Locoregional Anaesthesia in Small Animals

The most important ultrasound-guided nerve blocks for safe perioperative pain management

Course Format: Blended Learning

Course duration: 1 month (see Part 1 below), followed by a practical component (see Part 2 below).

Course Duration: The course is designed as a blended-learning continuing education format, combining structured e-learning with an intensive, hands-on in-person training day in Vienna. The aim of the course is to provide a solid, clinically applicable, and safety-focused understanding of modern locoregional anaesthesia.

Part 1: E-Learning

Start: 1 month before the practical course day

The e-learning module provides the theoretical foundation for the course, covering the anatomical, pharmacological, and clinical principles of locoregional anesthesia. It allows participants to prepare specifically and effectively for the practical training day.

Module 1: General Principles of Locoregional Anesthesia

  • Why locoregional anaesthesia is a key component of modern small animal anaesthesia

  • Why traditional techniques are often unreliable

  • What requirements must be met for locoregional anaesthesia to be performed safely and reproducibly

  • Equipment: ultrasound machine, nerve stimulator, needles and accessories

  • Clinical pharmacology of local anaesthetics

  • Indications and contraindications

  • Potential complications associated with inadequate technique

  • LAST: Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity

Module 2: Local Anesthesia and Head Blocks

  • Functional Anatomy of the Cranial Nerves

  • Maxillary Nerve Block

  • Infraorbital Nerve Block

  • Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block

  • Mental Nerve Block

  • Peribulbar and Retrobulbar Block

  • Local Infiltration Anesthesia (LIA)

  • Testicular Block

  • Digital Nerve Blocks and Ring Blocks

Module 3: Regional Anesthesia of the Hind Limb

  • Functional Anatomy of the Hindlimb

  • Epidural Anesthesia: Lumbosacral and Sacrococcygeal Approaches

  • Sciatic Nerve Block

  • Femoral Nerve Block

  • Saphenous Nerve Block

Module 4: Regional Anesthesia of the Forelimb

  • Functional Anatomy of the Forelimb

  • Subscalene Brachial Plexus Block

  • Axillary Brachial Plexus Block

Module 5: Regional Anesthesia of the Abdomen

  • Functional Anatomy of the Abdominal Wall

  • Transversus Abdominis Plane Block (TAP Block)

  • Rectus Sheath Block (RSB)

Module 6: Regional Anesthesia of the Thorax

  • Functional Anatomy of the Thoracic Wall

  • Serratus Plane Block (SPB)

  • Intercostal Nerve Block (ICNB)

Part 2: In-Person Practical Training Day in Vienna on November 22, 2026

Course location: Vetklinikum, Laxenburger Straße 252A, 1230 Vienna, Austria

The practical course day takes place in Vienna and is designed to put the content covered in the e-learning modules into practice. The focus is on ultrasound anatomy, correct transducer positioning, needle guidance, and safe injection techniques.

Practical Training

  • 4 practical training sessions, 1.5 hours each

  • Live demonstration

  • Hands-on practice on cadaveric specimens / anatomical models

  • Ultrasound scanning techniques

  • Sonoanatomical orientation

  • Real-time needle guidance

  • Accurate identification of target structures

  • Practical application of clinically relevant nerve blocks

Course fee: €1,500 net, plus 20% VAT.

The course fee includes:

  • Part 1: E-learning for theoretical preparation

  • Part 2: The in-person practical training day

  • Refreshments during coffee breaks, lunch, and a group dinner

  • Course materials

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