Small Animal Abdominal Surgery Program

5-Day Hands-On Training Program | Costa Rica

The Small Animal Abdominal Surgery Program is a practical 5-day training experience designed for veterinarians and advanced veterinary students who want to build confidence in common abdominal procedures through applied theory, cadaver lab practice, and supervised live spay/neuter cases.

This program focuses on surgical technique, abdominal exploration, tissue handling, hemostasis, closure, decision-making, and post-operative considerations in small animal surgery.

• Duration: 5 training days
• Format: Applied theory + cadaver lab + supervised live surgery
• Language: English or Spanish available

Program Highlights

• 5 days of practical surgical training.
• Small group format with close instructor supervision.
• Cadaver lab practice
• Supervised participation in live spay/neuter cases.
• Designed for veterinarians and advanced veterinary students. 
• Certificate of completion included.
• Daily coffee breaks/snacks included.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the program, participants should have a stronger understanding of:

• Abdominal surgical approach and closure.
• Systematic abdominal exploration.
• Gastrointestinal surgical techniques.
• Urinary and abdominal organ procedures.
• Tissue handling and atraumatic technique.
• Hemostasis and surgical safety.
• Suture selection and closure patterns.
• Common complications and how to avoid them.
• Surgical planning and decision-making.
• Post-operative care considerations.

Procedures Covered

During the cadaver lab portion of the program, procedures include:

• Exploratory laparotomy.
• Systematic abdominal exploration.
• Gastrotomy.
• Gastropexy.
• Enterotomy.
• Enterectomy and anastomosis.
• Cystotomy.
• Splenectomy.
• Colopexy.
• Nephrectomy.
• Gallbladder extraction.
• Diaphragmatic hernia repair.

The live surgery portion focuses on supervised spay/neuter cases. Cases may include female spay or male neuter depending on availability, patient suitability, and instructor criteria.

What’s Included

• 5 training days.
• Applied surgical theory.
• Cadaver lab practice.
• Supervised live spay/neuter participation.
• Small group instruction. 
• Certificate of completion.
• Daily coffee breaks/snacks.
• Instructor feedback during the program.

Not Included

• Flights.
• Lodging.
• Airport transportation.
• Local transportation.
• Main meals.
• Visa processing or travel documents.
• Personal expenses.

Travel guidance may be provided upon request.

Requirements

Participants should:

• Be a veterinarian or advanced veterinary student.
• Have basic knowledge of surgical instruments, aseptic technique, and suturing.
• Be able to communicate in English or Spanish.
• Complete the registration/application form.
• Provide proof of veterinary degree or current veterinary student status.

Important Notes

Patient safety and animal welfare are always the top priority.

All live procedures are performed under direct instructor supervision. Instructors may guide, pause, intervene, or take over any procedure if needed to ensure patient safety.

Live case participation depends on patient suitability, participant experience, and instructor criteria.

Cadaver lab procedures are performed for educational purposes and are structured to help participants improve technique, anatomy recognition, and surgical confidence.

Ready to Join?

This program is designed for participants who want to move beyond theory and gain structured, supervised surgical practice in a small-group setting.

Limited spots available.