Course Overview
Vetclinic ‘t Westland is pleased to offer the continuation course “Advanced Laparoscopic Ovariectomy for Dogs” in collaboration with the WFFT Wildlife Rescue Centre in Thailand. This course welcomes veterinarians both with and without prior laparoscopic experience, aiming to equip participants with the confidence and skills to safely and efficiently perform laparoscopic ovariectomies in their own practice. Over the course of one intensive week, you will learn to complete these procedures in 15 to 30 minutes.
Instructor
The course is led by Dr. M. Hoynck van Papendrecht, the founder of the laparoscopic OVE technique in Europe. Since performing his first procedure in 1993, he has completed over 25,000 laparoscopic ovariectomies on a wide range of species including dogs, cats, red deer, tigers, black bears, servals, wild boars, raccoons, goats, and apes. His extensive experience ensures expert guidance throughout the course.
Location and Facilities
Training will take place at the state-of-the-art Animal Wildlife Clinic at the WFFT Wildlife Rescue Centre in Thailand, scheduled to open officially in December 2025. The ultra-modern facilities are designed to provide an ideal environment for hands-on veterinary training.
Link to a video of the WFFT Wildlife hospital
Course Content and Approach
Participants will perform a minimum of 10 supervised laparoscopic ovariectomies on dogs, using the 3 x 5 mm portal technique with bipolar forceps. This method offers numerous advantages over the traditional midline approach and allows for quicker, safer surgeries. With a maximum of four students per week, the course offers personalised instruction tailored to individual needs, including assistance with specific challenges such as Veress cannula insertion or uterine location.
The course also includes the opportunity to perform a laparoscopic sterilisation of a long-tailed macaque, providing an invaluable experience that benefits both the participant and the rescue centre’s wildlife population. For those without laparoscopic experience or equipment, pre-course practice on a test abdomen is available to build essential hand-eye coordination.
Charitable Impact
A significant portion of the course proceeds supports the WFFT Rescue Centre, funding shelter and medical care for hundreds of animals. The instructor donates his entire share of the fee to the centre. Dogs used in the training come from a clinic founded by the rescue centre in a nearby city, where both stray and owned dogs are neutered free of charge. The primates involved are from areas where their population has caused human-wildlife conflict and are released back into the wild after recovery.
Accommodation and Amenities
Participants stay in luxury bungalows on the rescue centre grounds, featuring a private swimming pool and situated adjacent to the elephant enclosure, home to 21 elephants and an island inhabited by local primates. These bungalows were generously donated by supporters, and all rental income benefits the centre. Dining options include two excellent onsite restaurants serving Thai and European cuisine, with views of elephants and tigers, respectively.
Link to a video of the Pool Villa at our Lodge
Link to the Lodge intro
Website of the l-Love-Phants Lodge
Additional Activities
For travelling companions or those wishing to explore, the rescue centre houses approximately 900 animals, and nearby are beautiful nature parks, beaches, and the vibrant city of Bangkok, just two hours away. The centre’s Dutch founder can provide personalised travel recommendations for an enriching visit before or after the course.
Timing and Enrolments
The first course will take place in the last two weeks of February and the first two weeks of March 2026, chosen for its favourable weather conditions. Air conditioning is provided throughout the accommodations and clinic for comfort in Thailand’s tropical climate. Enrolment is limited to 16 participants total—four students per week over four weeks—to ensure quality learning experiences. Once full, no additional places will be added.
Costs and Inclusions
The course fee of €4,995 covers the full training program, airport transfers, luxury accommodation in a villa with pool and amenities, and full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Drinks during meals are not included and must be paid for separately. Flights are not included in the fee, though direct flights to Bangkok are available from major airlines such as KLM, typically costing around €1,000 for a round trip. Additional charges apply for partners or children staying in the same bungalow (€700), and a discounted fee of Euro 3,995 applies for a second student sharing accommodation.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations for Thailand are obligatory, but Hepatitis A and DTP are advised.
