VSPN TECH291-2019: Advanced Equine Surgical Procedures and Equipment Non-Interactive

This course is a self-paced, non-interactive course.

Enrollment is closed
Instructor: Shana Lemmenes, CVT, VTS-EVN
Course Open: January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019

Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate course course is open to all VSPN Staff members who want additional knowledge of equine surgery. Prerequisite: completion of TECH284
VSPN CE Course: Open to VIN and VSPN members who have completed TECH284, Equine Surgery Non-Interactive. This non-interactive course has been RACE approved for veterinary technicians/technologists. (22-32699)

Course Description:
The veterinary technician plays a vital role in the equine surgical team. Knowing all aspects of the equine surgery process, from what instruments are needed to how to safely recover the patient is key to a safe and successful outcome. This course will cover some of the more advanced surgical procedures that are commonly done, and the equipment used.

This course will consist of 2 (two) non-interactive segments that are in the form of videos to be watched. Segments will also include handouts to be read, quizzes for each segment and a mandatory end of course test. To earn a certificate of participation, you must attain a score of 80% or higher on the poll questions within each module the end of course test. The segments and reading library handouts should take the participant a minimum of 60 minutes total. Participants must complete participation requirements by December 31, 2019 to be eligible to earn a certificate of participation.

Course Outline: Segment 1: (Laparoscopy and Colic)
Total time:
0.5 hours

Upon completion of this segment, the participant should be able to
  • Identify the equipment and surgical instruments used in laparoscopy surgery
  • Understand what each instrument and piece of equipment is used for
  • Understand the reasons a laparoscopy would be performed
  • Understand the importance of how the patient is positioned
  • Understand what colic is and what causes it
  • Identify the clinical signs of colic
  • Identify the equipment and surgical instruments used in colic surgery
  • Understand what each instrument and piece of equipment is used for
Segment 2: (Arthroscopy, Lasers, and Miscellaneous Surgical Procedures)
Total time:
0.5 hours

Upon completion of this segment, the participant should be able to
  • Identify the equipment and surgical instruments used in arthroscopy surgery
  • Understand the reasons a arthroscopy would be performed
  • Identify the difference between the two lasers
  • Understand what procedures each laser is used for
  • Understand what PPE is required
  • Identify the specialized equipment and surgical instruments used in these miscellaneous procedures
  • Understand what each instrument and piece of equipment is used for
Course Materials: Course materials in the form of handouts and additional educational online activities will be available in the course library.

Required Textbook(s): There is no required textbook for this course.

About the Instructor:
Shana Lemmenes, CVT, VTS-EVN has worked as a technician since 2011 in small animal, and academia. She is a surgery technician and senior veterinary technician at the University of Minnesota Large Animal Veterinary Medical Center. Shana has also co-edited a textbook for Elsevier: Mosby's Comprehensive Review for Veterinary Technicians, 5th edition

Total CE Credit: 1

Tuition: $21
Prices are listed in US dollars.

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on December 1, 2019 at 5 pm ET (USA).

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

  1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN 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. Each person is individually responsible for his/her own registration. To ensure that all information received is secure and correct, please do not enroll for a course on behalf of another individual.
  4. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 792 or email . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.
Enrollment is closed

*Note: “This program (22-32699) is approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval. “

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. 792 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

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

Lisa Kernaghan, LVT, RVT, CVT, VTS (ECC)
VSPN CE Coordinator

VSPN CE Services:
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 792
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