Symposium

17th Annual ABVP Symposium

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Lecture Description

• Avian
• Canine
• Equine
• Exotic Companion Mammal
• Feline
• Food Animal
• Reptile and Amphibian
• Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice

AVIAN Program Schedule
Friday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Female Reproductive Tract Anatomy and Physiology
Friday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Female Reproductive Tract Disease
Friday	4:30pm-5:30pm	Psittacine Reproductive Behavior
Saturday	8:00am-9:00am	Avian Reproductive Tract Surgery I
Saturday	9:30am-10:30am	Avian Reproductive Tract Surgery II
Saturday	11:00am-12:00pm	Avian Renal Disease I
Saturday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Avian Renal Disease II
Saturday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Psittacine Gastrointestinal Tract: Anatomy/Physiology
Saturday	4:15pm-5:15pm	Psittacine Gastrointestinal Tract: Diseases/Diagnostics
Sunday	8:00am-9:00am	Avian Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery I
Sunday	9:30am-10:30am	Avian Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery II
Sunday	11:00am-12:00pm	Psittacine Nutrition: Focus on Lipid Metabolism and Obesity

AVIAN Lectures

Female Reproductive Tract Anatomy and Physiology - Anna Osofsky
The anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive tract will be reviewed in detail. This lecture is designed to help applicants prepare for the ABVP exam and help practitioners review these important concepts. Included will be a review of all sexually dimorphic parrot species.

Female Reproductive Tract Disease - Anna Osofsky
Clinical signs, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of female reproductive tract diseases will be reviewed with a focus on medical management.

Psittacine Reproductive Behavior - Anneliese Strunk
Discussion of behavioral aspects of reproduction in psittacine birds, including clinically relevant behavioral problems and behavioral modification techniques.

Avian Reproductive Tract Surgery I & II - Scott Echols
Reproductive tract diseases of birds are commonly encountered. Many of these diseases can only be resolved with surgery. These lectures will focus on surgery of the ovary, oviduct, testicles, and vas deferens. 

Avian Renal Disease I & II - Scott Echols
Avian renal disease comes in many forms and may be associated with multiple diseases and etiologies. Understanding the potential causes of renal disease in birds helps with diagnosis and treatment. These lectures will cover potential mechanisms, consequences, etiologies, specific reported forms, diagnosis, and treatment of avian renal diseases.

Psittacine Gastrointestinal Tract: Anatomy/Physiology - Anneliese Strunk
Review of gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology of psittacines, with updates from current literature.

Psittacine Gastrointestinal Tract: Diseases/Diagnostics - Anneliese Strunk
Discussion of gastrointestinal diseases of psittacines, including pertinent diagnostics, with updates from current literature.

Avian Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery I & II - Scott Echols
Gastrointestinal diseases are frequently encountered in avian patients. Most can be managed medically. However, some gastrointestinal diseases require surgical correction. These lectures will cover surgery of the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the vent.

Psittacine Nutrition: Focus on Lipid Metabolism and Obesity - Anneliese Strunk
Review of lipid metabolism in avian species with primary focus on obesity in psittacines, including causes, sequellae, and treatment options.

CANINE Program Schedule
Thursday	7:15pm-9:15pm	Canine Case Studies in Cardiology
Friday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Arrhythmia Recognition and Management
Friday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Cardiac Biomarkers, Radiographs, Echo
Friday	4:30pm-5:30pm	Recognition and Management of CHF in the Dog
Saturday	8:00am-9:00am	Congenital Heart Disease
Saturday	9:30am-10:30am	The Surgical Acute Abdomen I
Saturday	11:00am-12:00pm	The Surgical Acute Abdomen II
Saturday	1:30pm-2:30pm	The Surgical Acute Abdomen III
Saturday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Acute Emergency Wound Management I
Saturday	4:15pm-5:15pm	Acute Emergency Wound Management II
Sunday	8:00am-9:00am	Stem Cells – Basic Mechanisms of Action
Sunday	9:30am-10:30am	Stem Cells – Evidence Based Medicine Supports the Clinical Use
Sunday	11:00am-12:00pm	Stem Cells – How to Incorporate Regenerative Medicine in Your Practice

CANINE Lectures

Canine Case Studies in Cardiology - John Rush
Cases of dogs with cardiac disease will be presented, including clinical findings and the results of diagnostic testing. Audience participation is encouraged.

Arrhythmia Recognition and Management -John Rush
Cardiac arrhythmias are an important cause of sudden death and collapse in dogs, especially with cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmia recognition, drug mechanism of action, and rationale use of antiarrhythmic drugs will be discussed.

Cardiac Biomarkers, Radiographs, Echo - John Rush
These key diagnostic tests are important for the appropriate management of cardiac disease in dogs. We will emphasize key diagnostic clues from biomarkers, radiographs, and echocardiography.

Recognition and Management of CHF in the Dog - John Rush
Congestive heart failure is often a result of chronic valvular disease or cardiomyopathy, and the treatment of heart failure is slowly changing. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and commonly employed medical and dietary management will be discussed.

Congenital Heart Disease - John Rush
Congenital heart disease can be confusing, although specific cures are available for some severe malformations. We will emphasize the pathophysiology and recognition of the most common congenital diseases (PDA, aortic and pulmonic stenosis, septal defects) and possible medical or surgical interventions for each.

The Surgical Acute Abdomen I - F.A. (Tony) Mann
This lecture will place emphasis on the acute abdomen decision-making process. Diagnostic methods for patients presented with acute abdomen will be discussed to decide if surgery is warranted and if that surgery should be done on an emergent basis.

The Surgical Acute Abdomen II - F.A. (Tony) Mann
Surgical intervention for the treatment of acute abdomen will be discussed in general (preoperative preparation, instrumentation, and surgical approach) and some specific techniques (such as gastropexy, diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy, urinary bladder repair, intestinal anastomosis, and splenectomy) will be exemplified.

The Surgical Acute Abdomen III - F.A. (Tony) Mann
This lecture will be a discussion of postoperative management of acute abdomen patients and will include general supportive measures and monitoring, analgesic choices, nutritional support, and specific interventions based on the underlying condition or specific surgical manipulations.

Acute Emergency Wound Management I - F.A. (Tony) Mann
This is an interactive lecture discussing early wound management. Topics will include wound inspection, lavage, debridement, bandaging, and topical medications.

Acute Emergency Wound Management II - F.A. (Tony) Mann
This is a continued discussion of early wound management. Topics will include wound closure, drainage, and the role of antibiotic therapy.

Stem Cells – Basic Mechanisms of Action - Kathy Fitzwater
Stem cells fall under the category of regenerative medicine. This lecture will explain why regenerative medicine is considered by many to be the future of medicine. The attendee will learn much about stem cells, including: definitions of common terms used to describe stem cells, the purpose of stem cells in situ, sites that contain stem cells, the difference between adult and embryonic stem cells, and how stem cells behave in vivo.

Stem Cells – Evidence Based Medicine Supports the Clinical Use - Kathy Fitzwater
Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is a hot topic, yet little time is devoted to explain what it is and how it can be incorporated into clinical practice. This lecture will summarize the goal of EBM and highlight studies that demonstrate the clinical relevance of stem cell therapy.

Stem Cells – How to Incorporate Regenerative Medicine in Your Practice - JoAnne Roesner
Learning new information or techniques is only part of a progressive practice. In order to successfully offer these new products and services to our clients veterinarians must know: how to select cases; answers to common questions asked by pet owners; what outcomes to expect; when and how to retreat; and finally how to ‘get the word out’ that your clinic is now in the field of regenerative medicine.

EQUINE Program Schedule
Friday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Treatment of Heel Lacerations in the Field
Friday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Osteoarthritis and Joint Therapy
Friday	4:30pm-5:30pm	Diagnosis and Treatment of Sore Feet in the Horse
Saturday	8:00am-9:00am	How to Perform Standing Neurectomy and Deep Flexure Tenotomy in the Standing Horse
Saturday	9:30am-10:30am	Poor Performance and Lameness in the Western Horse
Saturday	11:00am-12:00pm	Lameness Case Studies
Saturday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Principles of Antimicrobial Therapy in Equine Medicine
Saturday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Selected Topics in Rational Antibiotic Usage
Saturday	4:15pm-5:15pm	Antibiotic Therapy in Horses: A Case-Based Presentation
Sunday	8:00am-9:00am	Update on Equine Respiratory Disease
Sunday	9:30am-10:30am	Acupuncture – Is it Right for Your Horse?
Sunday	11:00am-12:00pm	NSAIDS – New and Improved? Or More of the Same…

EQUINE Lectures

Treatment of Heel Lacerations in the Field - Robin Dabareiner
How to approach treatment of heel bulb lacerations includes when to suture, when to let it heal by secondary intention, application of foot case and regional limb perfusion.

Osteoarthritis and Joint Therapy - Robin Dabareiner
Description of how intra-articular steroids, adequan and Hyaluronic Acid work to decrease inflammation in the joint. When to use specific steroids vs. adequan vs. HA for treatment of various joint problems.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sore Feet in the Horse - Robin Dabareiner
How to diagnose what structure within the foot is causing lameness without use of MRI. How and when to medicate the navicular bursa vs. coffin joint medication for navicular pain.

How to Perform Standing Neurectomy and Deep Flexure Tenotomy in the Standing Horse - Robin Dabareiner
Description of surgical technique to perform neurectomy and DDFT transection in the standing horse.

Poor Performance and Lameness in the Western Horse - Robin Dabareiner
Description of frequent causes of performance problems and lameness in horses used for team roping, barrel racing, cutting, and calf roping.

Lameness Case Studies - Robin Dabareiner
A presentation of various lameness case studies.

Principles of Antimicrobial Therapy in Equine Medicine  - Mark Crisman
This lecture will focus on the therapeutic decision making process and general pharmacological considerations in this often difficult and complex exercise. The role of antimicrobial resistance in therapeutic failures will also be discussed.

Selected Topics in Rational Antibiotic Usage - Mark Crisman
Increasingly, the practitioner will discover that the drug of choice is no longer a viable option or a newer compound is the ‘drug du jour’. A significant challenge is actually getting the antibiotic into the horse along with the risks associated with unabsorbed drug disrupting the normal gut microflora. This lecture will focus on current issues associated with different classes of antibiotics.

Antibiotic Therapy in Horses: A Case-Based Presentation - Mark Crisman
This discussion will cover several cases and detail the therapeutic decision making process.

Update on Equine Respiratory Disease - Mark Crisman
Respiratory infections are quite common in horses and responsible for a considerable amount of days spent out of work as well as veterinary and nursing expenses. This discussion will review the most important infectious respiratory diseases of horses along with therapeutic intervention. 

Acupuncture – Is it Right for Your Horse? - Mark Crisman
Chronic pain is a significant health problem associated with severe patient suffering and disability. Acupuncture is considered one of the most ancient therapeutic interventions of mankind dating back thousands of years. This discussion will focus on current literature and the neurophysiologic basis of acupuncture and applications in equine medicine.

NSAIDS – New and Improved? Or More of the Same… - Mark Crisman
Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently administered to horses, there are potential side-effects associated with their use. Innovations in NSAID design have attempted to create drugs with fewer adverse effects. However, the availability of these drugs (coxibs) is limited to COX-2 inhibitors. Focus will be on the application of anti-inflammatory drugs in horses.

EXOTIC COMPANION MAMMAL Program Schedule
Thursday	1:00pm-5:00pm	Wet Lab: Tricks and Techniques for Exotic Companion Mammals
Friday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Gastrointestinal Tract of Exotic Companion Herbivores: Health and Disease I
Friday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Gastrointestinal Tract of Exotic Companion Herbivores: Health and Disease II
Friday	4:30pm-5:30pm	Gastrointestinal Tract of Exotic Companion Herbivores: Health and Disease III
Saturday	8:00am-9:00am	Gastrointestinal Tract of Exotic Companion Herbivores: Health and Disease IV
Saturday	9:30am-10:30am	Gastrointestinal Tract of Exotic Companion Herbivores: Health and Disease V
Saturday	11:00am-12:00pm	Gastrointestinal Tract of Exotic Companion Herbivores: Health and Disease VI
Saturday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Rational Anti-Microbial Therapy for Exotic Companion Mammals I
Saturday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Rational Anti-Microbial Therapy for Exotic Companion Mammals II
Saturday	4:15pm-5:15pm	Rational Anti-Microbial Therapy for Exotic Companion Mammals III
Sunday	8:00am-9:00am	Diagnostic Testing for Exotic Companion Mammals I
Sunday	9:30am-10:30am	Diagnostic Testing for Exotic Companion Mammals II
Sunday	11:00am-12:00pm	Diagnostic Testing for Exotic Companion Mammals III

EXOTIC COMPANION MAMMAL Lectures

Wet Lab: Tricks and Techniques for Exotic Companion Mammals - Angela Lennox and Dan Johnson
Attendance is limited for this interactive wet lab held at the Veterinary Referral Hospital and Emergency Center of South Texas. Fee is $300. Attendance is limited to the first 30 registrants. Shuttle departs at 12:30pm and returns at 5:30pm. More details coming soon.

Gastrointestinal Tract of Exotic Companion Herbivores: Health and Disease I, II, III, IV, V, & VI -
Dan Johnson
This series of presentations covers the gastrointestinal system of commonly encountered pet herbivores (rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla, rat, mouse, hamster, gerbil, degu, prairie dog). Clinically significant digestive anatomy, physiology, diseases, and treatments will be discussed.

Rational Anti-Microbial Therapy for Exotic Companion Mammals I, II, & III - Thomas Donnelly
These lectures focus on anti-microbial therapy (antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral) and include mode of action, pharmacokinetics in different species, and safe non-microbial side effects; value of probiotics and prebiotics; decision-making based on efficacy and toxicity; evaluation and limits of routine culture and sensitivity; and value of bacterial toxin testing.

Diagnostic Testing for Exotic Companion Mammals I, II, & III - Thomas Donnelly
These lectures cover benefits and limitations of diagnostic testing and will include testing in individuals vs. groups; microbial sampling and transport; laboratory use of human bacterial ID kits for animal samples; serology and PCR for viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi and parasites; and hormone assays using ELISA & RIA. One lecture will be on testing and interpretation for Encephalitozoon cuniculi.

FELINE Program Schedule
Friday	1:30pm-2:30pm	A Young Adult Cat with Chronic Fever and Abdominal Lymphadenopathy I
Friday	3:00pm-4:00pm	A Young Adult Cat with Chronic Fever and Abdominal Lymphadenopathy II
Friday	4:30pm-5:30pm	A Senior Cat with Confusing Thyroid Hormone Results
Saturday	8:00am-9:00am	A Senior Cat with Chronic Weight Loss and Gastrointestinal Disease I
Saturday	9:30am-10:30am	A Senior Cat with Chronic Weight Loss and Gastrointestinal Disease II
Saturday	11:00am-12:00pm	A Senior Cat with Chronic Nasal Discharge
Saturday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Feline Pancreatitis: Recognizing the Disease and Understanding Therapy
Saturday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Feline Dysbiosis and IBD: Diet, Antibiotics, and Probiotics I
Saturday	4:15pm-5:15pm	Feline Dysbiosis and IBD: Diet, Antibiotics, and Probiotics II
Sunday	8:00am-9:00am	Feline Nutrition from Kittens to Geri’s
Sunday	9:30am-10:30am	Colonic Diseases in Cats: From Colitis to Constipation I
Sunday	11:00am-12:00pm	Colonic Diseases in Cats: From Colitis to Constipation II

FELINE Lectures

A Young Adult Cat with Chronic Fever and Abdominal Lymphadenopathy I & II - John August
This interactive discussion will be case‐based, utilizing clinical information on a patient with vague clinical signs, including fever and lymphadenopathy. Interaction and input from attendees will be enhanced by an audience response system using text messages.

A Senior Cat with Confusing Thyroid Hormone Results - John August
This interactive discussion will be case‐based, utilizing clinical information on a patient with suspected thyroid disease and conflicting test results. Interaction and input from attendees will be enhanced by an audience response system using text messages.

A Senior Cat with Chronic Weight Loss and Gastrointestinal Disease I & II - John August
This interactive discussion will be case‐based, utilizing clinical information on a patient with chronic gastrointestinal signs and weight loss. Interaction and input from attendees will be enhanced by an audience response system using text messages.

A Senior Cat with Chronic Nasal Discharge - John August
This interactive discussion will be case‐based, utilizing clinical information on a patient with bilateral nasal discharge of several years’ duration. Interaction and input from attendees will be enhanced by an audience response system using text messages.

Feline Pancreatitis: Recognizing the Disease and Understanding Therapy - Debra Zoran
Feline pancreatitis is a more common than realized, yet, difficult to diagnosis, and more difficult yet to manage, disease of middle aged to older cats. This lecture will focus on keys to recognition, diagnostic tools necessary for monitoring, and management ideas for dealing with this challenging disease.

Feline Dysbiosis and IBD: Diet, Antibiotics and Probiotics I & II - Debra Zoran
Cats with IBD and other forms of chronic diarrhea often have significant dysbiosis – a problem for which anti-inflammatory and chemotherapy does not address. This lecture will focus on the role of diet, antibiotic therapy and probiotics in the creation, and management of bacterial dysbiosis of the small bowel in cats. 

Feline Nutrition from Kittens to Geri’s - Debra Zoran
The important role of nutrition in the health of kittens, adult cats, and geriatric felines will be discussed from the perspective of the role of protein in diets, understanding feline feeding behaviors and its role in early nutrition in cats, and the essential need of more protein (and other nutrients) in geriatric cats due to their changing ability to digest and absorb nutrients. 

Colonic Diseases in Cats: From Colitis to Constipation I & II - Debra Zoran

Diseases of the colon in cats remain a common and often frustrating problem for practitioners. This lecture will review the more common causes of colon dysfunction, the role of diet in disease management, and the key factors to recognize in treating cats with recurring bouts of constipation to avoid complicating the situation.

FOOD ANIMAL Program Schedule
Friday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Physical Examination in Ruminants I
Friday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Physical Examination in Ruminants II
Friday	4:30pm-5:30pm	Johne’s Disease: Getting the Most from Test Results
Saturday	8:00am-9:00am	Johne's Disease: A Global and Public Perception Perspective
Saturday	9:30am-10:30am	Small Ruminant Medicine for the Mixed Practitioner I
Saturday	11:00am-12:00pm	Small Ruminant Medicine for the Mixed Practitioner II
Saturday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Breeding Soundness Examination of Bulls I
Saturday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Breeding Soundness Examination of Bulls II
Saturday	4:15pm-5:15pm	Bovine Tritrichomoniasis I
Sunday	8:00am-9:00am	Bovine Tritrichomoniasis II
Sunday	9:30am-10:30am	Bovine Obstetrics I
Sunday	11:00am-12:00pm	Bovine Obstetrics II

FOOD ANIMAL Lectures

Physical Examination in Ruminants I & II - Allen Roussel
All modern laboratory and imaging equipment has not taken the place of a well performed physical examination. Sometimes it's good to go back to the basics and review the process of getting the most out of a physical exam.

Small Ruminant Medicine for the Mixed Practitioner I & II - Allen Roussel
Sheep and goats are popular as show animals, production animals for producers with small acreage, and even pets. This will help part-time small ruminant practitioners handle some of the more common problems seen in small ruminants.

Johne’s Disease: Getting the Most from Test Results - Allen Roussel
How to interpret serologic and antigen detection tests on individual animals as well as on a herd basis in beef cattle and dairy cattle.

Johne's Disease: A Global and Public Perception Perspective - Allen Roussel
Johne's disease has become more than a chronic bacterial disease of ruminants. There are implications of the involvement of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Crohn's disease in people, trade restrictions among certain countries, and liability associated with sale of infected cattle.

Breeding Soundness Examination of Bulls I & II- Dietrich Volkmann
Review of the systematic examination of bulls for breeding soundness, including common findings and their interpretations with appropriate conclusions.

Bovine Tritrichomoniasis I & II - Dietrich Volkmann
Review of trichomoniasis in cattle, including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, and control.

Bovine Obstetrics I & II - Dietrich Volkmann
Review of causes and clinical management of bovine dystocia, including fetal mutation, fetotomy, and Caesarian section.

REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN Program Schedule
Friday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Amphibian Medicine and Surgery
Friday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Reptilian Urology
Friday	4:30pm-5:30pm	Anesthesia and Analgesia of Reptiles and Amphibians
Saturday	8:00am-9:00am	Reptilian Gastroenterology I
Saturday	9:30am-10:30am	Reptilian Gastroenterology II
Saturday	11:00am-12:00pm	Reptilian Neurology
Saturday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Crocodilian Medicine and Surgery
Saturday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Sea Turtle Medicine and Surgery
Saturday	4:15pm-5:15pm	Diseases of Bearded Dragons with Special Emphasis on Adenovirus
Sunday	8:00am-9:00am	Diseases of Leopard Geckos with Special Emphasis on Cryptosporidiosis
Sunday	9:30am-10:30am	Biology, Physiology, and Diseases of the Reptilian Respiratory System I
Sunday	11:00am-12:00pm	Biology, Physiology, and Diseases of the Reptilian Respiratory System II

REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN Lectures

Amphibian Medicine and Surgery - Shannon Ferrell
This presentation will address the clinically relevant biology, diseases, and management of amphibians in captive settings. Nutrition and husbandry will be emphasized as the major components of any healthy amphibian colony.

Reptilian Urology - Shannon Ferrell
This lecture will address the major disease processes of the reptilian urological system. References to their unique anatomical and physiological variations from mammals will be discussed with emphasis on their relationship to commonly seen diseases.

Anesthesia and Analgesia of Reptiles and Amphibians - Shannon Ferrell
Advances in anesthesia and analgesia for terrestrial and some aquatic ectotherms will be discussed to acquaint the clinician with optimal protocols for smooth induction and safe recoveries. Special attention will be given to analgesic techniques, venous access, and monitoring.

Reptilian Gastroenterology I & II - Shannon Ferrell
These lectures will address the anatomy, physiology, and major disease processes of the reptilian gastrointestinal system. Diagnostic techniques and clinical management of specific GI diseases will be covered.

Reptilian Neurology - Shannon Ferrell
This lecture will focus on the major disease processes of the reptilian neurological system. Unique anatomical and physiological characteristics will be discussed. The basics of a neurological exam and relevant clinical diagnostics will also be presented. 

Crocodilian Medicine and Surgery - Rob Coke
General description of the unique biology and anatomy of these ancient reptiles. Present an overview of general clinical techniques including restraint, examination, sedation, etc. Share the most common diseases seen clinically and reported in literature.

Sea Turtle Medicine and Surgery - Rob Coke
General description of the unique biology and anatomy of these aquatic giants. Present an overview of general clinical techniques including restraint, examination, sedation, etc. Description of the most common diseases seen clinically and reported in literature.

Diseases of Bearded Dragons with Special Emphasis on Adenovirus - Rob Coke
General description of the unique biology and anatomy of these amicable reptiles. Description of the most common diseases seen clinically and reported in literature with special emphasis on diagnostics and management of adenovirus.

Diseases of Leopard Geckos with Special Emphasis on Cryptosporidiosis ­- Rob Coke
General description of the unique biology and anatomy of these cute little reptiles. Description of the most common diseases seen clinically and reported in literature with special emphasis on diagnostics and management of cryptosporidiosis. 

Biology, Physiology, and Diseases of the Reptilian Respiratory System I & II - Rob Coke
In depth review of the general and varied anatomy and physiology found within the different reptilian families. The discussion will finish with a review of common respiratory diseases as well as those reported in literature.

ACADEMY OF VETERINARY TECHNICIANS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE Program Schedule
		Canine/Feline
Friday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Immunology and Vaccination
Friday	3:00pm-4:00pm	The IMHA Patient and the Veterinary Technician
Friday	4:30pm-5:30pm	Diagnosing and Treating Tick Born Diseases
		Avian/Exotic
Saturday	8:00am-9:00am	Avian Anesthesia
Saturday	9:30am-10:30am	Managing GI Stasis in Rabbits
Saturday	11:00am-12:00pm	Green Iguanas: Common Presentations and Nursing Care
		Canine/Feline
Saturday	1:30pm-2:30pm	Managing Patients with Lymphoma
Saturday	3:00pm-4:00pm	Overview of Mass Cell Tumor, Osteosarcoma, and Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Saturday	4:15pm-5:15pm	Safe Handling and Administration of Chemotherapy
		Avian/Exotic
Sunday	8:00am-9:00am	Avian Emergencies and Critical Care
Sunday	9:30am-10:30am	Reptile Sedation and Anesthesia
Sunday	11:00am-12:00pm	Managing Rabbit Neurologic Diseases: The Technician’s Role

ACADEMY OF VETERINARY TECHNICIANS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE Lectures

Immunology and Vaccination - Liza Rudolph
This lecture will cover the immunological foundation of vaccination and how it relates to small animal medicine. Current vaccine recommendations and the practical use of titers will also be discussed.

The IMHA Patient and the Veterinary Technician - Liza Rudolph
The presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia will be discussed. Special focus will be on the role of the veterinary technician in these cases.

Diagnosing and Treating Tick Born Diseases - Liza Rudolph
It’s not all about Lyme Disease anymore. This lecture will focus on the foundation of common Tick Borne Diseases in the small animal patient and address the diagnosis, treatment, and current recommendations.

Avian Anesthesia - Kristina Palmer-Holtry
This lecture is a comprehensive overview of avian anesthesia from induction to recovery. Premedication, maintenance, peri-operative and post-operative drugs will be discussed. Participants will learn about intubation, catheterization, and anesthetic monitoring equipment used on the avian patient.

Managing GI Stasis in Rabbits - Kristina Palmer-Holtry
This lecture is a comprehensive look at the gastrointestinal tract of the companion rabbit and the common afflictions causing GI stasis. Participants will learn about normal rabbit anatomy and function, diseases causing stasis, and diagnostic, therapeutic and nursing techniques.

Green Iguanas: Common Presentations and Nursing Care - Kristina Palmer-Holtry
This lecture will discuss common presentations of the green iguana. Participants will learn how improper diet and husbandry can seriously affect this animal in captivity and how to provide vital client education. We will discuss safe and proper capture and restraint, clinical signs, diagnostic, triage and critical care, and nursing techniques.

Managing Patients with Lymphoma - Liza Rudolph
Lymphoma is the most common neoplasia seen in small animal practice. An overview of canine and feline lymphoma, treatment options, and patient care will be addressed with a special emphasis on quality of life.

Overview of Mast Cell Tumor, Osteosarcoma, and Transitional Cell Carcinoma - Liza Rudolph
The presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of Mast Cell Tumor, Osteosarcoma, and Transitional Cell Carcinoma will be discussed. Special focus will be on the role of the veterinary technician in these cases.

Safe Handling and Administration of Chemotherapy - Liza Rudolph
An increasing number of pet owners are choosing to pursue chemotherapy for their pets. It is imperative that veterinary technicians dealing with oncology cases be well educated in the safe handling and administration of chemotherapy.

Avian Emergencies and Critical Care - Kristina Palmer-Holtry
This lecture will cover common avian emergencies that may present to a small or avian and exotic animal practice. The avian patient is very different from patients commonly seen in small animal medicine and can be challenging to evaluate and treat. Participants will learn the clinical signs, diagnostics, triage, and critical care techniques utilized when dealing with these emergency cases.

Reptile Sedation and Anesthesia - Lorelei Tibbetts
This lecture will focus on the unique requirements of the reptile patient before, during, and after procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia.

Managing Rabbit Neurologic Diseases: The Technician’s Role - Lorelei Tibbetts
This lecture will emphasize the vital role technicians play in the diagnostics, treatments, and follow-up care when rabbits are afflicted with various neurologic disorder.

 

Information is subject to change without notice.