TPLO Surgery with Local Nerve Blocks
2.5 Days of Practical, Hands-On Veterinary Training
Ready to take the next step in orthopaedics?
January 31st - February 2nd, 2026
University of Queensland, Gatton Campus
CPD Points:
NSW 35
All other States 20
Watch the Workshop Experience
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Is This Workshop For You?
If you’re a veterinarian with experience in lateral stabilisation, basic fracture repairs, or assisting with TPLO procedures, this hands-on workshop is designed for you. Here’s what on offer:
- Perform two complete TPLO procedures
- Use digital planning software for surgical prep
- Practice technical imaging and local nerve blocks
- Learn strategies for avoiding and managing complications
- Receive personalised feedback on your technique
This course is tailored for general practice vets who want to build confidence, sharpen their surgical skills, and apply them immediately in-clinic.
Why This Workshop is Different
Hands-On Surgical Experience
Perform two full TPLO procedures with your own postoperative radiographs. Receive one-on-one guidance, a personalised surgical critique, and a full procedural debrief to refine your skills.
Learn from Leading Experts
Train alongside experienced surgeons who perform and teach TPLO every day. Gain practical, real-world insights from professionals committed to your development.
Practical, Case Based Learning
Work through real clinical scenarios to deepen your understanding of surgical decision-making, preoperative planning, and intraoperative techniques.
CPD That Translates to Practice
This isn’t just a CPD certificate, it’s a career step. Build confidence, boost your surgical efficiency, and start applying new skills immediately.
A Community of Progressive Vets
Connect with like minded colleagues who are equally committed to advancing their skills. Share experiences, swap ideas, and build lasting professional relationships.
Workshop Highlights
By the end of this workshop, you can expect to build confidence in:

Practical TPLO Surgical Experience
Perform two full TPLO procedures with support from experienced instructors. You’ll work through digital planning, local nerve blocks, complication management, and receive personalised feedback on your technique.

Build Confidence in TPLO Techniques
Strengthen your understanding of the procedure from both a theoretical and practical perspective. This workshop is designed to help you take the next step toward offering TPLO in your clinic.

Clinical Clarity
Sharpen your surgical skills in both your hands and your clinical judgement, helping you develop a whole patient approach.
Plus all participants will also train in ultrasound guided local nerve blocks to enhance perioperative pain management.
What’s Included?
2.5 Full Days of Training with over 14 Hours of Practical Lab Time
All Materials & Equipment Provided
CPD Certificate with 35 Points NSW, 20 Points all other States
A printed practical handbook and digital notes to review on your own time
Lunch, Morning Tea & Afternoon Tea
Need to Travel?
We’ll send you a recommended
accommodation list and provide the details you need ahead of time.
Your Educators

Dr Brian Beale
Qualifications: DVM, DACVS, ACVS Fellow Minimally Invasive Surgery - Orthopedics
Brian graduated from The University of Florida in 1985 and completed his internship in Washington, D.C. followed by a surgical residency at The University of Florida. He became Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1991. Dr Beale was an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine prior to joining Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in 1992. Dr Beale is a co-author of the industry-defining textbook, Small Animal Arthroscopy. Dr Beale currently owns and performs surgery at H-Town Veterinary Specialists (Houston, TX), Nexus Veterinary Specialists (Baltimore, MD and Victoria, TX), Bark City Veterinary Specialists (Park City, UT) and Nexus Veterinary Education.

Dr James Simcock
Qualifications: BVSc(Hons), MANZCVS (Internal Medicine), DACVS-SA, DECVS
In 2013 James became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons. James is registered as a specialist in small animal surgery in Victoria. He is also an internship director and surgical residency advisor for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He is actively involved in teaching students and veterinarians and is an instructor and lecturer in veterinary postgraduate education courses in surgery. James is a co-director and owner of Southpaws.

Dr Fernando Martinez Taboada
Qualifications: LV PhD CertVA PGCert(Biostats) DipECVAA
Fernando graduated as a veterinarian in Spain and worked for several years in small animal practice both in Spain and the UK. He undertook a residency in anaesthesia and analgesia at the University of Bristol, and he became an European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (DipECVAA) in 2010.
Over the years, Fernando has worked in and headed anaesthesia departments in multiple private and university teaching hospitals. In recent years, he founded 3A Animal Anaesthesia and Analgesia and Sydney Animal Pain Clinic. Recently, Fernando left Sydney to relocate to beautiful Melbourne with his family.
Fernando’s clinical and research interests focus on the management of acute and chronic pain, especially using loco-regional anaesthesia, and interventional procedures.

Dr Nicholas Cowling
Qualifications: BVSC BAppSci MANZCVS ( Anaesthesia and Critical Care) DVetClinSci DACVAA Registered Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Dr. Cowling has been a key figure in the veterinary scene of Brisbane and South East Queensland for over 20 years. He completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Veterinary Technology and Management) in 2004, followed by an honours year in Colour Genetics of Indian Ring-necked Parrots. While studying, he worked as a veterinary technician at the Western Animal Emergency Centre at UQ St Lucia for seven years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2011, completed a PetER/QVS internship in 2012, and worked in emergency practice before pursuing veterinary anaesthesia.
In 2014, he joined the UQ Veterinary Medical Centre as a clinical anaesthetist, becoming a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2015. He went on to complete dual residency programs and a Doctor of Veterinary Clinical Science at UQ. In 2023, he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia and was recognised as a specialist in the field.

Alexander Philp
Qualifications: Cert IV Veterinary Nursing, VTS (Anaesthesia & Analgesia)
Alexander is the Nurse Unit Manager at UVTHS with a special interest in anaesthesia. He enjoys teaching at all levels within the veterinary profession. He is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia, and began the Masters program in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia through Edinburgh University in September 2023. Alexander has additional interest in research and won an award for his abstract presentation at WCVAA 2023.

Dr Elizabeth LaFond
Qualifications:DVM, DACVS, DECVS, DACVSMR, CCRP
Dr. LaFond is a specialist surgeon at Veterinary Specialists of Sydney with over 30 years of experience. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota (1992), completed a surgery residency at Purdue University, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2001. Her career spans clinical practice, research, and academia, including 17 years on faculty at the University of Minnesota. She is also board-certified in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and the European College of Veterinary Surgery. Dr. LaFond has a strong interest in physical rehabilitation and is a founding board member and past president of the IAVRPT.
Payment Options
Addressing Common Concerns
"Is it worth the investment?”
YES! The skills you’ll learn will save you time, reduce stress, and increase confidence, paying for itself in the long run.
"I don’t have time to take off work."
If you need CPD points, why not choose a workshop that actually benefits your career?
Taking 3 days now means less struggle and more efficiency later.
"Will I actually be able to apply these skills?"
100%. This is practical, real-world training – no fluff, no outdated techniques.
Reserve Your Spot Now
Only 32 Places Available – Limited Hands-On Training Spots
Investment: $3,750 AUD (Early Bird) / $3,900 AUD (Full Price)
Earn 35 CPD Points NSW, all other States 20 CPD Points
Ready to Take Your Skills to the Next Level? Secure your place today!
Early Bird Ends 14th August 2025 – Don’t Miss Out!

This workshop is designed for real vets in real clinics who want to sharpen their skills and gain confidence in TPLO and Local Nerve Blocks. If that sounds like you, we’ll see you there!
Your Questions Answered
Are group discounts available?
Work together, learn together, we say. If 3 or more participants register from the same clinic under the same booking, you’ll receive a 5% discount at checkout when you book on our website.
Will I get CPD points and a CPD certificate?
Each participant will receive a CPD certificate via email within 7 days of the workshop.
What kind of learning materials are included?
Course notes are provided in digital format, and all participants receive a printed copy of the practical guide.
What happens if I pay and then later can’t attend?
- Transferring or changing registration from one workshop to another will incur a $50 administration fee.
- Cancellations made within 45 days prior to the commencement date of the Training Course will incur an administrative fee of 50% of the course investment.
- Cancellations made up to 7 days prior to the commencement date of the Training Course are not refundable.
Can I pay in instalments, or do you offer payment plans?
Yes! At VetPrac we are pleased to offer payment plans for our online courses and workshops. We want to make it manageable for you to invest in your professional development.
For more information regarding our payment plans, please do not hesitate to contact Ros at [email protected].
What happens if the workshop is cancelled?
If VetPrac cancels any workshops, we will refund your course fees in full. However, VetPrac will not be responsible for any travel, accommodation or any other expenses incurred by you.