Ultrasound Training Course Live

11:30am:

Yvette explains that sperm can last up to 7 days, meaning that conception rarely happens at time of mating. Using the example of human beings, Yvette explains to the audience that they may ovulate and conceive in Waitrose.

The audience is discussing blood testing and progesterone testing – a relatively expensive method, but widely considered the most accurate. A member of the audience asks if hormones soften the cervix and explains that she uses manual palpatation to assess when her bitch is ready to mate, with the cervix being tight and impenetrable until she is ready for mating, at which point it opens up and feels soft and “like a doughnut.”

Another attendee says that she can sense a difference in the scent of her animals when they’re ready to mate!

11:50am:

Yvette is now showing some images sent in from a past student. This attendee was practicing her scanning (as we always stress that it’s so important to do), knowing that her dog wasn’t pregnant, but was surprised to find fluid-filled circular structures. Remembering her training, she rotated 90 degrees on it. It elongated – but as she watched it, she realised there was no peristalsis. It wasn’t bowel; it was uterus, visible only because it was filled with fluid (puss).

Detecting pyometra even before her pet showed any symptoms meant she could be taken straight to the vet and treated with antibiotics, avoiding surgery, and potentially even saving her life.

12:00:

Yvette highlights the importance of biosecurity to avoid cross-contamination – this involves cleaning your probe between clients, and washing hands thoroughly.

12:30:

The first practical session of the day, using the Scan Pad and KX5600 ultrasound machines.

Above: Trainees practice using the KX5600 ultrasound machine.