TPLO course on March 15, 2025 at the Doc4pets Academy Idar-Oberstein - Deepen your surgical skills with PD Dr. Bianca Hettlich

Introduction

Dear Colleagues,

Veterinary medicine is a dynamic field that requires continued education to ensure the best service to our animal patients. If you would like to expand your surgical skills and learn the latest technology in the treatment of cruciate ligament tears in dogs, we warmly invite you to our TPLO course on March 15, 2025 at the Doc4pets Academy Idar-Oberstein .

Under the expert guidance of PD Dr. med. vet. Bianca Hettlich , DACVS and DECVS, you will gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) - one of the leading methods for treating cruciate ligament tears in dogs.

About PD Dr. med. vet. Bianca Hettlich

PD Dr. Bianca Hettlich is an internationally recognized expert in the field of small animal orthopedics and neurosurgery. With an impressive career that has taken her through renowned institutions in the USA and Europe, she brings with her a wealth of experience that she enjoys sharing with colleagues.

Professional background:

• From 2022: Independent consultant for small animal orthopedics and neurosurgery
• 2021 – 2022: Senior physician at the Stuttgart-Plieningen animal clinic
• 2019 – 2021: Private lecturer, small animal surgery, Vetsuisse Faculty Bern, Switzerland
• 2015 – 2019: Senior Assistant, Small Animal Surgery, Vetsuisse Faculty Bern, Switzerland
• 2014 – 2015: Associate Professor, Small Animal Orthopedics, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
• 2008 – 2014: Assistant Professor, Small Animal Orthopedics, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
• 2004 – 2008: Clinical Assistant Professor, Neurosurgery and Orthopedics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
• 2001 – 2004: Residency in Small Animal Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
• 1999 – 2001: Rotating Small Animal Internship and Small Animal Surgery Internship, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA

With her diplomate degrees from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS) and the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (DECVS), PD Dr. Hettlich is well qualified to give you in-depth insights into TPLO technology.

Why learn the TPLO technique?

Cruciate ligament rupture in dogs is one of the most common orthopedic diseases and presents veterinarians with major challenges. The TPLO technique has been established as an effective method to stabilize the biomechanical forces in the knee joint and enable rapid recovery.

Advantages of TPLO technology:

• Biomechanical stability: Changing the tibial plateau angle to neutralize the harmful drawer effects.
• Fast rehabilitation: Patients can put weight on the affected leg sooner, which promotes muscle preservation.
• Long-term results: reduction in the development of osteoarthritis and improvement in quality of life.
• Applicability: Suitable for dogs of different sizes and activity levels.

Course content

The course is designed to be intensive and practice-oriented in order to provide experienced veterinarians with detailed knowledge and skills. Please note that this course is not suitable for beginners. Basic knowledge of orthopedic surgery and experience in osteosynthetic procedures are required.

1. Theoretical foundations

• Anatomy of the knee joint: Deepening of the anatomical structures and their clinical significance.
• Pathophysiology of cruciate ligament rupture: causes, diagnosis and effects on the joint.
• Biomechanics of the TPLO: Understanding the biomechanical principles and how the TPLO influences joint forces.

2. Preoperative planning

• Radiological evaluation: Exact measurement of the tibial plateau angle using X-rays.
• Implant selection: Criteria for selecting appropriate TPLO plates and screws.
• Preparation for surgery: patient preparation, instrument preparation and sterilization techniques.

3. Surgical technique

• Operation steps: Detailed instructions from skin incision to wound closure.
• Dealing with complications: recognizing and managing intraoperative challenges.
• Technique tips: Recommendations for optimizing surgical technique and avoiding errors.

4. Postoperative care

• Pain Management: Modern Approaches to Analgesia and Anesthesia.
• Rehabilitation: Development of individual physiotherapy plans for the postoperative period.
• Long-term follow-up: monitoring healing and dealing with possible late complications.

5. Practical exercises

• Hands-on training: Carrying out TPLO on realistic bone models under the guidance of PD Dr. Hettlich.
• Instrument handling: Practice in safe handling of TPLO saws and panels.
• Case discussions: Analysis of real cases to deepen what has been learned and exchange experiences.

Daily course schedule

Our training rooms

Target group

This course is aimed at experienced veterinarians with a focus on small animal surgery who would like to expand their knowledge of orthopedic surgery. Basic surgical skills and experience in osteosynthesis are required.

Suitable for:

• Veterinarians specializing in surgery
• Veterinarians with a focus on orthopedics
• Practice owners who would like to expand their range of services
• Veterinarians in further training to become specialist veterinarians

Why you should participate

Excellent further training

• Expertise from PD Dr. Hettlich: Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from an internationally recognized specialist.
• Current Techniques: Learn the latest developments in TPLO surgery.

Practical learning

• Hands-on experience: Practice the technique under realistic conditions.
• Individual support: Benefit from personal feedback and support.

Networking

• Exchange with colleagues: Make contacts and expand your professional network.
• Discussion of real cases: Learn from others' experiences and share your own.

Increasing your practice quality

• Extended range of services: Offer your patients modern treatment options.
• Improved patient care: Increase customer satisfaction through better treatment outcomes.

Investment and registration

Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Location: Doc4pets Academy, Carl-Benz Str. 21, 55743 Idar-Oberstein

Participation fee: €960 plus VAT.

Included in the price:

• Comprehensive course materials
• Practical training material
• Meals during the course (drinks, snacks, lunch)
• Certificate of participation with 7 ATF hours
• Personal support from PD Dr. Bianca Hettlich & vet Susanne Arndt

Registration:

• Online: Visit our website https://tierarzt-fortbildungen.de/buchung/ and register directly.
• By telephone: Call us at +49 (0)72175088612

Note: The number of participants is limited to ensure an optimal learning atmosphere. Register early to secure your spot!

About Doc4pets Academy

The Doc4pets Academy stands for high-quality training in the veterinary field. With modern facilities and an experienced team, we offer ideal conditions for effective learning and professional exchange.

Our philosophy:

• Quality and practical relevance: We value practice-oriented content and current scientific findings.
• Individual support: Small group sizes enable a personal learning atmosphere.
• Continuous development: We support veterinarians in continually improving their skills.

Idar-Oberstein – The Gemstone City

Combine your training with a visit to the charming town of Idar-Oberstein, known for its gemstone industry and picturesque landscape.

Sightseeing attractions:

• Rock Church: An impressive structure carved directly into the rock.
• German Gemstone Museum: Discover the fascinating world of gemstones.
• Steinkaulenberg gemstone mines: Visit the only gemstone mines in Europe that are open to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Additional benefits

Early bird discount

Register by December 31, 2024 and benefit from a 10% on the participation fee.

Group discount

two or more people register at the same time, we grant a discount of 15% per person.

Payment and cancellation conditions

• Payment: After you register you will receive an invoice. Payment is due within 14 days , but at the latest before the course begins.
• Cancellation: If you cancel up to four weeks before the start of the course, we will refund the participation fee minus a processing fee of €50 . If you cancel later, a refund is not possible, but you can nominate a replacement participant.

Contact

Doc4pets Academy

• Address: Carl-Benz Str. 21, 55743 Idar-Oberstein
• Phone: +49 (0)72175088612
• Email: s.arndt@doc4pets.gmbh
• Website: https://tierarzt-fortbildungen.de/

If you have any further questions or information, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Summary of the TPLO course on March 15, 2025 at the Doc4pets Academy Idar-Oberstein

The TPLO course on March 15, 2025 at the Doc4pets Academy in Idar-Oberstein offers experienced veterinarians the unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of orthopedic surgery. Under the expert guidance of PD Dr. Bianca Hettlich , an internationally recognized expert, participants will learn the TPLO technique (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) in detail.

This TPLO course is specifically aimed at veterinarians with prior knowledge of small animal surgery who would like to expand their skills. The TPLO technique is an advanced method for treating cruciate ligament tears in dogs and has become firmly established in modern veterinary medicine. The TPLO course teaches both theoretical basics and practical exercises to ensure a comprehensive understanding of this technique.

PD Dr. Bianca Hettlich brings her many years of experience from renowned institutions in the USA and Europe to the TPLO course . The participants benefit from their in-depth knowledge and practical tips. During the TPLO course, topics such as the anatomy of the knee joint, the pathophysiology of cruciate ligament tears and the biomechanical principles of TPLO are covered.

A focus of the TPLO course is on preoperative planning and the selection of suitable implants. Participants learn how to correctly interpret x-rays and accurately measure the tibial plateau angle. During the practical part of the TPLO course, participants have the opportunity to practice the TPLO technique on realistic bone models under the guidance of PD Dr. Nice to practice.

The TPLO course also offers space for exchanging ideas with colleagues and discussing real case studies. In this way, participants can benefit from the experiences of others and expand their professional network. The small group size of the TPLO course ensures individual support and an effective learning environment.

The investment for the TPLO course is €899 including VAT. The price includes comprehensive course materials, meals and a certificate of participation. The Doc4pets Academy recommends early registration for the TPLO course as places are limited.

In addition to the professional gain, the TPLO course the opportunity to explore the picturesque town of Idar-Oberstein. The city is known for its gemstone industry and offers numerous sights that can round off your visit to the TPLO course .

Finally, the TPLO course on March 15, 2025 is an excellent opportunity for veterinarians to expand their surgical skills and confidently master the TPLO technique. The combination of theoretical knowledge, practical application and the expertise of PD Dr. Bianca Hettlich makes this TPLO course a valuable part of your professional development.

Register now for the TPLO course and invest in your professional future!