Respiratory emergencies in dogs and cats are some of the most stressful and click here life-threatening cases veterinarians face. From pharyngeal obstruction to laryngeal paralysis, diaphragmatic hernia to flail chest, these patients require immediate, precise, and evidence-based management to survive.
This 3-week online course is designed to bring you the very latest in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients in respiratory distress. With a strong focus on practical protocols, case-based learning, and the most up-to-date literature, this program will help you approach every respiratory emergency condition with confidence.
Course Details
Starts: Monday, 20 October 2025
Time: 19:30 AEDT
Duration: 3 Weeks
Tutor: Dr Philip Judge (BVSc MVS PG Cert Vet Stud MACVSc – Emergency and Critical Care)
Format: Live Online Tutorials + Recordings
CPD: 15 Structured CPD Points (RACE Approved, Interactive)
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this course, you’ll have advanced skills in respiratory emergency management for dogs and cats, including:
Stabilisation techniques for severely dyspnoeic patients.
Use of oxygen therapy, thoracocentesis, and ventilation support.
Emergency pharmacology in the respiratory distress patient.
Diagnosis and treatment of airway and lung diseases (pneumonia, ARDS, heart failure, pulmonary contusions, etc.).
Management of pleural space emergencies and prevention of rapid decompensation.
Updates in respiratory critical care including oxygen toxicity, anaesthesia, fluid therapy, and respiratory hygiene in the critical patient.
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1: Stabilising the Respiratory Emergency Patient
???? Monday, 20 October 2025 | 19:30 AEDT
This week focuses on the emergency stabilisation of the patient in severe respiratory distress. You’ll learn:
Practical use of oxygen therapy, ventilation strategies, and thoracocentesis.
Emergency pharmacology to support the dyspnoeic patient.
Real case videos, clinical algorithms, and practical tips to take the stress out of these emergencies.
Week 2: Updates in Management of Airway and Lung Disease
???? Monday, 27 October 2025 | 19:30 AEDT
A deep dive into airway and lung emergencies, including:
Brachycephalic respiratory emergency management.
Laryngeal paralysis, bronchial disease, and pneumonia.
Pulmonary contusions, ARDS, and acute heart failure.
Emergency diagnostics and transfusion/fluid therapy recommendations.
Week 3: Updates in the Management of Pleural Space Emergencies
???? Monday, 3 November 2025 | 19:30 AEDT
This week covers urgent diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for pleural space disease, including:
Rapid stabilisation techniques to prevent decompensation.
Diagnostic imaging and thoracocentesis protocols.
Practical strategies for respiratory distress management in dogs and cats with pleural disease.
Bonus Topic: Updates in Respiratory Critical Care
???? Sunday, 9 November 2025 | 19:30 AEDT
To round out the course, this special lecture will explore:
Oxygen toxicity and respiratory critical care.
Anaesthesia considerations in the respiratory patient.
Fluid therapy for lung disease.
Respiratory tract hygiene and pharmacology updates for critical cases.
Why This Course Matters
Emergency respiratory conditions in dogs and cats demand fast action and sound clinical judgement. This course equips you with:
The latest evidence-based protocols.
Practical skills that can be applied immediately in practice.
Confidence in managing the most challenging veterinary respiratory emergencies.
With live tutorials, recordings, CPD certification, graded assessments, and discussion forums, this is a comprehensive program designed for veterinarians who want to stay at the forefront of emergency respiratory management.
???? Enrol today in the Veterinary Respiratory Emergency Course starting October 20, 2025, and take your expertise in managing life-threatening respiratory emergencies to the next level.