Prof. Andrea Zatelli
DVM, Associate Professor at the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Bari
Oct 18-20, 2026 | Malaysia
Course Overview
The Canine and Feline Kidney Diseases and Renal Ultrasound Hands-on Course is a comprehensive 3-day program designed for veterinarians who want to improve their understanding of kidney diseases and develop practical renal ultrasound skills.
The course covers the diagnosis and management of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), interpretation of laboratory findings and urinalysis, renal ultrasound examination, Doppler applications, and ultrasound-guided renal procedures.
A key feature of the course is the full day of hands-on practical training, allowing participants to gain experience in renal ultrasound scanning, identification of common abnormalities, and ultrasound-guided biopsy and cytology techniques.
Course Highlights
Diagnosis and management of CKD and AKI
Interpretation of renal laboratory tests and urinalysis
Renal ultrasound image acquisition and interpretation
Doppler ultrasound applications in nephrology
Ultrasound-guided renal biopsy techniques
Histopathology and cytology basics
Interactive clinical case discussions
Full-day hands-on renal ultrasound workshop
What You Will Learn
Understand the pathophysiology of canine and feline kidney diseases
Improve diagnostic and treatment planning for renal patients
Recognize normal and abnormal renal ultrasound findings
Perform ultrasound-guided renal procedures with greater confidence
Apply practical nephrology knowledge to everyday clinical cases
This course combines essential nephrology knowledge with practical ultrasound training, helping veterinarians improve both diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making in small animal practice.
Curriculum
Day 1 - Pathophysiology and Medical Diagnosis of Kidney Diseases
Objective: To lay a solid foundation in normal and pathological renal physiology, and a comprehensive medical diagnostic approach.
· 9:00 - 10:00 AM: Session 1 - Renal Physiology and Anatomy
o Macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the canine and feline kidney.
o Mechanisms of glomerular filtration and tubular physiology.
o Regulation of fluid-electrolyte and acid-base balance.
· 10:00 - 10:30 AM: Coffee Break
· 10:30 - 11:30 AM: Session 2 - Pathogenesis and Classification of Kidney Diseases (CKD and AKI)
o Etiology and risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
o IRIS staging for CKD.
o Pathophysiology of progressive kidney disease.
· 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Session 3 - Laboratory Diagnostics in Nephrology
o Creatinine, BUN, SDMA: interpretation and limits.
o Urinalysis: specific gravity, sediment, proteinuria.
o Electrolytes and acid-base balance.
· 12:30 - 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
· 2:00 - 3:00 PM: Session 4 - Medical Management of CKD
o Dietary therapy.
o Hypertension.
o Management of proteinuria and anemia.
· 3:00 - 3:30 PM: Coffee Break
· 3:30 - 4:30 PM: Session 5 - Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to AKI
o Common causes of AKI.
o Fluid therapy management and complications.
o Prognosis and monitoring.
· 4:30 - 5:30 PM: Session 6 - Interactive Case Studies: Medical Diagnosis and Management
o Presentation and discussion of complex CKD and AKI cases.
Day 2 - Renal Ultrasound and Ultrasound-Guided Techniques
Objective: To acquire skills in performing and interpreting renal ultrasound examinations and diagnostic/therapeutic ultrasound-guided procedures.
· 9:00 - 10:00 AM: Session 1 - Principles of Normal Renal Ultrasound
o Ultrasound equipment and settings.
o Scanning techniques and image acquisition.
o Normal US anatomy of the canine and feline kidney.
· 10:00 - 10:30 AM: Coffee Break
· 10:30 - 11:30 AM: Session 2 - US Abnormalities in Kidney Diseases
o Alterations in kidney size and morphology (hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease).
o Parenchymal structural changes (hyperechogenicity, loss of corticomedullary limits).
o Focal pathologies (masses, cysts, abscesses).
· 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Session 3 - Advanced US Applications
o Renal Doppler: evaluation of blood flow.
o Differentiating between AKI and CKD with US.
· 12:30 - 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
· 2:00 - 3:00 PM: Session 4 - Principles of Ultrasound-Guided Procedures in Nephrology
o Indications and contraindications for renal biopsy.
o Principles of ultrasound-guided drainage (hydronephrosis, pyonephrosis, perirenal pseudocyst).
· 3:00 - 3:30 PM: Coffee Break
· 3:30 - 4:30 PM: Session 5 - Ultrasound-Guided Renal Biopsy: Technique and Safety
o Needle selection and instrumentation.
o Patient positioning and preparation.
o "Free-hand" and "needle guide" techniques.
o Management of complications.
· 4:30 - 5:30 PM: Session 6 - Histological and Cytological Interpretation of Renal Samples
o Guidance on submitting samples to the laboratory.
o Clinicopathological correlation.
o Basics of report interpretation.
Day 3 - Practical Ultrasound-Guided Activities and Advanced Management
Objective: To consolidate ultrasound skills and gain familiarity with ultrasound-guided procedures through practical sessions.
· 9:00 - 10:30 AM: Session 1 - Practical Workshop: Renal Ultrasound
o Optimal acquisition of renal images on models or ex-vivo kidneys.
o Identification of normal structures.
o Simulation of common abnormalities.
· 10:30 – 11:00 AM: Coffee Break
· 11:00 - 12:30 AM: Session 1 - Practical Workshop: Renal Ultrasound
o Optimal acquisition of renal images on models or ex-vivo kidneys.
o Identification of normal structures.
o Simulation of common abnormalities.
· 12:30 - 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
· 2:00 - 3:30 PM: Session 2 - Practical Workshop: Renal Biopsy & Cytology Techniques (Phantoms or Carcasses)
o Practice with cytology and biopsy needles.
o Practice of "free-hand" and "needle guide" techniques (if available).
o Focus on safety and precision.
· 3:30 – 4:00 PM: Coffee Break
· 4:00 - 5:30 PM: Session 2 - Practical Workshop: Renal Biopsy & Cytology Techniques (Phantoms or Carcasses)
o Practice with cytology and biopsy needles.
o Practice of "free-hand" and "needle guide" techniques (if available).
o Focus on safety and precision.
Instructor
Prof. Andrea Zatelli
DVM
Associate Professor at the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Bari
Medical Director of the Emergency and Outpatient Department of the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
His main research interests are nephrology and urology in dogs and cats (with a particular interest in nephropathies due to vector-borne diseases and the diagnosis and treatment of canine glomerulonephritis), leishmaniasis, dirofilariasis and urinary tract infections.
His main research interests are nephrology and urology in dogs and cats (with a particular interest in nephropathies due to vector-borne diseases and the diagnosis and treatment of canine glomerulonephritis), leishmaniasis, dirofilariasis and urinary tract infections.
Author of over 60 publications in international scientific journals
Founding member of the Canine Leishmaniasis Study Group
Payment Method
· Bank Transfer (PHP / THB / MYR )
· Alipay
Course Fee
| Canine and Feline Kidney Diseases and Renal Ultrasound Hands-on Course | 2,500 MYR |
| Transaid’s User | 2,200 MYR |
Cancellation & Refund Policy
· More than 10 days before the course: 90% of the tuition will be refunded. Within 10 days before the course: Only 50% of the tuition will be refunded. Alternatively, your spot can be transferred to another participant.
· In case of course-related changes (e.g. rescheduling or venue change), a full refund can be requested. No additional compensation will be provided.
· Refunds are typically processed within one month. Thank you for your patience.
· If an invoice is required, please submit your request within 3 months after the course ends. Invoices must be issued within the same calendar year as the tuition payment. No refunds will be processed once an invoice has been issued.