AO VET Online Course—Lameness in Dogs: Diagnosis and Decision-Making

This 6-week, course with a competency-based curriculum focuses on enhancing decision-making skills, specifically related to lameness in dogs, and improving outcomes of canine surgery.

It’s tailored to meet participants’ educational needs by offering:

A flexible schedule with self-directed online learning modules
Interactive modules designed to foster lasting retention of knowledge
Knowledge exchange on a global scale: Lectures are presented by 10-12 experienced faculty members, representing diverse expertise from four different regions, and welcomes participants from across the globe.
Supportive educational environment: Participants are invited to raise questions, initiating discussion with the experienced faculty members and fellow participants, in order to maximize their learning outcomes.
Access to a wide range of resources: Expert presentations, discussion forums, and the myAO case application are integrated seamlessly into your learning experience.
Credentialing commitment to growth: Participants earn recognition for their dedication to professional advancement by receiving an AO VET course completion certificate upon successfully completing the course.
High-quality education by expert surgeons, backed by the AO Education Institute.

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Course content

Goals of the course

This online course aims to provide participants with the opportunity to develop and refine their knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the diagnosis and decision-making of lameness in dogs, while benefiting from the flexibility and the interactive learning environment of online education.
Target audience

This course is designed for individuals interested in managing both common and challenging cases in dogs and in aiming to deepen their understanding of diagnosing canine lameness.

Veterinary students, residents, and surgeons are encouraged to join the course, where they can become part of a supportive environment, conducive to expanding their knowledge and refining their diagnostic skills in this field.
Learning objectives
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Conduct a physical ortho exam of a dog’s front limb

Conduct a physical ortho exam of a dog’s hind limb

Obtain radiographs when required: 2 orthogonal views of both sides is the expected standard when possible (obtained correctly for each limb or joint)

Position the patient correctly for the radiographic examination for routine views, challenges with breed and size, and special and stress x-rays

Recognize the benefits of orthogonal views and limitations of fewer x-rays and radiation exposure with hand-held approach

Recognize advanced modalities and when to refer (for ultrasound, MRI, special blood tests).
Course summary
Course divided into 8 key modules

Duration: 40 hours self directed learning

3 live online sessions - (2 hours/session)

Seamless communication with faculty members and participants during the entire course

Access to AO VET resources, including expert presentations, readings and myAO case application
Course modules
Preparation, history, examination, radiography

Approaching Lameness Diagnosis

Front Limb Pathologies in Young Animals

Front Limb Pathologies in Older Animals

Hind Limb Pathologies in Young Animals

Hind Limb Pathologies in Older Animals

Structured Cases: Front Limb

Structured Cases: Hind Limb
Certificates and assessment

AO VET course certificates are awarded for successful completion of the course.