First Opinion Veterinary Ultrasound

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First Opinion Veterinary Ultrasound

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Hi, I'm Camilla, I teach vets and vet nurses how to confidently use veterinary ultrasound because every veterinary professional deserves to feel confident and supported when scanning to improve patient care and outcomes. Download my e-book: A Complete Guide To Help You Learn The Basics of Ultrasound
https://www.fovu.co.uk/veterinary-ultrasound-free-e-book

Teaching - Online Ultrasound Courses 🐶
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ttps://fovu.mykajabi.com/ultrasound-courses

Community - Join in the conversation! 😺 https://www.facebook.com/groups/FirstOpinionVeterinaryUltrasound/

Scanning - Book my services 🎛️
https://fovu.mykajabi.com/book-a-scan

Reviews - Ultrasound Machines 📝
https://fovu.mykajabi.com/machine-reviews

23/04/2025

After teaching ultrasound to hundreds of vets and nurses over the past decade, I've noticed something fascinating: the best scanners aren't those with the steadiest hands or most expensive machines - they're the ones who approach artefacts with curiosity instead of dread.

In my own journey from novice to veterinary ultrasonographer, the biggest breakthrough wasn't technical - it was psychological.

When those dreaded white lines appear on my screen during an important scan:
I now think: "This is giving me important information about my scanning environment"

Rather than: "I must be doing something wrong again"

This detective mindset has helped me solve countless image mysteries in practices across the country - from the unexpected electrical interference from a dental machine to subtle probe damage causing persistent black bands.

What's your typical first thought when your ultrasound image suddenly deteriorates? I'd love to help shift that perspective if needed

15/04/2025

I was sorting through old scan images yesterday and stumbled across my earliest attempts at ultrasound... I couldn't help but cringe at what I once thought was 'good enough'! 😂

What a difference time and proper training make!

Looking at these before-and-after images side by side really drives home how far we can all progress.

As someone who's spent my career refining and teaching veterinary ultrasound, I can confidently say that the difference between frustration and diagnostic confidence often comes down to understanding a few key principles.

The transformation I see most often in the vets I train comes from:

👉 Learning that those mysterious white lines have specific, identifiable patterns
👉 Discovering that most image quality issues have simple solutions
👉 Developing a systematic approach that builds confidence with every scan

One vet had a complete breakthrough when she finally understood how to adjust her settings for different patient sizes.

What she thought was poor technique was actually just using the wrong depth and gain for smaller pets! The improvement in her images was immediate and dramatic.

What's your biggest ultrasound 'aha!' moment? I love hearing these stories!"

If you’re new to ultrasound, and want get confident with scanning then you may want to check out my Veterinary Ultrasound: The Basics course.

Head to the link below to see how it’s structured and what’s included:

🔗 www.fovu.co.uk/fovu-veterinary-ultrasound-for-complete-beginners-the-basics

10/04/2025

“I’d never visualised the splenic head before…”

That was part of Megan’s feedback after taking Veterinary Ultrasound: The Basics—and it really stuck with me.

Because honestly? That’s such a common feeling.

So many vets nod along during scans, quietly hoping they’re looking at the right thing, not quite sure if they’ve assessed the whole organ.

It’s something we don’t talk about enough.

The pressure to feel confident, even when you’re still figuring things out.

Scanning does get easier with practise—but it gets clearer when you have structure, feedback, and a bit of guidance along the way.

That’s what I focus on inside The Basics course.

Not just learning where the buttons are…

But understanding what you’re looking for, how to find it, and what’s normal.

Here’s what Megan said:

“I feel much more confident now with how to approach an abdominal ultrasound scan systematically... I had never visualised the splenic head before and never felt I was assessing the whole organ.”

If you're still in that “what am I looking at?” phase—you don’t have to stay there.

One scan at a time, we can get you feeling clearer and more confident.

If you’d love to feel more confident recognising structures (and not second-guessing what you’re seeing), The Basics course is a great place to start. Head to my website fovu.co.uk for more information and resources.

👇 Let me know in the comments—what’s one structure that’s always tricky for you to find?

09/04/2025

Your screen flickers. Strange white lines appear. And the image you really need? Disappears behind the artefacts.

You're mid-scan, trying to identify a suspicious mass, and your nurse gives you that look. The “are we referring this?” face. 😬

It’s one of those moments where you second-guess everything—was it my probe? Machine settings? My technique?

Even after scanning hundreds of patients, these frustrating artefacts still show up for me.

The difference now? I know where to look—and it’s often not where you'd think.

Here are the three most common culprits I come across:

🔌 Electrical interference – even a smartwatch or plug socket can throw things off - yes really!
🔧 Probe damage – small cracks can lead to big artefacts
🐾 Environmental factors – like our patients (and busy consult rooms)

One practice I worked with struggled for weeks—until we moved their machine to a different socket. Instant fix.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about what’s causing a poor image—or worse, blamed yourself—you’re not alone.

And you don’t need to muddle through.

🧠 Veterinary Ultrasound: The Basics is where we start building confidence with your machine, your settings, and your scanning routine—so problems like this feel a whole lot less mysterious.

📍 Want to feel more confident the next time something strange appears on screen?

You can get started today – just copy this link 👉 https://bit.ly/ultrasoundthebasics to see what’s included and join us

👇 I'd love to hear—what’s the weirdest artefact you’ve seen?

24/03/2025

Taking your time with ultrasound scanning is like taking the scenic route - you see all the good stuff!

When you're not racing against the clock:

✨ You'll catch those sneaky little abnormalities
✨ Your confidence grows (goodbye imposter syndrome!)
✨ Scanning becomes enjoyable instead of stressful
✨ You'll give better answers to worried pet parents

Plus - here's the kicker - you actually SAVE time in the long run by not having to repeat scans or run extra tests!

What's your favourite part about unhurried scanning?

Mine is the "aha!" moment when you find exactly what you're looking for! 🙌

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19/03/2025

Why We're Skipping BSAVA This Year (and What We're Focusing on Instead)

This year, we've made the thoughtful decision not to exhibit at BSAVA in Manchester, an event we've attended and enjoyed for the past three years. Wondering why the change?

Here's what's keeping us busy instead:

→ Community Comes First: Our FOVU community has grown incredibly, thanks to our amazing course students, membership subscribers, and email list. Supporting your ultrasound journeys and celebrating your achievements is our top priority.

→ Making the most of our small (but mighty) team: Exhibiting at events is rewarding, but it requires significant time and energy. We're dedicating that energy to improving our courses, creating more resources, and providing even better support to our online learners.

→ Online Challenges Keep Getting Bigger and Better: Our January 5-day challenge welcomed over 1,075 veterinary professionals—our largest ever! These online events allow us to engage directly with you, let us see your progress and help you overcome those ultrasound hurdles in real-time. Expect more exciting challenges soon!

→ Structured Learning That Fits Your Schedule: We know what it's like trying to squeeze CPD into an already packed schedule. Our FOVU courses offer a step-by-step approach meaning you can build ultrasound skills without finding extra hours in your day—perfect for those 15-minute gaps between consults!

→ Building skills that last: We believe that a solid scanning structure, consistent practise and ongoing feedback make the biggest difference. By dedicating our focus to online education, we ensure you receive comprehensive, structured learning that delivers lasting results.

Want to get started or refresh your ultrasound skills? Here’s how:

📘 Download our free ebook—your first step to confidently getting started with ultrasound.
https://www.fovu.co.uk/facebook-free-ebook

🖥️Try our Basics Course—perfect if you're new to ultrasound or looking to refresh your skills.
https://www.fovu.co.uk/fovu-veterinary-ultrasound-for-complete-beginners-the-basics

🗓️ Join the waitlist for FOVU Club 2026—get ongoing support, expert advice, and exclusive resources to help you continuously develop your ultrasound skills.
https://www.fovu.co.uk/club-waitlist

If you are going to this year’s BSAVA, have a great time!

10/03/2025

"Can you just fit in a quick ultrasound between appointments?"

This question arises in virtually every practice I visit, and I completely understand the pressures that prompt it.

Quick practice scans for skill-building? Absolutely yes!

Squeezing diagnostic scans between appointments? Recipe for:

Missing important findings (oops!)
Stress levels through the roof
Building bad habits that are hard to break
Having to redo the whole thing anyway

The most successful scanning happens in clinics that give it the time it deserves.

What's your favourite excuse for blocking out proper ultrasound time?

Mine is "Sorry, I don't do rush jobs!" 😂

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04/03/2025

The Reality of Scanning Times!

As someone who performs ultrasound in many different practices, one pattern I see consistently is the challenge of allocating appropriate scanning time.

Let's get real about scan times:

👉 Just learning? An hour is NORMAL.
👉 Been doing this forever? Still need 20+ minutes for quality work.

Trying to scan faster than your skills allow is like trying to sprint before you can walk - you'll just fall on your face!
Anyone else tired of pretending scans take less time than they actually do? 🙋‍♀️

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28/02/2025

Not sure which ultrasound probe to use? 🤔

You’re not alone! Many vets and nurses struggle with picking the right one, and it can make a huge difference in the quality of your scans. 🐾

Say goodbye to blurry scans and hello to precision!

Hit the link below to download my FREE eBook on how to choose the right probe - every time. Plus heaps more content to help in your ultrasound skills!

Discover more here 👉🏼 https://www.fovu.co.uk/resources

26/02/2025

Have you been using the WRONG ultrasound probe this whole time? 🤯

Choosing the right probe is the first step to getting clear, diagnostic images—but many vets and nurses are unknowingly using the wrong one! 🫣

🔍 Struggling with blurry scans?
🔍 Not sure which probe to grab for each case?
🔍 Want to make your ultrasound exams faster & easier?

I've got you covered! ✅

My FREE eBook breaks down exactly which probe to use and when—so you can scan with confidence every. single. time. 👏

Follow the link in my bio or below to discover more 👇

https://tinyurl.com/2vzyfkym

24/02/2025

Taking a jugular blood sample: sounds simple, right? Until your patient decides to turn into a wiggly noodle, a head-butting champion, or a master of the well-timed paw swipe! 🐶🐱

Here are a few tips to make it (a little) easier:

✅ Positioning is key – Keep the head extended and the body stable. A well-placed assistant makes all the difference!

✅ Find the landmark – Aim for the jugular groove, and use gentle pressure to visualise the vein better.

✅ Angle matters – A slight upward angle helps prevent going through the vein.

✅ Stay calm & confident – Animals pick up on hesitation, so channel your inner blood taking ninja!

What are your best tips for taking blood samples? Share them in the comments below 😄

21/02/2025

The Untapped Power of Ultrasound: You're Missing Out! 🌟

Ultrasound is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in veterinary care, but here’s the truth: it’s not being used enough.

And when it’s underutilised, it’s not just the patients who miss out.

Here’s what happens when ultrasound isn’t fully embraced:

➡️ Diagnoses are delayed, leaving patients waiting for care.
➡️ Teams miss out on opportunities to grow their skills and confidence.
➡️ Stress builds—for patients, pet owners, and the whole team.

But what if you could be the new ultrasound whizz?

With the right training and support, YOU can become the go-to person in your clinic, transforming how your team approaches ultrasound and improving outcomes for every case 👏

Ready to unlock the full potential of ultrasound?

Head over to fovu.co.uk to learn more about how I can help you and your team build confidence and techniques as well as delivering exceptional care!

19/02/2025

Are you a busy vet who just does not have the time to practice your scanning skills? 🤔

Believe me, I've been there too! In between life, work and family, how on earth are you supposed to learn to interpret blobs on a screen?

Don't worry - I've got you ❤️

With a few simple habits, you can ensure that you have time to pick up the probe and simply have a go.

Do it once and you're already one step ahead. Do it twice and you're halfway there!

Head over to my blog at fovu.co.uk/blog to read more and level up your ultrasound skills!

17/02/2025

✨ Don’t Wait—Take Control of Your Ultrasound Learning ✨

In veterinary medicine, confidence comes from practice, learning, and
stepping up to challenges 👏

Whether you’re considering an ultrasound course or want to refine your scanning skills, the best time to start is NOW.

Why wait for the “perfect moment” when you can create it yourself?

Invest in your skills, take ownership of your growth, and become the expert your patients and team need.

Ready to elevate your abilities? Let’s make it happen together.

Discover more at fovu.co.uk 😄

14/02/2025

One of the most important skills I’ve learned in ultrasound is applying just the right amount of pressure 🐶 🐱

It’s all about balance—too much pressure can distort the image or push organs out of view, while too little can make smaller or deeper structures nearly impossible to see.

Mastering this takes practice, but it’s absolutely essential for obtaining clear, diagnostic images.

Every patient is different, and adjusting your technique based on their size, anatomy, and comfort level is key.

Join our mail list here for exclusive insights and lessons delivered to your inbox 👇

https://tinyurl.com/3zk4x3zc

12/02/2025

Who says a vet can’t carry a tune? 😆

Sometimes, a little serenade is all it takes to keep our patients calm and stress-free during procedures.

Singing not only soothes their nerves but makes the experience a little brighter for everyone involved! 🤣

Do you want expert ultrasound advice sent straight to your email?
(I promise it won't include me singing 🙃)

Join our mail list here for exclusive insights and lessons delivered to your inbox 👇

https://tinyurl.com/3zk4x3zc

10/02/2025

Does the amount of pressure you apply during an ultrasound really make a difference? 🤔 Spoiler alert: It absolutely does!

Curious about how to perfect your pressure technique? Stay tuned!

Later this week, I’ll be sharing practical tips to help you improve your imaging and get the most out of every scan.

Let me know how your thoughts on applying pressure in the comments below 👇

07/02/2025

Somewhere in the world right now, I'm pretty sure someone is shaking a drip pump in anger 😆

Sometimes, drip pumps do not want to play ball. Whilst the sensitivity alarm is there for a good purpose, it can very often be a little TOO sensitive!

I'm going to be honest, I still hear the sound of the drip pump alarm in my NIGHTMARES 🫠

What are your tips for reducing down occlusions?

Share your thoughts below 😄

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Cambridge

Website

https://fovu.co.uk/

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