Designed for veterinarians and veterinary technicians requiring a practical, clinically focused approach to detecting and evaluating portosystemic shunts using ultrasound, clinical integration, and the SDEP® abdominal scanning framework.
 
Instructor: Eric Lindquist, DMV (Italy), DABVP (Canine & Feline), Cert. IVUSS, Founder & CEO of SonoPath
2 RACE-approved CE credits
Video webinars plus post-course CE quiz
Approximate Study Time: 2 hours 
 
Course Overview:
Finding a shunt is only part of the diagnostic challenge knowing how to systematically look, interpret findings, and understand the clinical impact is where the true skill develops.
This 2-part webinar series provides a comprehensive sonographic approach to the detection and evaluation of portosystemic shunts (PSS), including both extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSS) and intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS). Using the SDEP® abdominal scanning protocol, learners will follow a structured approach to vascular evaluation, including the “negative shunt hunt” or understanding how to confidently assess patients when a shunt is not identified.
 
Through detailed imaging examples, schematics, and clinical case discussions, this course explores hepatic vascular anatomy, scanning techniques, common obstacles, and solutions for improving shunt detection. Clinical signs, laboratory findings, congenital considerations, portal hypertension, and treatment pathways are integrated to help connect ultrasound findings with patient management.
 
The course also reviews the role of CT in extrahepatic shunt evaluation, feline shunts, and medical and surgical management considerations for patients with confirmed or suspected vascular anomalies.
 
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will know how to
Understand normal hepatic vascular anatomy and its relevance to shunt detection
Apply SDEP® abdominal scanning positions 9–14 for targeted shunt evaluation
Perform a systematic approach to the positive and negative shunt hunt
Recognize sonographic findings associated with extrahepatic and intrahepatic portosystemic shunts
Understand portal hypertension and its impact on abdominal ultrasound findings
Integrate clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities, and congenital considerations into the shunt workup
Identify common sonographic obstacles and practical solutions for improved imaging
Understand when CT may be indicated for extrahepatic shunt assessment
Review medical and surgical management approaches for patients with shunts
Recognize considerations specific to feline portosystemic shunts
 
What’s Included:
Lifetime access to this SonoPath Education course
2 x self-paced video webinars
CE quiz and certificate (when passed at 70%)
Additional Resources to help you on your SonoPath to Success