ACVS Veterinary Surgery study plan

Define wound healing phases and list factors that impair healing in small animal patients

Compare suture materials and sizes for common small animal soft tissue closures

Explain aseptic technique principles and identify common breaks in sterile technique

Outline preoperative patient assessment and anesthetic risk stratification for surgical candidates

Describe hemostasis, electrosurgery, and ligation techniques with indications and risks

Explain principles of tissue handling, tension, and wound closure geometry

Summarize fluid therapy and transfusion considerations in the perioperative period

Identify common postoperative complications and their pathophysiologic basis

Outline the diagnostic workup and surgical decision-making for gastrointestinal obstruction

Describe surgical approaches and closure techniques for cystotomy and enterotomy

Explain management of abdominal wall hernias including mesh considerations

Compare splenectomy indications and perioperative stabilization for hemabdomen

Describe orthopedic fracture assessment and fixation options for common long bone fractures

Explain principles of external coaptation and its limitations

Outline cruciate ligament injury diagnosis and surgical options in dogs

Summarize thoracic surgery indications and perioperative management basics

Compare common large animal surgical approaches for abdominal exploratory in cattle and horses

Describe management principles for traumatic wounds and lacerations in horses

Explain indications and techniques for castration and common urogenital procedures in large animals

Outline perioperative analgesia and anesthesia considerations specific to equine and bovine patients

Describe diagnosis and surgical management of common equine orthopedic conditions

Explain principles of large animal wound management including bandaging and drainage

Define tumor staging principles and the role of surgical margins in oncologic resection

Compare biopsy techniques and their diagnostic yield and risks

Outline surgical options and decision-making for common small animal skin and subcutaneous tumors

Explain indications and techniques for splenic, hepatic, and intestinal mass resection

Describe reconstructive options including skin flaps and grafts with indications

Summarize perioperative considerations for oncologic patients including staging and adjunctive therapy timing

Integrate all four domains in timed mixed-topic practice under exam conditions

Identify and remediate the three weakest subtopics from prior weeks

Review high-yield complications and decision points across species

Rehearse structured case-based reasoning for unfamiliar scenarios