Practical Abdominal Ultrasound – Recap

Our two-day Practical Abdominal Ultrasound workshop brought together veterinarians with novice to intermediate scanning experience, all keen to improve their technique and get the most out of their ultrasound machines. The workshop was led by Dr Emily Short.

The programme combined interactive lectures with plenty of hands-on scanning. Lectures were rich in images and video, covering:

  • Ultrasound physics and how to optimise your machine
  • Recognising and understanding artefacts
  • Performing a complete abdominal scan
  • Normal abdominal anatomy and key landmarks
  • Recognising common abdominal disease

Each lecture was followed by practical scanning sessions. Delegate numbers were kept small, and attendees worked in groups of 3–4 per station, so everyone had plenty of time on the probe and individual attention from the tutors. One-on-one guidance helped attendees systematically identify and evaluate each abdominal organ, and build their confidence in distinguishing normal from abnormal findings.

For newer scanners, the workshop provided a solid foundation. For those with some experience, it reinforced and extended existing skills, helping turn their knowledge of abdominal disease into practical scanning ability.

Attendees left with a clear, systematic approach to abdominal ultrasound and the confidence to put it into practice in their own clinics.

Thank you to Dr Short for leading such an engaging and practical two days, and to all the attendees for their enthusiasm and great questions.

Dr. Emily Short

BVSc (Dist) MANZCVS (SA Radiology) DipECVDI European Specialist in Veterinary Radiology®

Emily Short is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, having completed a small animal track radiology residency with NZRadVet. She is currently working as an on-site radiologist at Animal Referral Centre (ARC) in Auckland. Emily is passionate about imaging and a team approach to veterinary care. She enjoys teaching having spent multiple years working with vet students at Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MUVTH), contributed to training rotating interns at MUVTH and ARC, and having participated as a wet lab demonstrator in multiple abdominal ultrasound and POCUS workshops for general practitioners.

Practical Abdominal Ultrasound NZ (October 2026)