Cut to the chase: Mastering small intestinal surgery in dogs and cats

This lecture will provide a comprehensive, clinically focused guide to small intestinal surgery in the dog and cat. Designed for general and advanced practitioners, it will integrate surgical principles with practical decision-making to optimize outcomes in both routine and emergency settings.
Topics include surgical anatomy and blood supply, indications for enterotomy and enterectomy–end-to-end anastomosis, management of foreign bodies, neoplasia, and intussusception. Videos will be used to demonstrate and emphasise key aspects of the surgical procedures, enabling delegates to visualise the techniques and their implementation. Emphasis will be placed on atraumatic tissue handling, preservation of vascular integrity, appropriate suture selection and patterns, and techniques to minimise leakage and dehiscence.

• •Describe the common indications for and the anatomical considerations of small intestinal surgery in the dog and cat
• •Understand the surgical principles of enterotomy, enterectomy, and hand-sewn end-to-end anastomosis in the dog and cat
• •Appreciate the benefits and issues associated with leak testing following enterotomy and enterectomy in the dog and cat