The National Veterinary Hospital, under the support of the GOI-PTA fund, successfully conducted hands-on training program on Veterinary Critical Care and Emergency Management for veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals. These intensive six-day training sessions were held in two locations: Gelephu from 2nd to 7th April 2025, targeting participants from the central regions, and in Paro from 9th to 14th April 2025, with attendees from the southwestern regions.
The need for such specialized training has become increasingly apparent in recent years, as Bhutan experiences a shift in pet ownership culture, alongside a growing population of both companion animals and livestock. With these changes has come a noticeable rise in cases requiring urgent veterinary intervention—ranging from trauma caused by vehicular accidents and falls to poisoning and chronic diseases influenced by changing lifestyles. These emergencies present unique challenges in the field, where timely and well-informed action can make the difference between life and death. It is in this context that the training was conceived: to build capacity, reinforce critical skills, and equip frontline veterinary professionals with the tools and confidence needed to respond effectively to complex, high-stakes clinical scenarios.
Structured over six days, the training program combined theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on practice. Participants were immersed in a curriculum that covered the full spectrum of emergency veterinary care—from initial patient triage and stabilization to the management of system-based emergencies such as shock, respiratory distress, traumatic injuries, neurological crises, and gastrointestinal complications. Theoretical sessions laid a strong foundation in understanding the principles of emergency response, while practical sessions allowed participants to translate this knowledge into real-world skills.
Additionally, the training featured interactive sessions, case studies, and participant presentations, encompassing the full clinical journey from telephone triage to treatment. The platform encouraged active knowledge exchange and experience sharing, fostering collaborative learning among the participants.
This hands-on training program represents an important step toward strengthening emergency and critical care services in Bhutan’s veterinary sector. It also reflects an ongoing commitment to professional development and to raising the standard of animal care nationwide. As the landscape of veterinary medicine continues to evolve with changing societal needs, ongoing investments in training and capacity-building will remain essential to ensure that veterinary professionals are equipped to meet the challenges of today—and tomorrow.
