Brain Surgery in Dogs and Cats
Masterclass
Date: December 5-6, 2026
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Course Master: Ane Uriarte, DVM, DipECVN, FRCVS, EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology, RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
Investment: 9999 PLN (Incl. VAT)*
*Instalment payment available
✓ Handling and management of the acute brain trauma case
✓ Interpreting cranial imaging (CT/MRI) to guide surgical decision-making
✓ Practical surgical approaches to the brain (craniocervical junction, ventricles, frontal cranium)
✓ Techniques for brain/dural reconstruction following surgical approach
✓ Case selection: matching clinical presentation and imaging to the correct surgical (or non-surgical) pathway
✓ Outcome prediction based on case type, imaging severity, and timing of intervention
Program
Day 1: Addressing Congenital Malformations
Session 1
(9:00–10:30)
Cranio-cervical Junction Anomalies
Understand the anatomy and pathophysiology of cranio-cervical junction malformations (e.g., Chiari-like malformation, atlanto-axial instability, atlanto-occipital overlapping)
Recognize clinical presentations and imaging hallmarks of these conditions
Determine which cases are surgical candidates and select the appropriate technique
Learning points:
✓ Correlating clinical signs with MRI/CT findings at the craniocervical junction
✓ Indications, contraindications and timing of surgery
✓ Overview of surgical techniques and expected outcomes/prognosis
Session 2
(11:00–12:30)
Hydrocephalus and Ventriculo-peritoneal Shunting
Understand the pathophysiology and classification of hydrocephalus in small animals
Identify imaging and clinical criteria supporting surgical management
Learn the principles of ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt placement and post-operative management
Learning points:
✓ Distinguishing compensated vs progressive/symptomatic hydrocephalus
✓ Shunt selection, valve types and surgical planning
✓ Recognizing and managing shunt-related complications
Session 3
(13:30–17:00)
Cadavers and Clinical Cases
Each participant will bring one hydrocephalus case and will present his/her surgical planning
Cadaver approach
Day 2: From Trauma to Tumors
Session 1
(9:00–10:30)
Head Trauma
Understand the pathophysiology of primary and secondary brain injury
Learn a structured diagnostic and stabilization approach to the head trauma patient
Reconstruction
Learning points:
✓ Emergency assessment and stabilization (e.g., modified Glasgow Coma Scale, monitoring intracranial pressure)
✓ Imaging interpretation in acute head trauma
✓ Indications and timing for surgical intervention in trauma cases
Session 2
(11:00–12:30)
Transfrontal Craniotomy
Understand the indications and limitations for transfrontal craniotomy
Learn the surgical steps, from approach to closure/reconstruction
Learning points:
✓ Step-by-step surgical planning and approach to the frontal cranial vault
✓ Minimizing and managing intraoperative complications
Session 3
(13:30–17:00)
Cadavers and Clinical Cases
Each participant will select a head trauma own case and present/discuss surgical approach
Hands-on practice of the transfrontal approach and closure/reconstruction
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
✓ Select the appropriate surgical candidate based on integration of clinical history, neurological examination and diagnostic imaging findings
✓ Differentiate cases that warrant surgical intervention from those better managed medically
✓ Predict likely surgical outcomes based on case characteristics and imaging findings
✓ Apply safe, structured surgical approaches to the craniocervical junction, ventricular system, and cranial vault
✓ Develop practical hands-on skills in cranial surgical approaches through cadaveric practice and discussion of own cases
Course Master
Ane Uriarte, DVM, DipECVN, FRCVS, EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology, RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
Ane Uriarte is a renowned veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon with extensive expertise in brain surgery. She holds a European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN) diploma and is an EBVS and RCVS recognized specialist in veterinary neurology.
Her career spans leading roles in world-class institutions: 8 years as a clinician in neurology and neurosurgery in London, 3 years as an assistant professor at Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA and 5 years as Head of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Southfields Veterinary Specialists, one of Europe’s largest hospitals. Ane has trained several, now diploma holders, American and European boarded specialists.
Ane is an accomplished international speaker and author of multiple pre-reviewed neurology papers and two influential neurosurgery books. She is also a passionate educator, leveraging traditional teaching and her widely-followed social media platforms (@Ane.neuro @neuronavet_) to share knowledge with veterinarians and pet owners globally.
Did you know that?
Ane Uriarte is the author or co-author of chapters in two important textbooks on canine and feline neurosurgery:
1. Current Techniques in Canine and Feline Neurosurgery (2017) — she co-authored the chapter “Transfrontal Craniotomy” with Rodolfo Cappello. The book is edited by Andy Shores and Brigitte A. Brisson.
2. Advanced Techniques in Canine and Feline Neurosurgery (2023) — she is the author of the chapter “Surgical Management of Spinal Nerve Root Tumors,” which covers, among other topics, the surgical management of nerve sheath tumors within the spinal canal.
Her scientific work also includes neuro-oncology and neurosurgery. Among other publications, she is a co-author of a study on the surgical treatment of frontal lobe meningiomas in dogs.
– The workshop is intended for veterinarians with prior experience in spinal neurosurgery.
– The workshop will be conducted in English.
– The participation fee includes:
✓ access to both the theoretical and practical sessions
✓ unlimited access to hot and cold beverages throughout the training
✓ lunch
✓ printed course materials
– Practical session: participants will work in pairs of two using fresh, non-fixed cadaveric specimens.
– We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if a minimum of 8 participants is not reached.
– Each participant will receive a certificate of completion, including continuing education credits.
Partners
Strategic Partner of
Vet Pro Akademia
Media
Partner
