Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Cardiology
PgCert. Cardio. Ifevet
Start date
17th October 2026
Modality
Streaming and Workshops
Credits
University Level 7 30 ECTS (European credits), equivalent to 60 UK credits
Duration
8 months for PgCert
Start date
17th October 2026
Timetable streaming
Saturday, 9 to 18:30 Sunday, 9 to 14:30
Timetable presential
Saturday, 9 to 17.30 Sunday, 9 to 14.30
ECTS Credits
30 ECTS credits
Modules
12 modules
Modality
Blended
Number of students
16 students
About this course
The main aim of this course is to improve the clinical reasoning behind the management of cardiac cases in daily practice. To achieve this, the course will focus on understanding the fundamentals of cardiovascular physiology, enabling correct diagnosis and management of the most common cardiac diseases in dogs and cats.
Theoretical-practical lectures, enable students to systematically approach cardiology cases. At the end of each module, students will have had the opportunity to review the physiology/pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, treatment options, and prognosis of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Interaction with the lecturers is encouraged to share experiences and deliver clarity.
Why study this course?
- Learn from 11 world-leading veterinary cardiologists as speakers: each module will be taught by a European or American specialist (or residency-trained) to ensure the highest quality training.
- Improve confidence in cardiology: learn skills that are applicable every day in practice.
- Improve patient welfare at all lifestages: from how to approach congenital cardiac disease to the management of chronic and acquired conditions.
- Progress your career: fast-track PgCert taking 8 months, across 12 modules
- Gain current knowledge for immediate application: livestreamed to allow time to relate lectures to cases, ask questions and interact with experienced clinicians
- Manage your time effectively: livestreams are recorded for flexibility
- Gain skills in interpretation: take part in a live workshop over two days, focused on echocardiography.
Timetable
Livestream lectures run on Saturday, 9.00 -18:30 and Sunday, 9.00-14:30.
In-person worhshops run on Saturday, 9.00-17.30 and Sunday, 9.00-14.30
If you can’t attend the session, all lectures are recorded to watch on demand.
Brigite Pedro
DVM MSc DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS | Director of the Cardiology Postgraduate Course
Maria Ines Oliveira
DVM MSc MRCVS DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) | EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology
Date: 17th – 18th October 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Brief review of cardiovascular embriology
- Cardiovascular anatomy
- Cardiovascular physiology (including cardiac cycle, excitation and contraction, action potential
Speaker: Julie Kavanagh
Date: 17th – 18th October 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Approach to the cardiac patient – clinical history and physical examination
- Pathophysiology of congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock
- Medical management of congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shoc
Speaker: Julie Kavanagh
Date: 7th – 8th November 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Brief review of normal thoracic anatomy
- Interpretation of thoracic radiographs, focused on cardiovascular structures
- Radiographic diagnosis of congestive heart failure
- Indications for angiography and CT
- The use of T-FAST in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure
Speaker: Philippa Weston, Luís Mesquita
Date: 7th – 8th November 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- ECG interpretation
- Diagnosis and management of tachyarrhythmias, including review of anti-arrhythmic drugs
- Diagnosis and management of bradyarrhythmias, including review of positive chronotropic drugs and indications for pacemaker implantation
- Holter monitoring – clinical indication
Speaker: Maria Ines Oliveira
Date: 12th – 13th December 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Myxomatous degenerative valvular disease – diagnosis, staging and treatment
- Endocarditis – diagnosis and treatment
- Dilated cardiomyopathy – diagnosis, staging and treatment options
- Brief review of myocarditis
Speaker: Fabio Sarcinella
Date: 12th – 13th December 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Classification of feline cardiomyopathies, based on the ACVIM Consensus statement guidelines
- Diagnosis, staging and treatment of different cardiomyopathies
- Arterial thromboembolism – identification, diagnostic approach and management of the affected patient
Speaker: Julie Hamilton
Date: 16th – 17th January 2027
Modality: Presential – Central CPD (The Imaging and Theory Lab, 14 Bowden Street, London, SE11 4DS)
Module Summary:
- Introduction to echocardiographic techniques (B-mode, M-mode, color and spectral Doppler)
- Interpretation of right and left side views
- Differentiating volume vs pressure overload diseases and discussion of differential diagnosis
- Pratical session
Speaker: Joao Escalda
Date: 16th – 17th January 2027
Modality: Presential – Central CPD (The Imaging and Theory Lab, 14 Bowden Street, London, SE11 4DS)
Module Summary:
- Assessment of systolic and diastolic function
- Estimation of pulmonary pressures by echocardiography
- Identification of echocardiographic signs suggestive of congestive heart failure
- Pratical session
Speaker: Joao Escalda
Date: 13th – 14th February 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Conditions associated with volume overload (Patent Ductus Arteriosus, mitral and tricuspid dysplasia, atrial and ventricular septal defects, etc) – diagnosis and treatment options
- Conditions associated with pressure overload (Pulmonic stenosis, Aortic and sub-aortic stenosis, etc) – diagnosis and treatment options
- Indications and interpretation of bubble study
Speaker: Chris Linney
Date: 13th – 14th February 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Anatomy of the pericardium
- Pathophysiology of pericardial effusions
- Identification of pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade
- Management of pericardial effusions, including indications for pericardiocentesis and discussion of technique
- Identification of cardiac and pericardial tumours, including discussion of diagnostic approaches and case management
Speaker: Ela Mederska
Date: 13th- 14th March 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Estimation of pulmonary pressures based on echocardiography
- Diagnosis, classification and treatment (including brief discussion of heartworm disease and its guidelines)
- Clinical case
Speaker: Brigite Pedro
Date: 13th- 14th March 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Definition of collapse and syncope
- Differential diagnosis for syncope
- Investigations and management of syncope in dogs and cats
- Clinical cases
Speaker: Joao Neves
Programme fee – £10,200
Includes clinical teaching, scheduled practical teaching, online learning materials, the standard PgCert MCQ assessment and your university digital certificate upon successful completion.
If an RCVS-approved APR pathway becomes available
If an RCVS-approved APR pathway becomes available for this programme, eligible students and graduates will not pay again for completed clinical teaching recognised towards that route. Your original enrolment price, including agreed discounts, will be respected.
You would only pay the APR supplement applicable at that time and complete the additional professional skills learning and all required APR assessments. Outstanding original instalments remain payable.
APR approval and timing are not guaranteed. Entry would be subject to eligibility, recognition of prior learning and available places.
Payment options
Pay in full by credit or debit card, or bank transfer (BACS). Individual interest-free instalment plans are also available, subject to conditions. Contact [email protected] to arrange your payment plan.
Certificates
Your digital certificate is included upon successful completion. An optional physical university certificate, including issuance and shipping, costs £140 for delivery within the UK and Europe, or US$250 outside Europe.
Payment terms
Enrolment is confirmed upon receipt of your first payment. Direct debit instalments are collected within the first 10 days of each month. All fees must be settled before the final examination and certification. Full payment terms and conditions apply.
Certification obtained
After passing the postgraduate university training, you will be able to obtain the following credentials to use in your CV:
• International Credential: PgCert. Cardio. ifevet
• Certification obtained: Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Cardiology (UK)
Course Objective
The main aim of this course is to improve the clinical reasoning behind the management of cardiac cases in daily practice. To achieve this, the course will focus on understanding the fundamentals of cardiovascular physiology, enabling correct diagnosis and management of the most common cardiac diseases in dogs and cats.
Structure and benefits of the postgraduate programme
The postgraduate programme comprises modules with theoretical-practical lectures, enabling students to systematically approach cardiology cases. Each module will be taught by a European or American specialist (or residency-trained) to ensure the highest quality training.
At the end of each module, students will have had the opportunity to review the physiology/pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, treatment options, and prognosis of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Interaction with the lecturers is encouraged to share experiences and clarify any doubts.
Target Audience
Designed for professionals working in first opinion, emergencies, or those seeking to specialise in cardiology via an internship or residency. Veterinarians who wish to deepen their knowledge in this area, update their skills, and learn innovative aspects applicable to daily practice will benefit from this postgraduate programme. It is suitable for clinicians with some experience in cardiology, as well as for beginners who need a comprehensive review of basic concepts and a refresher on cardiovascular physiology.
Brigite Pedro
DVM MSc DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS | Director of the Cardiology Postgraduate Course
Maria Ines Oliveira
DVM MSc MRCVS DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) | EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology
Date: 17th – 18th October 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Brief review of cardiovascular embriology
- Cardiovascular anatomy
- Cardiovascular physiology (including cardiac cycle, excitation and contraction, action potential
Speaker: Julie Kavanagh
Date: 17th – 18th October 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Approach to the cardiac patient – clinical history and physical examination
- Pathophysiology of congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock
- Medical management of congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shoc
Speaker: Julie Kavanagh
Date: 7th – 8th November 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Brief review of normal thoracic anatomy
- Interpretation of thoracic radiographs, focused on cardiovascular structures
- Radiographic diagnosis of congestive heart failure
- Indications for angiography and CT
- The use of T-FAST in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure
Speaker: Philippa Weston, Luís Mesquita
Date: 7th – 8th November 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- ECG interpretation
- Diagnosis and management of tachyarrhythmias, including review of anti-arrhythmic drugs
- Diagnosis and management of bradyarrhythmias, including review of positive chronotropic drugs and indications for pacemaker implantation
- Holter monitoring – clinical indication
Speaker: Maria Ines Oliveira
Date: 12th – 13th December 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Myxomatous degenerative valvular disease – diagnosis, staging and treatment
- Endocarditis – diagnosis and treatment
- Dilated cardiomyopathy – diagnosis, staging and treatment options
- Brief review of myocarditis
Speaker: Fabio Sarcinella
Date: 12th – 13th December 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Classification of feline cardiomyopathies, based on the ACVIM Consensus statement guidelines
- Diagnosis, staging and treatment of different cardiomyopathies
- Arterial thromboembolism – identification, diagnostic approach and management of the affected patient
Speaker: Julie Hamilton
Date: 16th – 17th January 2027
Modality: Presential – Central CPD (The Imaging and Theory Lab, 14 Bowden Street, London, SE11 4DS)
Module Summary:
- Introduction to echocardiographic techniques (B-mode, M-mode, color and spectral Doppler)
- Interpretation of right and left side views
- Differentiating volume vs pressure overload diseases and discussion of differential diagnosis
- Pratical session
Speaker: Joao Escalda
Date: 16th – 17th January 2027
Modality: Presential – Central CPD (The Imaging and Theory Lab, 14 Bowden Street, London, SE11 4DS)
Module Summary:
- Assessment of systolic and diastolic function
- Estimation of pulmonary pressures by echocardiography
- Identification of echocardiographic signs suggestive of congestive heart failure
- Pratical session
Speaker: Joao Escalda
Date: 13th – 14th February 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Conditions associated with volume overload (Patent Ductus Arteriosus, mitral and tricuspid dysplasia, atrial and ventricular septal defects, etc) – diagnosis and treatment options
- Conditions associated with pressure overload (Pulmonic stenosis, Aortic and sub-aortic stenosis, etc) – diagnosis and treatment options
- Indications and interpretation of bubble study
Speaker: Chris Linney
Date: 13th – 14th February 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Anatomy of the pericardium
- Pathophysiology of pericardial effusions
- Identification of pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade
- Management of pericardial effusions, including indications for pericardiocentesis and discussion of technique
- Identification of cardiac and pericardial tumours, including discussion of diagnostic approaches and case management
Speaker: Ela Mederska
Date: 13th- 14th March 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Estimation of pulmonary pressures based on echocardiography
- Diagnosis, classification and treatment (including brief discussion of heartworm disease and its guidelines)
- Clinical case
Speaker: Brigite Pedro
Date: 13th- 14th March 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Definition of collapse and syncope
- Differential diagnosis for syncope
- Investigations and management of syncope in dogs and cats
- Clinical cases
Speaker: Joao Neves
We offer two payment options:
- Pay in full via credit or debit card, or BACS
- Instalment plans available for individuals
We offer flexible payment plans to support candidates paying as individuals or from independent practices.
· Price (exam included):
- United Kingdom:
United Kingdom – £ 10,200
- Other countries:
Europe – 11,900 €
Australia – $ 19,300
New Zealand – $ 23,400
USA – $ 13,900
* Note: The digital certificate is included in the programme fee.
Terms and conditions of payment
To complete your enrolment, kindly submit the online registration form by selecting ‘Register Now’ and proceed with your first payment, either in full or as the initial instalment.
If you have chosen our instalment plan, the monthly payments must be made via direct debit within the first 10 days of each month.
All payments must be completed before the final exam in order for the PgCert certificate and credentials to be issued.
About this course
The main aim of this course is to improve the clinical reasoning behind the management of cardiac cases in daily practice. To achieve this, the course will focus on understanding the fundamentals of cardiovascular physiology, enabling correct diagnosis and management of the most common cardiac diseases in dogs and cats.
Theoretical-practical lectures, enable students to systematically approach cardiology cases. At the end of each module, students will have had the opportunity to review the physiology/pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, treatment options, and prognosis of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Interaction with the lecturers is encouraged to share experiences and deliver clarity.
Why study this course?
- Learn from 11 world-leading veterinary cardiologists as speakers: each module will be taught by a European or American specialist (or residency-trained) to ensure the highest quality training.
- Improve confidence in cardiology: learn skills that are applicable every day in practice.
- Improve patient welfare at all lifestages: from how to approach congenital cardiac disease to the management of chronic and acquired conditions.
- Progress your career: fast-track PgCert taking 8 months, across 12 modules
- Gain current knowledge for immediate application: livestreamed to allow time to relate lectures to cases, ask questions and interact with experienced clinicians
- Manage your time effectively: livestreams are recorded for flexibility
- Gain skills in interpretation: take part in a live workshop over two days, focused on echocardiography.
Timetable
Livestream lectures run on Saturday, 9.00 -18:30 and Sunday, 9.00-14:30.
In-person worhshops run on Saturday, 9.00-17.30 and Sunday, 9.00-14.30
If you can’t attend the session, all lectures are recorded to watch on demand.
Brigite Pedro
DVM MSc DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS | Director of the Cardiology Postgraduate Course
Maria Ines Oliveira
DVM MSc MRCVS DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) | EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology
Date: 17th – 18th October 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Brief review of cardiovascular embriology
- Cardiovascular anatomy
- Cardiovascular physiology (including cardiac cycle, excitation and contraction, action potential
Speaker: Julie Kavanagh
Date: 17th – 18th October 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Approach to the cardiac patient – clinical history and physical examination
- Pathophysiology of congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock
- Medical management of congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shoc
Speaker: Julie Kavanagh
Date: 7th – 8th November 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Brief review of normal thoracic anatomy
- Interpretation of thoracic radiographs, focused on cardiovascular structures
- Radiographic diagnosis of congestive heart failure
- Indications for angiography and CT
- The use of T-FAST in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure
Speaker: Philippa Weston, Luís Mesquita
Date: 7th – 8th November 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- ECG interpretation
- Diagnosis and management of tachyarrhythmias, including review of anti-arrhythmic drugs
- Diagnosis and management of bradyarrhythmias, including review of positive chronotropic drugs and indications for pacemaker implantation
- Holter monitoring – clinical indication
Speaker: Maria Ines Oliveira
Date: 12th – 13th December 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Myxomatous degenerative valvular disease – diagnosis, staging and treatment
- Endocarditis – diagnosis and treatment
- Dilated cardiomyopathy – diagnosis, staging and treatment options
- Brief review of myocarditis
Speaker: Fabio Sarcinella
Date: 12th – 13th December 2026
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Classification of feline cardiomyopathies, based on the ACVIM Consensus statement guidelines
- Diagnosis, staging and treatment of different cardiomyopathies
- Arterial thromboembolism – identification, diagnostic approach and management of the affected patient
Speaker: Julie Hamilton
Date: 16th – 17th January 2027
Modality: Presential – Central CPD (The Imaging and Theory Lab, 14 Bowden Street, London, SE11 4DS)
Module Summary:
- Introduction to echocardiographic techniques (B-mode, M-mode, color and spectral Doppler)
- Interpretation of right and left side views
- Differentiating volume vs pressure overload diseases and discussion of differential diagnosis
- Pratical session
Speaker: Joao Escalda
Date: 16th – 17th January 2027
Modality: Presential – Central CPD (The Imaging and Theory Lab, 14 Bowden Street, London, SE11 4DS)
Module Summary:
- Assessment of systolic and diastolic function
- Estimation of pulmonary pressures by echocardiography
- Identification of echocardiographic signs suggestive of congestive heart failure
- Pratical session
Speaker: Joao Escalda
Date: 13th – 14th February 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Conditions associated with volume overload (Patent Ductus Arteriosus, mitral and tricuspid dysplasia, atrial and ventricular septal defects, etc) – diagnosis and treatment options
- Conditions associated with pressure overload (Pulmonic stenosis, Aortic and sub-aortic stenosis, etc) – diagnosis and treatment options
- Indications and interpretation of bubble study
Speaker: Chris Linney
Date: 13th – 14th February 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Anatomy of the pericardium
- Pathophysiology of pericardial effusions
- Identification of pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade
- Management of pericardial effusions, including indications for pericardiocentesis and discussion of technique
- Identification of cardiac and pericardial tumours, including discussion of diagnostic approaches and case management
Speaker: Ela Mederska
Date: 13th- 14th March 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Estimation of pulmonary pressures based on echocardiography
- Diagnosis, classification and treatment (including brief discussion of heartworm disease and its guidelines)
- Clinical case
Speaker: Brigite Pedro
Date: 13th- 14th March 2027
Modality: Streaming
Module Summary:
- Definition of collapse and syncope
- Differential diagnosis for syncope
- Investigations and management of syncope in dogs and cats
- Clinical cases
Speaker: Joao Neves
Programme fee – £10,200
Includes clinical teaching, scheduled practical teaching, online learning materials, the standard PgCert MCQ assessment and your university digital certificate upon successful completion.
If an RCVS-approved APR pathway becomes available
If an RCVS-approved APR pathway becomes available for this programme, eligible students and graduates will not pay again for completed clinical teaching recognised towards that route. Your original enrolment price, including agreed discounts, will be respected.
You would only pay the APR supplement applicable at that time and complete the additional professional skills learning and all required APR assessments. Outstanding original instalments remain payable.
APR approval and timing are not guaranteed. Entry would be subject to eligibility, recognition of prior learning and available places.
Payment options
Pay in full by credit or debit card, or bank transfer (BACS). Individual interest-free instalment plans are also available, subject to conditions. Contact [email protected] to arrange your payment plan.
Certificates
Your digital certificate is included upon successful completion. An optional physical university certificate, including issuance and shipping, costs £140 for delivery within the UK and Europe, or US$250 outside Europe.
Payment terms
Enrolment is confirmed upon receipt of your first payment. Direct debit instalments are collected within the first 10 days of each month. All fees must be settled before the final examination and certification. Full payment terms and conditions apply.
Testimonials from our students
Testimonials from our students
Contact us
If you would like to request information about any of our training services, please fill in the following form or contact us by phone or email
- +44 7862 146532
- [email protected]
- From 8.00am to 17.00pm
Request for information
Contact us
If you would like to request information about any of our training services, please fill in the following form or contact us by phone or email
- +44 7862 146532
- [email protected]
- From 8.00am to 17.00pm