Individual Courses and Comprehensive Study Program

ESAVS Neurology programme follows the same academic programme and curriculum across Southeast Asia and Europe, with corresponding courses also offered in China.

Courses in China

The courses offered in China follow the same academic curriculum as those in Southeast Asia and Europe. They are conducted in English with consecutive interpretation into Chinese, ensuring accessibility for local participants.

However, courses conducted in China are not currently accredited or directly recognised towards the ESAVS Certificate (CASVM) and Master (MASVM) programmes.

Participants who wish to pursue an ESAVS Certificate or Master qualification in Small Animal Neurology may apply to have only one of the courses completed in China considered as external courses, subject to individual assessment and approval in accordance with the applicable ESAVS programme requirements.

Please note: While the academic content is aligned across regions, participation in courses held in China does not automatically grant credits towards ESAVS qualifications. Participants intending to pursue the CASVM or MASVM are advised to confirm course eligibility and recognition with ESAVS before registering.

The ESAVS Neurology program consists of 5 one-week modules. The course masters and instructors are Diplomates in Neurology (ECVN), Surgery (ECVS), Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI), and Pathology (ECVP) and internationally recognized specialists in their field.

Neurology I – Neurological exam and neuroanatomical localization
This course focuses on the principles of the neurological examination and aims to refresh knowledge of the relevant fundamentals of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and pathophysiology of the central and peripheral nervous system. In the practical case-based sessions the attendants have intensive training to define the neuroanatomical lesion localization and learn about common neurological diseases seen in private practice.

Neurology II – Spinal and peripheral nervous system diseases
In this module the already acquired knowledge from Neurology I is deepened by an intensive case-based training. Neurology II aims to provide a logical step-wise approach to the most common diseases particularly of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. The practical sessions will focus on further diagnostics such as radiography, CT/MRI, electrodiagnostics, CSF evaluation, and evaluation of biopsies as well as therapeutic options for the diseases.

Neurology III – Intracranial and vestibular diseases
The aim of this course is to develop a logical step-wise approach to common neurological disease conditions and give guidance for a self-reliant work-up of neurological cases particularly with intracranial and vestibular diseases. The intensive training is structured as a combination of lectures and case-based oriented learning by further diagnostics and work-up of neurological cases in small groups. This approach will enable the attending veterinarian to manage all common diseases of the brain and vestibular system.

Basic Neurosurgery
This course is dedicated to neurosurgical patients and neurosurgery. The course will be divided into lectures that provide the participants with the necessary theoretical knowledge to understand and to perform high quality neurosurgery and is constructed as an interactive session that allows in depth discussion. The practical part is divided in video-based case presentations and a neurosurgical Wetlab.

Advanced Neurosurgery
This course is designed for veterinary professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in advanced neurosurgical techniques. The program combines comprehensive lectures, case discussions, and hands-on wet labs, providing participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage complex neurosurgical cases

Neuropathology & MRI Interpretation
The principal learning objective of this module is to acquire a basic understanding of diagnostic neuropathology. Participants are trained in lectures and practicals to recognize the major lesion patterns such as malformations, inflammatory lesions, tumors of the nervous system, trauma and infarcts of the brain and spinal cord, toxic-metabolic diseases, and degenerative diseases on gross and histological preparations of CNS tissue. The structural changes are compared to corresponding MR images with the aim to apply the acquired knowledge to the interpretation of MR images.

MRI Neuroimaging
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of advanced neuroimaging techniques and interpretation. Key topics include examination techniques such as signal-to-noise optimization, spin echo, gradient echo, and diffusion-weighted imaging. Participants will learn to analyze patterns and lesion distributions, including intra- and extraaxial brain neoplasms, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic-toxic disorders. The course also covers vascular lesions, trauma, hemorrhage, anomalies, and malformations affecting the brain and spinal cord. Sessions on standardized reading, brain spectroscopy, and artifact management enhance diagnostic accuracy. Participants will engage in individual case studies and group discussions to apply knowledge practically. The program concludes with reviews of learning objectives and collaborative discussions to solidify key concepts.