The current VIN date & time: Eastern

VIN DIAG410-0421: Thoracic Radiology of Dogs and Cats: The Areas Not Cardiopulmonary

The lectures for this course will be presented in an audio format using a webinar platform.

Presenter: Kevin Jepsen-Grant, DVM
Course Open: April 26-June 24, 2021
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Mondays, May 3, 17, 24, June 7 and 14, 2021; 9:00-10:30 pm ET (USA) World Clock Converter
Total CE Credit: 7.5
RACE Category: 7.5 hours Medical

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Course Information:
This course is intended for veterinarians who are interested in building a solid foundation interpreting non-cardiopulmonary abnormalities in thoracic radiographs of dogs and cats. The course will cover anatomy of the thorax, trachea, esophagus, mediastinal structures, pleural space, ribs and sternum. By the end of the course the participant should understand the normal anatomy of the thorax, be able to recognize abnormalities in the trachea, esophagus, mediastinum, pleural space, ribs and sternum.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, the participant should be able to
  • understand the normal anatomy of the thorax in dogs and cats.
  • discuss how to evaluate a rotated radiograph and what landmarks to look for.
  • compare normal radiographs across various canine thoracic .
  • conformations (deep chested, brachycephalic, etc.).
  • recognize abnormalities associated with the trachea and esophagus and use of normal anatomy to identify abnormality.
  • understand the limitations of radiography for evaluations of the trachea and esophagus.
  • discuss a variety of disease processes in these areas.
  • understand the structures of the mediastinal areas not trachea and esophagus.
  • recognize abnormalities in these areas and describe them accurately.
  • recognize abnormalities within the pleural space including fluid, air, and tissue.
  • discuss a number of disease processes that involve the pleural space.
  • recognize abnormalities of the ribs and sternum and how they can relate to the pleural space.
  • discuss a number of disease processes that can impact the osseous structures of the thorax.

Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate VIN CE course is open for enrollment to veterinarians actively interested in thoracic radiology.
Accreditation: This course is approved for 7.5 hours of continuing education credit by RACE for veterinarians. (RACE 20-766755)

Course Agenda:

Week 1 (Real Time Session May 3, 2021): Anatomy of the Thorax
This session will cover the normal anatomy of the thorax in dogs and cats and discussion on how to compare normal radiographs.

**** BREAK – May 10, 2021 ****

Week 2 (Real Time Session May 17, 2021): Trachea and Esophagus
This session will cover the abnormalities that are associated with the trachea and esophagus and discuss disease processes in these areas.

Week 3 (Real Time Session May 24, 2021): Mediastinal Structures
This session will cover the structures of the mediastinal areas and how to recognize abnormalities in these areas.

**** BREAK – May 31, 2021 ****

Week 4 (Real Time Session June 7, 2021): Pleural Space
This session will cover how to recognize abnormalities in the pleural space and the disease process in this area.

Week 5 (Real Time Session June 10, 2021): Ribs and Sternum
This session will cover how to recognize abnormalities in the ribs and sternum and the disease process in this area.

Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course. To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook(s): There is no required textbook for this course.


Enrollment is closed.


Tuition: Member $173 ($156 early bird special if enrolled by April 12, 2021)
Non-Member $274 ($247 early bird special if enrolled by April 12, 2021)
Prices are listed in US dollars.

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on May 3, 2021 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

  1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  3. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 797 or email . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.

Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN office 800-846-0028 ext. 797 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

*For more information on VIN's upcoming CE courses, check the VIN Course Catalog.

Katherine James, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
VIN Education Director

VIN CE Services:
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 797
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357