Postgraduate in Exotic Animals

Obtain your credential - PgCert. Exotic. ifevet

Postgraduate in Exotic Animals

Obtain your credential - PgCert. Exotic. ifevet

Start date

6th September 2025

Timetable

Saturday from 9:00 to 18:30 Sunday from 9:00 to 14:30

ECTS Credits

30 ECTS credits

Number of modules

20 modules

Modality

Streaming

Number of students

36 students

Start date

6th September 2025

Timetable

Saturday, 9 to 18:30 Sunday, 9 to 14:30

ECTS Credits

30 ECTS credits

Modules

20 modules

Modality

Streaming

Number of students

36 students

Description
Speakers
Programme
Pricing

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. Exotic ifevet

• Certification obtained: Postgraduate Certificate in Exotic Animal (UK)

Course Objective

The aim of this course is to build on the principles acquired at an undergraduate level to give delegates a comprehensive introduction to companion exotic, native wildlife, and zoological practice. This course will allow delegates to further develop their awareness and understanding of the veterinary surgeon’s role in the management, health and welfare of captive and free-living exotic and wild animals.

Structure and benefits of the postgraduate program

This certificate is delivered over 20 modules, covering subjects such as anatomy, physiology, natural history, husbandry, examination, health investigation, therapeutics, surgery, and preventative health care. Examples of the species covered in this certificate include:

Domestic and zoological birds
Domestic and zoological reptiles
Domestic and zoological small mammals
Freshwater and marine fish
Amphibians
Invertebrates
Zoological and commercial aquarium species
Native wildlife

Delegates will receive bespoke, contemporary and evidence-based training material, that helps foster a self-directed and life-long approach to learning. Live teaching sessions and discussion forums allow delegates the opportunity to take a deeper dive into each module and experience the benefits of case-based learning under the guidance of industry experts.

Upon completion of the certificate, delegates will have gained a qualification that demonstrates a uniquely broad understanding of the considerations necessary to maintain health and manage disease in non-traditional species. Furthermore, delegates will have developed skills that will allow them to continue their journey in personal and professional development to confidently approach unfamiliar scenarios and novel conditions in non-traditional species.

Target Audience

This certificate is aimed towards general practitioners looking to progress their understanding and capabilities in exotic and zoological practice. It would also suit veterinary surgeons who are preparing to further their careers in companion exotic, wildlife, or zoological & aquarium medicine through future internship or residency training.

dominic byron-chance

BVMedSci BVM BVS GPCert(ExAP) MRCVS

Nathalie Wissink

Lic.Vet CertAVP(ZM) DipZooMed(Reptilian) RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine MRCVS

Michelle O’Brien

BVetMed CertZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) MRCVS RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Zoo Health Management

Ashton Hollwarth

BSc BVMS CertAVP (Zoo Med) DipECZM (Avian) MRCVS

Molly Varga

BVetMed, DZooMed (Mammalian) MRCVS. RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

Sonya Miles

BVSc CertAVP(ZM), CertAqV, MRCVS RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine WAVMA Certified Aquatic Species Veterinarian Exotic Species Veterinary Surgeon

Elizabeth Mullineaux

BVM&S, DVM&S, CertSHP, FRCVS RCVS Recognised Specialist in Wildlife Medicine (Mammalian)

Tariq Abou-Zahr

BVSc CertAVP(ZooMed) DipECZM(Avian) MRCVS EBVS® and RCVS Recognised Veterinary Specialist in Zoological Medicine (Avian Medicine & Surgery)

Sarah Pellet

BSc(Hons) MA VetMB CertAVP(ZM) CertAqV DZooMed(Reptilian) MRCVS RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. WAVMA Certified Aquatic Veterinarian

Mikel Sabater

LV, Dipl. ECZM (avian), EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Avian Medicine and Surgery, PGCert. Exotic. ifevet

MODULE 1: Introduction to companion exotic animal practice

Date: 6th September 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module introduces important principles and concepts in exotic animal practice. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An awareness of elements of companion exotic animal practice management
An understanding of the principles of history taking and physical examination in companion exotic species
An ability to describe and interpret relevant topics from current legislation and regulations, and demonstrate an understanding of how they influence companion exotic animal practice
An understanding of the different classifications of veterinary medicines and how they impact companion exotic animal practice
An understanding of the principles of therapeutics and drug delivery in companion exotic species
An understanding of how to properly store, prescribe, dispense and label medications
An understanding of the principles of Cascade drug use and drug compounding
An ability to recognise food producing species that may be encountered in companion exotic animal practice, and demonstrate an understanding of medicine use in these species, including maximum residue limits, prohibited substances, and drug withdrawal periods
An awareness of health and safety considerations in exotic animal practice (including zoonotic diseases and PPE)
• An understanding of the identification and reporting of notifiable diseases in companion exotic species

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 2: Induction to zoo, aquarium, wildlife and exotic animal pathology

Date: 6th September 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of important principles and concepts of exotic clinical and anatomic pathology. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of key anatomic and physiologic features in different taxa, and their relevance in companion exotic clinical practice
An understanding of the indications, techniques and collection of common diagnostic samples used in anatomic and clinical pathology in companion exotic species
An understanding of how to process diagnostic samples for internal and external analysis, and understand the features and indications for common stains used in exotic animal cytology and histology
An understanding of the interpretation of normal and abnormal haematology, biochemistry, and other common clinical and anatomic pathology samples in companion exotic species
An understanding of the principles and important considerations of necropsy in companion exotics (including egg necropsy)

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 3: Emergency and critical care

Date: 7th September 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of important principles and concepts of exotic emergency and critical care. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the principles of triage and stabilisation in companion exotic species
An understanding of the pathophysiology and management of different types of shock (e.g., hypovolaemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, distributive, metabolic, hypoxemic) in companion exotic species
An understanding of the principles of temperature monitoring and thermal support in companion exotic species
An understanding of the principles of oxygen therapy, airway and respiratory support in companion exotic species
An understanding of the principles of blood pressure monitoring and support in companion exotic species
An understanding of options for providing fluid therapy, and develop a fluid therapy plan for different taxa
An understanding of the indications for and principles of blood transfusions in companion exotic species
An understanding of options for providing nutritional support, and develop a nutritional plan for different taxa
An understanding of an understanding of important clinical techniques in exotics emergency and critical care
An understanding of the principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and post-arrest care in companion exotic species
An understanding of different techniques for humane euthanasia in different taxa

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 4: Avian medicine 1 (psittacines, passerines, pigeons and doves)

Date: 18-19th October 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of key principles of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of captive birds commonly kept as non-traditional companion animals or in aviculture that are commonly encountered in general practice, including psittacines, passerines and columbiform birds. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of psittacines, passerines, columbiform birds, raptors, corvids, and backyard poultry & waterfowl
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of flock health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Tariq Abou-Zahr

MODULE 5: Avian medicine 2 (raptors and corvids)

Date: 18-19th October 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of key principles of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of captive birds commonly kept as non-traditional companion animals or in aviculture that are commonly encountered in general practice, including raptors and corvids. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of psittacines, passerines, columbiform birds, raptors, corvids, and backyard poultry & waterfowl
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of flock health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Tariq Abou-Zahr

MODULE 6: Avian medicine 2 (backyard poultry & waterfowl)

Date: 18-19th October 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of key principles of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of captive birds commonly kept as non-traditional companion animals or in aviculture that are commonly encountered in general practice, including backyard poultry and waterfowl. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of psittacines, passerines, columbiform birds, raptors, corvids, and backyard poultry & waterfowl
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of flock health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Tariq Abou-Zahr

MODULE 7: Reptile medicine 1 (snakes)

Date: 15-16th November 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of captive snake species commonly kept as non-traditional companion animals or in herpetoculture that are commonly encountered in general practice. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of common species of snake, lizard and chelonian
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Nathalie Wissink

MODULE 8: Reptile medicine 2 (lizards)

Date: 15-16th November 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of captive lizard species commonly kept as non-traditional companion animals or in herpetoculture that are commonly encountered in general practice. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of common species of snake, lizard and chelonian
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Nathalie Wissink

MODULE 9: Reptile medicine 2 (chelonians)

Date: 15-16th November 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of captive chelonians commonly kept as non-traditional companion animals or in herpetoculture that are commonly encountered in general practice. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of common species of snake, lizard and chelonian
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Nathalie Wissink

MODULE 10: Exotic mammals 1 (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas)

Date: 13-14th December 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, Mongolian gerbils, degus, sugar gliders, African pygmy hedgehogs, and ferrets
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 11: Exotic mammals 1 (small mammals)

Date: 13-14th December 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of captive small mammals commonly kept as non-traditional companion animals that are commonly encountered in general practice, including rats, mice, hamsters, Mongolian gerbils, degus, sugar gliders, and African pygmy hedgehogs. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, Mongolian gerbils, degus, sugar gliders, African pygmy hedgehogs, and ferrets
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 12: Exotic mammals 2 (ferrets)

Date: 13-14th December 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of ferrets. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, Mongolian gerbils, degus, sugar gliders, African pygmy hedgehogs, and ferrets
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 13: Unusual pets 1 (fish & amphibians)

Date: 10-11th January 2026

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, internal medicine of koi and other ornamental fish (marine and freshwater), marine invertebrates and coral, and amphibians. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of koi and other ornamental fish (marine and freshwater), and amphibians
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 14: Unusual pets 1 (invertebrates)

Date: 10-11th January 2026

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of honeybees and other invertebrate species commonly kept in captivity. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of honeybees and other invertebrate species
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Michelle O’Brien, Sarah Pellet

MODULE 15: Unusual pets 2 (unusual exotic mammals)

Date: 10-11th January 2026

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of husbandry, examination, clinical approach, and internal medicine of captive mammals less commonly kept as non-traditional companion animals, including common marmosets, striped skunks, raccoons, coatis, kinkajous, prairie dogs, meerkats, Virginia opossums, wallabies, servals and Savannah cats. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, Mongolian gerbils, degus, sugar gliders, African pygmy hedgehogs, and ferrets
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in these species
An understanding of the principles of physical examination, including specific examination techniques such as neurological examination and ophthalmic assessment in these species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and the recognition & management of pain in these species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in these species
An understanding of the approach and management of key diseases relating to specific or general body systems in individual animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis and immunisation in these species

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 16: Zoo animal health

Date: 14-15th February 2026

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of management and veterinary care of captive zoological species, and introduces principles of conservation, captive management, examination, clinical approach, and veterinary care of common conditions in important captive zoological species, including zoological avian species (e.g., penguins, ratites, rhamphastids, flamingos), zoological herptile species (e.g., crocodilians, marine turtles, Komodo dragons, monitors, Gila monsters, beaded lizards etc), primates (prosimians, monkeys, gibbons and great apes), carnivores, artiodactyls, perissodactyls, elephants, marsupials, marine mammals, and elasmobranchs. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of the veterinary surgeon’s role in zoological species conservation
An awareness of different zoological professional bodies (e.g., BIAZA, EAZA, EZA etc.
An understanding of record keeping options in zoological medicine
An ability to recognise food producing species that may be encountered in zoological collections, and understand medicine use (including maximum residue limits and prohibited drugs) in these species.
An understanding of how to properly store, prescribe, dispense and label medications, including the principles of Cascade use and compounding, in key zoological species
An understanding of the identification and reporting of notifiable diseases in zoological species
Describe the principles of therapeutics and drug delivery in zoological species
An understanding of the role of veterinary surgeons in health and safety in zoos, including zoonotic diseases, reverse zoonoses, and working with dangerous species
An understanding of the principles of history taking and physical examination in companion exotic species
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in key zoological species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, analgesia in key zoological species
Develop escape protocols for key zoological species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in key zoological species
An understanding of the approach and management of common medical conditions in individual zoological animals
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis, immunisation and contraception in key zoological species
An understanding of the principles of decision making, geriatric animal care, end-of-life planning in zoological collections, and euthanasia techniques
An understanding of the principles of quarantine, disease surveillance and necropsy in zoological collections

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 17: Wildlife medicine

Date: 14-15th February 2026

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module gives an overview of principles in conservation, rehabilitation and veterinary management of wildlife casualties in free-living British native species, including red fox, badger, hedgehog, bats, deer, small mustelids (weasels, stoat, polecat, pine martens), otter, Scottish wild cats, squirrels, wild lagomorphs, seals, cetacians, rodents, wild birds, reptiles and amphibians. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Module Summary:

An understanding of important principles in native wildlife practice
An understanding of concepts in decision-making, including early euthanasia, with wildlife casualties
An understanding of principles in conservation, rehabilitation and release management of wildlife casualties, including the management of invasive alien species
An ability to describe and interpret relevant topics from current legislation and regulations, and demonstrate an understanding of how they influence native wildlife rehabilitation centres and the practice of native wildlife medicine
An understanding of the identification and reporting of notifiable diseases in native wild species
Describe the principles of therapeutics and drug delivery in native wild species
An understanding of the role of veterinary surgeons in health and safety in native wildlife medicine, including zoonotic diseases and working with dangerous species
An understanding of the husbandry, nutrition, and captive management (temporary or permanent) of native wild species
An understanding of the principles of transport, restraint and physical examination in native wild species
An understanding of the principles of sedation, anaesthesia, and analgesia in native wild species
An understanding of the principles of diagnostic imaging in native wild species
An understanding of the approach and management of common medical conditions in native wild species
An understanding of the principles of group health management, preventative medicine, prophylaxis, immunisation and contraception in captive native wild species
An understanding of principles in disaster medicine, e.g., oil spills, cetacean stranding, forest fire
An understanding of euthanasia techniques in native wild species
An understanding of the principles of quarantine, disease surveillance and necropsy in native wild species

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 18: Principles of surgery in exotic species

Date: 14-15th March 2026

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module introduces important principles and concepts in exotic animal surgery. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to:

Module Summary:

Understand general principles of exotic animal surgery
Select instruments and equipment useful in exotic animal surgery
Understand principles of theatre management, patient preparation, and patient positioning
Understand common surgical approaches used in exotic animal surgery
Understand the principles of suture material and needle selection, and demonstrate an understanding of the indication and techniques for different surgical and non-surgical wound closure in exotic animals
Understand the principles of wound management and bandaging in exotic animals
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of radiosurgery
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of endosurgery
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of magnification surgery
Demonstrate an understanding of identichip placement (including conventional identichip placement locations in different taxa)

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 19: Soft tissue surgery

Date: 14-15th March 2026

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module explores key techniques in exotic animal soft tissue surgery. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to:

Module Summary:

Demonstrate an understanding of the surgical approach to common soft tissue surgical and dental procedures in exotic animals, including:
- Avian – reproductive and cloacal surgery
- Avian – respiratory surgery
- Avian – ocular surgery
- Reptile – gastrointestinal surgery
- Reptile – reproductive and cloacal surgery
- Mammal – routine neutering techniques
- Mammal – abdominal surgery
- Mammal – thoracic surgery
- Mammal – ocular surgery
- Mammal – dentistry and facial abscess surgery

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 20: Orthopaedic surgery

Date: 14-15th March 2026

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

This module explores key techniques in exotic animal orthopaedic surgery. By the end of this module, candidates should be able to:

Module Summary:

Understand how to approach the orthopaedic patient
Understand common fracture types
Understand the surgical techniques used in internal fracture repair in exotic species
Understand non-surgical techniques of fracture repair including external coaptation
Understand the surgical techniques used in limb, digit, and tail amputations in exotic species
Understand the principles of muscle, tendon and joint surgery
Understand the principles and techniques of shell repair (chelonians)
Understand the principles and techniques of beak correction and repair (avian)

Speaker: Coming soon

We offer you 2 payment methods:

· Interest-free payment in instalments

Interest-free instalments
Payment in full (BACS or Credit Card)

For details on interest-free instalment options, please refer to the information request section.

· Price (exam included): £ 7.700

*An additional fee of £70 will be required for the issuance of the university degree

Terms and conditions of payment

The remaining fees must be paid by direct debit during the first 10 days of each month.

All payments must be completed before the end of the last training course.

Request more information

Description

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. Exotic ifevet

• Certification obtained: Postgraduate Certificate in Exotic Animal (UK)

Course Objective

Structure and benefits of the postgraduate program

Domestic and zoological birds
Domestic and zoological reptiles
Domestic and zoological small mammals
Freshwater and marine fish
Amphibians
Invertebrates
Zoological and commercial aquarium species
Native wildlife

Target Audience

Speakers

Coming soon

Programme

MODULE 1: Triage, shock and fluid therapy

Date: 17th May 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Learn and understand how to effectively triage patients to efficiently establish the priority and urgency of treatment.
Understand the physiopathology of different types of shock and recognise each type to accurately tailor diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the emergency room.
Recognise shock and establish a protocol for stabilisation and the use of appropriate fluid therapy in every shock situation.
Identify different types of fluids, understand how to use them, and maximise their therapeutic utility in emergency situations.

Module Summary:

Introduction, Triage and stabilization.
Shock
- Physiopathology of Shock.
- Hypovolaemic shock.
- Distributive shock.
- Obstructive shock.
- Cardiogenic shock.
Fluid Therapy
- Fluids and strategies for fluid administration.
- Colloids.
- Vasopressors.

Speaker: Carlos Pizarro, Luís Bosch

MODULE 2: Electrolytes, electrolyte imbalances and acid-base

Date: 18th May 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Understand the physiology, pathophysiology, clinical significance, and effects on the body of electrolyte disturbances, along with therapeutic strategies for correcting electrolyte disorders.
Understand different acid-base disturbances and their interpretation.

Module Summary:

Dyskalaemia.
Other electrolyte imbalances: Calcium, Phosphate, Magnesium.
Dysnatremias.
Acid-Base interpretation:
- Traditional approach.
- Nontraditional approach and case examples.

Speaker: Neus Elias, Carlos Pizarro

MODULE 3: CPR and Emergency procedures

Date: 21st June 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Understand the current CPR guidelines in Small Animals (RECOVER guidelines).
Understand the utility and applicability of life-saving procedures for patient stabilization.

Module Summary:

CPR: RECOVER guidelines.
IV emergency access.
Nasal catheter.
Nasogastric tube.
Orogastric tube.
Tracheostomy.
Thoracocentesis.
Abdominocentesis.
Urethral catheterizatio.

Speaker: Marta García Arcve

MODULE 4: Analgesia, sedation, anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation

Date: 22nd June 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Recognise pain and understand the different pain pathways to choose an appropriate analgesia for the unstable patient.
Understand the effects of sedation, anaesthesia and analgesia in the critical patient to provide safe sedation and/or anaesthesia.
Recognise the monitorisation techniques for haemodynamic control.
Understand the fundamentals of mechanical ventilation.

Module Summary:

Analgesia and sedation
- Pain and pain pathways.
- Evaluation of anaesthetic risk: ASA.
- Breathing circuits and the anaesthetic machine.
- Sedation in emergency patients.
- Anaesthesia in emergency patients.
- Pain assessment and management in emergency patients.
- Local blocks in emergency medicine.
Monitorisation
- ECG and cardiac function.
- Invasive and non-invasive Blood pressure.
- Pulse-oximetry and Co-oximetry.
- Capnography.
Mechanical ventilation
- Respiratory physiology.
- Mechanical ventilation and the mechanical ventilator.
- Ventilation modes.
- Sedation and anaesthesia for long term ventilation.
- Complications of mechanical ventilation.

Speaker: Angie Lozano, Aurora Zoff, Alfonso Rodríguez, Roger Medina

MODULE 5: Neurological emergencies

Date: 26h July 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Describe and interpret a comprehensive neurological exam to establish a differential diagnosis using correct neuro-localisation.
Establish an appropriate treatment and protocol for stabilising neurological patients in the emergency setting.
Understand the necessity of further testing or advanced imaging.

Module Summary:

Neurological exam and Neurolocalisation.
Seizures.
Central Nervous System Disease and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Vestibular and Peripheral Neuropathies.

Speaker: Adriana Kaczmarska

MODULE 6: Cardiovascular and respiratory emergencies

Date: 27th July 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Understand the different diagnostic techniques to identify and differentiate respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Establish a logical differential diagnosis and localisation of respiratory and cardiovascular problems based on presentation and respiratory patterns.
Establish the priority action points for stabilisation of respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Understand the utility of respiratory gases.
Understand the different means for oxygen support and their applicability.
Differentiate between the need for oxygen support and ventilatory support.
Identify the key points of the management of cardiovascular emergencies.
Identify and manage life threatening arrhythmias.

Module Summary:

Respiratory distress and initial management.
Upper airway and pleural space emergencies.
Cardiac examen and initial management in Emergency.
Cardiac exam and initial management in Emergency.
Congestive heart failure in dogs and cats.
Circulatory and vascular emergencies.

Speaker: Frane Ivasovic

MODULE 7: Urogenital emergencies

Date: 20th September 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Identify urinary and reproductive problems in the emergency setting.
Identify and manage acute kidney injury.
Understand the fundamentals, applicability and indications for renal replacement therapies (RRT).

Module Summary:

Urinary emergencies:
- Urethral obstruction.
- AKI (Acute kidney injury).
- Uretheral obstruction.
- Uroabdomen.
- UTI (urinary tract infection).
- Introduction to RRT.
Reproductive emergencies:
- Dystocia.
- Eclampsia.
- Pyometra.
- Prostate disease.
- Testicular disease.
- Neonatal resuscitatio.

Speaker: Lara Brunori, Carlos Pizarro

MODULE 8: Sepsis and trauma

Date: 21st September 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Management of the trauma and polytrauma patient.
Identify the most emergent problems in polytrauma patients and establish a priority list for management.
Understand the importance of sepsis and how to identify and manage it.
Understand the current human and veterinary guidelines to treat sepsis.

Module Summary:

Trauma and polytrauma
- Thoracic trauma.
- Abdominal trauma.
- Coagulation and trauma.
- Diagnostic imaging in the polytrauma patient.
Sepsis and SIRS.
Antibiotic use in emergency medicine.

Speaker: Coming soon

MODULE 9: Environmental emergencies and intoxication

Date: 25th October 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Management of intoxications and decontamination techniques.
Understand and predict consequences and side effects of common intoxications.
Identify and manage environmental emergencies.

Module Summary:

Intoxications:
- Paracetamol.
- Chocolate.
- Xylitol.
- Grapes.
- Onions.
- Recreational drugs.
Environmental emergencies:
- Heat stroke.
- Hypothermia.
- Smoke inhalation.
- Drowning.
- Electrocution.
- Anaphylaxis.

Speaker: Jennifer McKenzie

MODULE 10: Gastrointestinal emergencies

Date: 26th October 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Identify and differentiate gastrointestinal emergencies including localization of the problems.
Establish a diagnostic approach for identifying gastrointestinal emergencies.
Establish an appropriate medical or surgical treatment for gastrointestinal emergencies.

Module Summary:

Acute vomiting.
Acute diarrhoea.
Acute abdomen.
GDV.
Pancreatitis.
Hepatic failure.
GI Foreign body.
Parvoviru.

Speaker: Carlos Pizarro

MODULE 11: Hematological emergencies and transfusion medicine

Date: 22nd November 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Understand and differentiate among different conditions affecting red and white blood cells and identify the need for treatment.
Establish the most appropriate therapy for hematologic disorders.
Understand the characteristics and properties of the different blood products and their applicability for different conditions.
Anticipate and reduce complications from blood product administration.

Module Summary:

Haematologic emergencies:
- Anaemia.
- Thrombocytopaenia.
- Coagulopathies.
- Leucocytosis and leukopaenia.
Transfusion medicine
- Blood products.
- Blood types.
- Cross matching.
- Whole blood and pRBC transfusion.
- Plasma transfusion.
- Platelets transfusion.
- Albumin transfusion.
- Massive transfusions.
- Xenotransfusions.
- Transfusion reaction.

Speaker: Margaux Kuijlaars

MODULE 12: Endocrine emergencies

Date: 23rd November 2025

Modality: Streaming

Competencies and objectives:

Recognize endocrine emergencies and differentiate from other emergencies.
Manage the stabilization and endocrine crisis and establish the appropriate diagnostics and timing for treatment.

Module Summary:

Hypoadrenocorticism.
Hyperadrenocorticism.
Pheochromocytoma.
Diabetic crisis.
Diabetes insipidus.
DKA.
Hyperglycaemic Hyperosmolar syndrome.
Thyroid storm.
Hypoglycaemia.
Hyperaldosteronis.

Speaker: Lara Brunori

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· Price (exam included): £ 7.700

*An additional fee of £70 will be required for the issuance of the university degree

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The remaining fees must be paid by direct debit during the first 10 days of each month.

All payments must be completed before the end of the last training course.

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Testimonials from our students

When you've been in the profession for many years and think you know a lot... You realize that there is still a long way to go! I want to thank Ifevet for the emergency postgraduate program and the quality of its speakers. Both in terms of humanity and professionalism! It's been a very enriching experience from which you gain a lot for your everyday life. Without a doubt, this is the path to follow.

This postgraduate program has allowed me to establish the foundations to start working in a safe and organized manner in my early steps as a professional. It's a postgraduate program created by and for people who are looking for a practical, dynamic, and up-to-date way to train, guided by the best specialists in the country.

This course has helped me gain much more confidence in daily clinic work and expand my knowledge. The treatment, the speakers, and the materials are all extraordinary. Without a doubt, I will repeat the experience.

My experience with Ifevet has been excellent. Personally, I have always worked with large animals, but I made a career change and needed to train myself to work with small ones. The postgraduate program has helped me tremendously. The organization and attention to detail are unbeatable, and the teachers, classes, and educational materials are of high quality. I recommend the experience 100%.

An experience worth repeating. I am very happy to have chosen this new platform; the quality of the speakers and classes couldn't have been better. Undoubtedly, one can see the dedication and care that have been put into this first edition of the emergency postgraduate program, and from our side, it's something to be grateful for, as the knowledge and talks have been excellent!

It was the first one I had the opportunity to take, and it has certainly been a success. The learning throughout the postgraduate, alongside great professionals, has been incredible. The best part is that everything is focused on a very practical level, so it's very easy to apply the knowledge learned in your daily life. Right now, I'm doing my second postgraduate again with IFEVET.

I have really enjoyed the experience of the postgraduate with you all, the attention, and the speakers. As soon as it's possible, I'll surely be encouraged to do another one. Thank you for everything during this time, and especially in my case: you have made it possible for me to train in this field since emergencies can arise at any time, and it's a way to delve deeper into internal medicine. Regards!

Testimonials from our students

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Get your credential - PgCert. Exotic. ifevet

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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

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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