve your confidence where red blood cells are in short supply.
Module 4: Lesion Localisation in the GIT
If you’re keen to feel more competent in defining GI obstructions and using your scanning skills for surgical planning, Module 4 provides new perspectives. What’s more, would it even be an abdominal ultrasound diagnostic course without addressing that well-worn question: is that an obstruction…or is it just poo?
Module 5: Using Ultrasound to Assist in Your Diagnostic Plan
In the final module, you’ll cover pancreatic and adrenal pathology as well as identifying the lymph node and what it might be reacting to. All three beasts tend to hide, so identifying landmarks and things that should (and shouldn’t!) be there is key. Finally, we address the enlarged adrenal and differentiating Cushing’s vs neoplasia, touching on insulinomas and phaeochromocytomas, and considering the age old question of ‘do we need more advanced imaging?’
What's On Offer
At the close of Week 5, you can expect…
Real, Relevant Improvements in Abdominal Scanning
Having spent significant time on guided review of abdominal ultrasound footage, engaging in case discussion with peers and unveiling the answers to your burning questions, expect to notice an immediate difference in your technical and diagnostic abilities.
Fearless Facing the Formidable
Find greater confidence when it comes to the ‘tricky bits’. We’re talking adrenals, metabolic livers and pancreatic pathology. Enigmas you may have shied away from in the past are brought forward into the light.
Diagnostics that Deliver
You already have some ultrasound experience, but you want to get more from your machine. This course lays down the techniques and visual assessment competence that you’ve been seeking. Additional patient-side answers mean better outcomes and a more rewarding clinical experience.
Plus, you’ll be able to guide your colleagues and spread your skills – becoming the practice ultrasound guru that you were born to be.
Your Instructor
Dr Anna Dengate
Qualifications: BMedSc BVSc FANZCVS (small animal medicine)
Dr Anna Dengate has worked across almost every role in the veterinary profession, from volunteer kennel attendant to small animal internal medicine specialist and practice owner. In 2022, she founded The Vet’s North, a specialist consultancy now supporting over 65 clinics across Australia with in-clinic ultrasound services and case advice.
Anna is passionate about empowering veterinarians and their teams to build diagnostic confidence, particularly in interpreting ultrasound findings and translating them into practical treatment plans. Having worked with thousands of veterinary professionals, she brings clear, real-world insights into what truly supports learning, teamwork, and excellent patient care.
Every educator we work with is selected for their depth of knowledge & their ability to teach it clearly in a welcoming and judgement-free online classroom, your virtual seat awaits.
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What Our Community Is Saying:
Real Feedback From Across Our VetPrac Workshops & Courses
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Don’t Miss Out!
Addressing Common Questions
"Is Diagnostic Ultrasound for Clinical Decision Making worth the investment?”
If you’re looking for more patient-side answers at the end of a probe and can identify the benefits of this for your patients and your practice, then it’s a decisive yes! This CPD option is a max-effect, minimum-disruption fasttrack to better visual understanding and more effective techniques – and that’s worth more than money.
I’m flat out at work. Can I justify the time spent?
Diagnostic Ultrasound for Clinical Decision Making saves you more time than you can imagine, grappling with unproductive scanning, and eases you into smoother and more rewarding ultrasound experiences going forward. If that’s not worth a few hours, then what is?
"Will I actually be able to apply these skills?"
Without a doubt. Every weekly module is designed with a specific, productive focus on an organ system or potential “problem area”. As we all know, small animal practice provides no shortage of pets who stand to benefit from abdominal ultrasound, meaning you’ll have ample real-life opportunities to practice after every online session.
Your Questions Answered
Are group discounts available for the Diagnostic Ultrasound for Clinical Decision Making online course?
Yes! If three or more participants from the same clinic enrol together under one booking, you’ll receive a 5% group discount. It’s a great way for your team to learn together and strengthen your clinic’s approach to hospital patient care.
Will I get relevant CPD points and a certificate?
Absolutely. This online course is fully recognised for CPD points. You’ll receive your digital CPD certificate via email within 7 days of completing the course quiz.
What kind of learning materials are included?
Sessions follow clinical cases through from presentation to indication to the abdominal scan itself and include ample real ultrasound footage and images. Our educators also provide a variety of supporting resources which (where deemed valuable to the participant) may include digital pre-reading and lecture notes. All live sessions are recorded (uploaded within 48 hours) and available as long as the course remains available on the platform.
Do I need to attend specific session times?
Not at all. While you’ll only be able to ask questions and participate in discussions during the live sessions, attendance isn’t required.
Each live session is recorded and uploaded to your course library within 48 hours. You’ll have ongoing access to all recordings and course materials for as long as the course remains available on the platform, so you can learn at your own pace and revisit the content whenever it suits you.
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How long is course access open?
You’ll receive lifetime access to the course via your course library, for as long as the course remains available on the platform. This includes 24/7 access to all recordings, references, and course materials.
What happens if the course is cancelled?
If we have to cancel a course, we will refund you your course fees in their entirety. It’s as simple as that.