REGISTER HERE >
This lecture provides a comprehensive introduction to the emergency use of bedside ultrasound in veterinary practice, focusing on the key techniques AFAST (Abdominal Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma), TFAST/VetBLUE (Thoracic Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma), and a brief overview of focused cardiac ultrasound. We will explore critical skills for rapid, non-invasive diagnostic assessments in emergency settings, including how to evaluate left atrial dimension (LaAo), left atrial dilation (LAD), and assess a patient’s volume status based on cardiac chamber evaluation.
Participants will:
- Understand the AFAST exam and its role in guiding emergency treatment decisions.
- Gain proficiency in the TFAST/VetBLUE exam and its insights.
- Acquire skills for evaluating left atrial dimension and LaAo.
- Learn to assess a patient’s volume status via cardiac chamber examination to guide fluid therapy in critical care settings.
- Recognize the limitations of bedside ultrasound, including the importance of integrating findings with clinical context and and when to pursue more advanced imaging.
