VetPD has combined an exhilarating week-long safari experience at the Mongena Game Lodge**** in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, near Johannesburg, South Africa, with a total of 25 hours of safaris, 24 hours of cutting-edge lectures / case discussions and 26 hours of practical sessions / wetlabs on live horses and specimens for attendees to choose from. The following internationally renowned speakers will be involved with this event and lectures/wetlabs will be aimed at experienced general and advanced practitioners: Dr. Laurie Goodrich (Colorado State University, USA), Dr. David Sutton (University of Glasgow, Scotland), Dr. Myra Barrett (Colorado State University, USA), Dr. David Stack (University of Liverpool, UK) and Dr. Sarah Smith (B&W Equine Hospital, UK).

The Dinokeng Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve, 1 hours' drive from Johannesburg International Airport. There the ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard & rhinoceros) roam wild and free in the 18,500-hectare game reserve.  Bass fishing and the obligatory swimming pool will provide you with the ideal environment to relax with your friends and accompanying partner/guest. The lectures and wetlabs will be held at Mongena Game Lodge.  Guests will be staying at one of the following stunning Lodges within the Dinokeng Game Reserve, a short scenic drive from Mongena Game Lodge:  Chameleon Bush Lodge and Wild Ways Bush Camp.

From Mon – Thu there will be a total of 4-5 hrs per day of sunrise- and sunset safaris and the lectures and practical sessions will be held between 10.15am – 3.30pm.  Every day attendees can choose from several streams of highly illustrated lectures (in English) or wetlabs on a wide range of current orthopaedic, medical and soft tissue topics.  The evenings will be free for leisurely wining and dining, to meet up with old friends and to make new ones.

During the course open and frank discussions are encouraged and the speakers will share their personal experiences with attendees, be it successes or failures.  There will be plenty of opportunities to discuss diagnostic/therapeutic strategies and cases with the speakers during the lectures or the dedicated case discussions.

The 26 hours of practical sessions will give attendees plenty of opportunity to put theory into practice on live horses in small groups, all under the supervision of the specialists.

Overview of topics:

LECTURES

• Diagnostic Imaging – Ultrasonography & Radiography
• Update on Regenerative Therapies
• Orthopaedic Topics – Stifle Disease, Foot Lameness, Neck Conditions & Imaging of Wounds
• Regenerative Orthopaedic Therapies – Lectures & Case-Discussions
• Muscle Conditions
• Haematology
• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases

WETLABS / PRACTICAL SESSIONS

• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound – Pastern, Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath, Fetlock, MC/MT Region, Carpus, Shoulder, Tarsus, Stifle, Hip Joint, Neck, Back & Pelvis
• Abdominal, Thoracic & Soft Tissue Ultrasound (incl. the eye)
• Nerve & Joint Block (Incl. Ultrasound Guidance)
• Respiratory Endoscopy incl. BAL/Trach Wash & Guttural Pouch Lavage
• Overground (Dynamic) Upper Respiratory Endoscopy
• Urogenital Endoscopy
• Gastroscopy
• Overground Endoscopy
• Orthopaedic Radiography

On Friday there won’t be any lectures or practical sessions, which will allow attendees and their partners/guests to relax at the pool, go for a bush walk or go on a daytrip to explore this beautiful region.

Daytrips to Glen Afric Country Lodge, the home of the TV Series 'Wild at Heart' and where you can 'Walk with Elephants', Mystic Monkeys & Feathers (A wildlife park that allows for playing with cubs), Diamond Mine Cullinan, The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, Horse Riding Adventure and Quad Bike Safari to name but a few can be organised through Mongena (Subject to availability and surcharges (transfers & entrance at cost) apply).

With regards to the practical sessions, please note that spaces are limited. We will allocate spaces on a first come first serve basis so make sure you register early.

*The event fee includes airport transfers, accommodation, all meals (incl. tea/coffee and one soft drink per meal), transfers between lodges and the sunrise and sunset safaris from Monday to Thursday, all lectures and wetlabs as well as extensive course notes and a certificate of attendance. Attendees can choose to stay in a single room or can share a room with another attendee at a reduced price.  Attendees are also welcome to attend the course with a partner/guest (special guest price available).  The course fee does not include flights or alcoholic drinks. Rooms are allocated at the discretion of VetPD. Early course registration is recommended as there are only a limited number of places available.

Additional Terms & Conditions:

1. VetPD Ltd, accepts liability for the course program only (lectures & practical sessions)
2. Liability for airport transfer, accommodation, meals and all other pre-booked components (safari activities etc.) rest with the Mongena Game Lodge. Cancellation of these components of the course is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Mongena Game Lodge.
3. Attendees are expected to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance in the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to attendees falling ill or having to cancel their trip to South Africa.