Soft Tissue Diagnostics I : Building upon the Basics (October 19, 2026)

Course Description
This two-day, beginner to intermediate course builds upon our Basic Soft Tissue Ultrasound course, offering a structured continuation for attendees aiming to enhance their proficiency in conducting and interpreting “diagnostic” abdominal ultrasound exams. 

Led by a board-certified radiologist, the course combines expert clinical instruction with hands-on practice and engaging lectures. Participants will refine their mastery of the “Big 5” scan technique, with a focused introduction to challenging abdominal organs, including adrenal glands, major abdominal lymph nodes, and the gastrointestinal tract. Techniques for fine needle aspiration will be introduced.

Objectives
Attendees will leave with the knowledge to:
Didactic: 

• Improve ability to recognize the normal structure of organs and techniques critical to fully locating and assessing the “Big 5” organs. 
• Gain an introductory understanding of the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary structures, major abdominal lymph nodes, and adrenal glands, along with foundational techniques for evaluation. 
• Introduce the ultrasonographic presentation of common soft tissue pathologies, supported by differential diagnoses, clinical case studies, and diagnostic approaches. 
• Gain introductory exposure to guidelines and techniques for ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates and identify abnormalities that can be safely sampled using ultrasound. 
• Examine the benefits of following a consistent scanning protocol aligned with ACVR recommendations, while emphasizing the importance of adapting to patient variability and clinical context. 

Hands-on Scanning

• Continue to develop and refine scanning techniques for comprehensive evaluation of the “Big 5” abdominal organs. 
• Introduce the skills and techniques to locate and assess the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary structures, major abdominal lymph nodes, and adrenal glands. 

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians who have completed the Introduction to Ultrasound course and wish to continue with the Sound series of Veterinary ultrasound education courses or have equivalent clinical experience. 

Suggested Prior Knowledge
Participants should have a foundational understanding of imaging planes, scanning organs thoroughly (including all borders of the "big 5"), and basic knowledge of machine settings such as depth, focal position, frequency, and gain. Familiarity with the anatomy and landmarks of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and bladder will help set you up for success.