Soft Tissue: Advanced Soft Tissue (July 18, 2026)

Course Description: 

This 2-day session is a continuation of the Intermediate Soft Tissue ultrasound course and is designed for attendees who wish to build on their understanding of an advanced diagnostic abdominal ultrasound exam. This course is presented by a board-certified radiologist, to provide guidance in making the complex topic of ultrasound approachable through hands-on sessions complemented by practical lectures and case studies. Topics covered include system specific advanced imaging focused on the hepatobiliary system, pancreas, vascular systems, GI Tract, lymph nodes, and pathology. Additionally, an introduction to Doppler vascular imaging will be explored.

Objectives:
Attendees will leave with the knowledge to:
Didactic: 

• Discuss the use of ultrasound for evaluation of soft tissue pathology and common disease processes. 
• Increase proficiency to incorporate protocols, scan techniques (intercostal views), and interpretation criteria to improve diagnostic/treatment accuracy. 
• Identify normal/abnormal imaging characteristics related to the hepatobiliary system, pancreas, GI Tract, lymph nodes, and abdominal vasculature. 
• Understand non-cardiogenic thoracic imaging and expectations. 
• Identify normal/abnormal imaging characteristics for the evaluation of non-cardiogenic thoracic structures. 
• Discussion of practical application in case studies. 
• Understand introductory doppler principles and commonly seen imaging artifacts. 
• List system controls utilized to optimize the doppler/color flow acquisition. 
• Identify various scan techniques for accurate interrogation of blood flow. 
• Identify normal and abnormal imaging and flow characteristics.  
• Apply diagnostic criteria for evaluation of disease processes requiring doppler interrogation.

Hands-on Scanning: 

• Detailed evaluation of scanning techniques for locating and fully assessing the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system, pancreas, and adrenal glands. 
• Demonstrate  the use of advanced scanning techniques including standard subcostal and intercostal windows and alternate recumbencies.  
• Evaluate abdominal vascular structures using 2D/doppler/color flow. 

Who Should Attend:
Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians who have completed the Intermediate Soft Tissue Ultrasound course (Soft Tissue Diagnostics I: Building upon the Basics) and wish to continue with veterinary ultrasound education courses or has had equivalent clinical experience.