Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians

Soft tissue surgery is a central area in veterinary practice, offering veterinarians the opportunity to effectively treat a wide range of diseases and injuries in pets. A specialized course in soft tissue surgery can significantly expand and enhance veterinarians' knowledge and skills in this important field. This article explains why such a course is so valuable for veterinarians and what it entails.

Why is a course in soft tissue surgery important?

Soft tissue surgery encompasses procedures on muscles, skin, adipose tissue, and other non-bone-forming body structures. This field is particularly diverse, ranging from routine operations such as sterilizations and castrations to complex procedures like tumor removal, hernia repair, or surgery on internal organs. A comprehensive course offers veterinarians the opportunity to refine their surgical techniques, learn new methods, and deepen their understanding of postoperative care. This leads to improved patient care and can significantly increase the success rate of surgical procedures.

Contents of a course in soft tissue surgery

A comprehensive soft tissue surgery course for veterinarians typically covers a wide range of topics, encompassing both theoretical foundations and practical skills. These include, but are not limited to:

• Fundamentals of soft tissue surgery: Anatomy, wound healing, and surgical instruments.
• Surgical techniques: Including incision techniques, suturing techniques and special surgical procedures.
• Specific interventions: Such as procedures on the gastrointestinal tract, urogenital system, in cases of hernias, or the removal of tumors.
• Pain management and postoperative care: Methods for pain relief, monitoring of recovery and rehabilitation.

Advantages of a specialized course

By participating in a specialized course in soft tissue surgery, veterinarians can not only improve their practical skills but also strengthen their confidence in performing various surgical procedures. This contributes to greater patient safety and pet owner satisfaction. Furthermore, the exchange with lecturers and colleagues enables valuable networking and access to new research findings and technologies in the field of soft tissue surgery.

Conclusion

A course in soft tissue surgery for veterinarians is a valuable investment in professional competence and offers the opportunity to significantly improve the quality of veterinary care. Continuous professional development in specialized areas such as soft tissue surgery is crucial to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine and providing the best possible service for animal patients and their owners.

Overview of soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians

The soft tissue surgery courses are specifically designed for veterinarians working in clinical practice or research who wish to expand their expertise in this area. Our current curriculum includes two two-day courses: from Fundamentals of Abdominal Surgery up to Advanced Abdominal Surgery as well as a special course for oncological soft tissue surgery. In addition, we occasionally offer extra specialized courses.

Each course offers a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises conducted on models or animal cadavers. We place great emphasis on interactive learning methods and hands-on experience, all under the careful guidance of our experienced instructors and trainers.

Upon completion of the entire course program, participants will have acquired comprehensive knowledge enabling them to manage most common clinical challenges. Furthermore, they will be able to continue their learning independently and identify situations where referral to a specialist is advisable.

Course content Fundamentals of Abdominal Surgery

Total hours: 14 (ATF is being applied for)
Course language: German
Program Director/Course Instructor Master's: Dr. Sandra Kühnel-Lawatsch
Maximum number of participants: 10
Price for both days: 1,499 EUR plus 19% VAT.
Course location: Idar-Oberstein
Date: 27.02.2026-28.02.2026

Course overview Fundamentals of Abdominal Surgery

In the course "„Fundamentals of Abdominal Surgery“We will teach you the basic principles of surgical practice, including the correct handling of tissues, various knotting techniques, and basic procedures in abdominal and gastrointestinal surgery.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will achieve the following:

• They will be able to consistently apply the methods of atraumatic surgery,

• They will have familiarized themselves with the latest principles and procedures of abdominal surgery,

• and they will have undergone a significant shift in their thinking, no longer focusing solely on "how" something is done, but understanding "why" it is done.

Course program (subject to change)

Fundamentals of Abdominal Surgery – Doc4Pets Academy

Date: February 27–28, 2026

A notice: Each lecture includes an overview of anatomy, indications, suturing techniques, typical sources of error, and the relevant surgical techniques.

Day 1 – Friday

Time	Program item
09.00 – 09.10	greeting
09.10 – 10.45	Lectures (Block 1) 1. Fundamentals of abdominal surgery, suture materials & techniques, diagnostic laparotomy with intraoperative biopsy
10:45 – 11:00	Coffee break
11:00 – 13:00	Practical exercises
13:00 – 14:00	Lunch break
14:00 – 15:45	Lectures (Block 2) – Gastrointestinal Tract Stomach surgeries: gastrotomy, gastropexy, stomach biopsy Small intestine surgery: bowel biopsy, enterotomy, end-to-end anastomosis Surgery on the large intestine: volvulus, colopexy
15:45 – 16:00	Coffee break
16:00 – 16:30	demonstration – Intestinal suture & end-to-end anastomosis
16:30 – 18:30	Practical exercises

Day 2 – Saturday

Time	Program item
08:30 – 10:10	Lectures (Blocks 3 & 4) Spleen surgery: biopsies, partial & complete splenectomy Urinary tract: cystotomy, partial cystectomy, pyelolithotomy, ureterotomy, kidney biopsy, partial/complete nephrectomy
10:10 – 10:30	Coffee break
10:30 – 11:00	demonstration – partial splenectomy & ureterotomy
11:00 – 13:30	Practical exercises
13:30 – 14:30	Lunch break
14:00 – 15:00	Lectures (Block 5) – Abdominal Genital Tract Ovaries & Uterus: OE, OHE, Cesarean Section Prostate: Biopsy, omentalization, partial resection, complete prostatectomy
15:00 – 15:30	Demonstrations – Ovarian imaging & prostate mobilization/imaging
15:30 – 15:50	Coffee break
15.50 – 18.00	Practical exercises

All participants will receive a certificate of participation. Minor program changes are possible.

Course content Advanced Abdominal Surgery

Total hours: 14 (ATF is being applied for)
Course language: German
Program Director/Course Instructor Master's: Dr. Sandra Kühnel-Lawatsch
Maximum number of participants: 10
Price for both days: 1,699 EUR plus 19% VAT.
Course location: Idar-Oberstein
Date: 08.05.-09.05.2026

Overview of the Advanced Abdominal Surgery Course

The two-day course offers a comprehensive mix of lectures and practical exercises on surgical procedures on the hepatobiliary system, colon, rectum and endocrine organs such as the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas, supplemented by discussions on "hidden" lymph nodes and a final discussion to clarify any open questions and the operations performed.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• In-depth study of surgical procedures on hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal and endocrine organs.
• Learning basic and advanced surgical techniques and their practical application.
• Avoiding typical mistakes through practical tips and well-founded discussions.
• Promoting an understanding of anatomical peculiarities and surgical challenges. Able to confidently perform procedures such as anal gland removal, perineal hernia repair, and basic rectal surgery.

Course program (subject to change)

Abdominal Surgery II – for Advanced Students

Date: May 8–9, 2026

Location: Doc4Pets Academy, Idar-Oberstein

Speaker: FTÄ Dr. Kühnel-Lawatsch

Day 1 – Friday

Time	Program item
09.00 – 09.10	Welcome & Introductions
09.10 – 11.00	Lectures – Hepatobiliary System 1. Liver operations (partial & complete liver lobe resection, manual & with stapler, resection of liver lymph nodes) 2. Gallbladder operations (choledochal duct stent, cholecystotomy, cholecystectomy, cholecystoduodenostomy)
11:00 – 11:15	Coffee break
11:15 – 11:30	demonstration – Liver lobe resection
11:30 – 13:30	Practical exercises – Hepatobiliary procedures
13:30 – 14:30	Lunch break
14:30 – 16:15	Lectures – Miscellaneous in the Abdomen 3. Adrenal gland extirpation (left vs. right, with/without invasion of the vena cava) 4. Pancreatic Surgery
16:15 – 16:30	Coffee break
16:30 – 16:45	demonstration – Adrenal gland removal
16:45 – 18:30	Practical exercises – Pancreas & Adrenal glands

Day 2 – Saturday (gastrointestinal tract)

Time	Program item
08:30 – 10:30	Lectures – Colon 5. Operations on the large intestine (colotomy, colopexy, colectomy) 6. Operations on the rectum (benign rectal tumors, rectal resection including pelvic splitting, rectal pull-through)
10:30 – 10:45	Coffee break
10:45 – 11:15	demonstration – rectal pull-through & pelvic splitting
11:15 – 13:30	Practical exercises – Rectal and colon surgery
13:30 – 14:30	Lunch break
14:30 – 15:40	Lectures – Gastrointestinal II 7. Hiatal hernia & gastroesophageal intussusception 8. Billroth I (and II)
15:40 – 16:00	Coffee break
16:00 – 16:15	demonstration – Billroth I
16:15 – 18:00	Practical exercises – gastric surgery
18:00 – 18:10	Final discussion & open questions

All participants will receive a certificate of participation. Minor program changes are possible.

Course content Reconstructive surgery

Total hours: 7 (ATF is being applied for)
Course language: German
Program Director/Course Instructor Master's: Dr. Sandra Kühnel-Lawatsch
Maximum number of participants: 10
Price for both days: 999 EUR plus 19% VAT.
Course location: Idar-Oberstein
Date: 26.09.2026

Course overview: Reconstructive surgery

This one-day course combines theoretical foundations with intensive practical training, offering a structured program for modern wound care in small animals. Beginning with in-depth lectures on the principles of wound closure, natural skin tension lines, and skin stretching techniques, the course progresses to plastic surgery techniques for tension-free wound closure. Further emphasis is placed on the application of simple flap techniques and an introduction to the principles of free skin grafts. Practical exercises complement the theory, allowing participants to apply and refine the techniques presented.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• have a deeper understanding of the biological basis and mechanical principles of wound closure,
• better able to recognize tension conditions in the tissue and to apply suitable techniques for skin stretching and tension reduction,
• Master various methods for tension-free wound closure, including local advancement flaps and the basics of free skin grafting.,
• Gain more confidence in the surgical handling of more complex wound situations through practical exercises,
• be able to recognize and avoid common sources of error in wound treatment,
• To practically implement surgical strategies for tumor resection and train under realistic conditions.

Course program (subject to change)

Fundamentals of Reconstructive Surgery – Doc4Pets Academy

Program year: 2025/2026

Daily routine

Time	Program item
09:00 – 10:30	lectures – Principles of wound closure – Tension lines – Possibilities of skin stretching – Wound closure using various tension reduction techniques
10:30 – 10:50	Coffee break
10.50 – 12.50	Practical exercises
12.50 – 13.50	Lunch break
13:50 – 15:40	lectures – Simple sliding plastics for everyone – Principles of free skin transplantation
15:40 – 15:55	Coffee break
15:55 – 18:00	Practical exercises

All participants will receive a certificate of participation. Minor program changes are possible.

Summary of soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians

Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are essential for professional development in veterinary medicine. They offer veterinarians the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of soft tissue surgery. Through these courses, veterinarians learn to perform complex surgical procedures safely and effectively.

These soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are essential for improving treatment quality and patient safety. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians update knowledge of the latest surgical techniques and treatment methods. These courses facilitate practical learning through hands-on exercises. By participating in soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians, they enhance their professional competence and marketability.

Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians provide a platform for exchanging ideas with experts and colleagues. These courses help strengthen confidence in one's own surgical practice. They offer a comprehensive introduction to new surgical instruments and materials. Soft tissue surgery courses are key to expanding the range of services offered in veterinary practices. They support veterinarians in meeting the demands of modern veterinary medicine and promote an evidence-based approach to surgical problems.

Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are crucial for maintaining high standards in veterinary surgery. These courses help improve surgical success rates and contribute to continuous professional development. Soft tissue surgery courses are an investment in the future of veterinary practice.

Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians strengthen pet owners' trust in veterinary care. These courses are an indispensable resource for any veterinarian practicing soft tissue surgery. They offer in-depth insights into the complex aspects of veterinary surgery and are therefore a fundamental pillar of veterinary education and training.