In first of its kind venture the Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana created a platform together with Small Animal Clinician’s Association (SACA), Chandigarh for “Hands on training in advanced surgical skills in animals”. The Department of Surgery and Radiology, GADVASU, hosted the international training. Renowned small animal surgeons Dr Bryden Stanley and Dr Simon Petersen-Jones from College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University gave live demonstrations and hands on training to the participants on certain advanced procedures like Total Ear Canal Ablation, Perineal Hernia Repair and Reconstructive Surgery. A separate session dedicated to phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for surgical management of cataract in two dog patients was also organized. The training was attended by 70 practicing veterinarians from all over the country including faculty and students of the host institute. Dr Mohindroo, Head of the Department of Surgery and Radiology informed that management of cataract and certain eye ailments in dogs is a real challenge for veterinarians. The incidence of cataract has been on the rise. However, due to lack of training in the field of ophthalmic surgery the pets have to lead a poor quality of life causing emotional stress to the owners. Dr Mohindroo said that the training provided a platform of interaction and exchange of technical knowhow between American Board Certified Surgeons and participants. He informed that the faculty of the Department of Surgery and Radiology, GADVASU made world class arrangements for the smooth conduct of the training program enabling simultaneous surgeries on eleven animal models. Demonstration by experts were communicated through closed circuit TV’s and also through personal interactions to each group on rotation basis. Dr Mohindroo, qualified this as a very successful experience which they would like to repeat for several other techniques of importance in future.
GADVASU’s this initiative helped a large number private veterinary practitioners to learn new skills for the larger benefit of the society. The participants described it as a highly 
useful experience and a very nicely organized event. The Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology of GADVASU is already an Indian Council of Agricultural Research funded “Center of Advanced Faculty Training” the only one in the India. The center has several other initiatives to its credit for advancements in the field of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology in India.
This is the first of the kind training program involving joint collaboration between GADVASU and Small Animal 
Clinician’s Association. The university is in process of increasing collaboration with the private practitioners and foreign agencies for betterment of veterinary profession. Dr. Parkash Singh, Dean College of Veterinary Science, said that such trainings would help in greater interaction between institutional faculty and Private Veterinary Practitioners who otherwise remain devoid of refresher trainings. Dr. CB Singh, President SACA expressed great satisfaction for the overall conduct of the workshop and hoped for more interaction with GADVASU in future.
Dr. A.S. Nanda, Vice chancellor of the university, congratulated the faculty and the participants and appreciated the efforts of Department of Surgery and SACA for the successful conduct of the training program. He said that GADVASU is dedicated to human resource development and advancement in the veterinary services. This training will go a long way in providing quality services to the companion animal owners. GADVASU has always welcomed private practitioners and they can consult the expert faculty of the department regarding their requirements for the treatment of small animal patients, he added.
