UNAVETS training in Spain
Training Day – Intensive Care Unit
On 12 December 2024, at the Veterinary Reference Hospital (Madrid), Beatriz Alcocer, a veterinarian specialising in the ICU and Emergency Department, gave a training session focused on ureteral obstruction in feline patients. During the session, key aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of this condition were covered, with a focus on the most advanced treatment techniques. The day ended with a networking event and buffet service for the participants.
Feline Medicine Training Day
On 19 December 2024, at the Gasteiz Veterinary Hospital (Vitoria), Salvador Cervantes, an internationally recognised veterinarian specialising in feline medicine, offered a comprehensive training session on the diagnosis and treatment of coughing and choking in cats. The session focused on the importance of a structured diagnosis and comprehensive follow-up to achieve effective treatment.
Traumatology Training Day
On 15 January 2025, Felipe de Vicente, EBVS (European Diploma ECVS) and British specialist in Surgery and clinical director of the Hospital de Referencia Veterios, gave a training day in traumatology at the same hospital he runs. During the session, various advanced techniques for treating fractures and joint injuries in small animals were discussed, including the use of external fixators and modern orthopaedic implants. The training combined theory with practical workshops to ensure immediate application of the knowledge acquired.
Hip Dysplasia Training Day
On 30 January 2025, at Hospital Veterios Referência, Felipe de Vicente offered detailed training on the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs. Felipe described the options available for treating hip dysplasia in dogs. Conservative treatment based on weight loss, anti-inflammatories, omega-3s and rehabilitation, and surgical treatment, where hip replacement is the most successful and eliminates the need for lifelong medication for the animal.
OneVet Training in Portugal
Soft Tissue Surgery Training – North
On 6 and 7 December 2024, OneVet University Veterinary Hospital in Paredes, northern Portugal, held a training course in soft tissue surgery. Veterinary specialists André Queirós and Luís Maltez explained the principles of soft tissue surgery, with an emphasis on procedures involving the digestive, hepatic, splenic and urinary systems. Surgical techniques for the respiratory system, oral cavity and skin, such as flaps and hernia repair, were also covered.
Dermatology training
On 14 and 15 December 2024, a training course in dermatology was held at the Porto Veterinary Hospital. Veterinary specialists Diana Ferreira, Helena Guimarães, Maria Inês and Sara Salgueiro gave practical modules on the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media externa, cytology and advanced techniques such as video otoscopy. There was also a practical workshop on dermatological cytology, applying the knowledge to real cases.
Soft Tissue Surgery Training – Centre/South
On 20 and 21 December 2024, soft tissue surgery training was repeated at the Tapada das Mercês Veterinary Hospital (Centro/Sul). As with the training in the north, veterinary specialists André Queirós and Pedro Olivério covered various surgical techniques, including interventions on the digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and skin systems. Approaches to hernia resolution and cleft palate repair were also discussed.
Both UNAVETS and OneVet continue to promote the specialisation of veterinary professionals through theoretical and practical training in areas of high demand. These sessions, held in veterinary hospitals in Spain and Portugal, cover areas such as feline medicine, traumatology, soft tissue surgery and dermatology, consolidating their fundamental role in the ongoing development of veterinary medicine. Continuing education remains essential to providing excellent patient care and promoting sustained growth in the veterinary sector.
Trainings in 2025
The following training programmes were held in 2025:
Emergencies and Intensive Care
On 24, 25, 26 and 27 February, training in Emergencies and Intensive Care took place, led by Adam Mugford. This training was also repeated in March, on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th. In order to share knowledge with a greater number of veterinarians, the sessions took place at the Tapada Veterinary Hospital and the Porto Veterinary Hospital.
The main aim of this training was to cover triage and the approach to animals in emergency situations, as well as essential topics such as:
- Shock (types of shock and approach),
- Fluid therapy (including the differences in the treatment of cats),
- Management and stabilisation of the polytraumatised patient,
- Monitoring the patient in intensive care,
- Blood transfusions (including blood and blood products),
- Transfusion reactions,
- Respiratory emergencies,
- Cardiovascular emergencies,
- Head trauma,
- Endocrine emergencies (such as diabetic ketoacidosis and adisonian crisis)
Abdominal Ultrasound
On 14 and 15 March, Abdominal Ultrasound training took place at the Porto Veterinary Hospital, led by Juliana Moreira and João Oliveira.
The aim of this training was to provide an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals and basic principles of ultrasound, as well as its practical application. The topics covered included:
– Indications, limitations, positioning and preparation of echographic reports,
– Ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder,
– Ultrasound of the spleen and urinary tract,
– Ultrasound of the digestive system, pancreas, reproductive system and pregnancy,
– Ultrasound of the adrenal glands,
– Basic ultrasound of the lymph nodes and abdominal vasculature.
The training also included practical sessions to consolidate the knowledge acquired.
About OneAcademy
OneAcademy is the UNAVETS Group’s training platform, which offers practical courses, face-to-face lectures, online courses, specialised workshops, internships and more specialised certifications, including postgraduate programmes, for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
This training platform reflects UNAVETS’ commitment to providing high-quality continuing education and growth opportunities for veterinary professionals.
UNAVETS offered more than 125 days of training for veterinarians in ultrasound, radiology and echocardiography, computed tomography, neurology, clinical medicine, anaesthesia, dentistry, surgery and communication. Around 2,000 vets and assistants took part in these events at the 10 training centres throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
José Ramón Escribano, Senior Consultant at UNAVETS, comments: ‘Training is important not only for the group and the sector, but also for people’s individual development. That’s why, at UNAVETS, we provide all the necessary resources to ensure that the growth of the entire team – assistants, vets, receptionists, administrators, etc. – is both a scientific and human reality. Integral training of people is the lever for growth and development, and we are working towards it.’