Saturday, May 18, 2024

Harrah's Resort & Conference Center, Atlantic City
/
May 17-18, 2025

Saturday, May 18

7:30 - 8:50 am
Breakfast / Opening Remarks / Annual Business Meeting
Opening Remarks / Annual Business Meeting
by Jennifer Kim, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
|
Avalon 29 & 30

Kick off your VEC experience by hearing from the NJVMA President who will recap the successes of the last year and point out the Association’s direction for the coming 12 months.  You’ll also hear from the AVMA District Representative and get a chance to thank outgoing Board members and congratulate newly-elected Directors.

9:00 - 9:50 am
Say Ahh...Oral Exam & Common Oral Diseases: Part 1
by John Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, Fellow-AVDC, OMFS
|
Avalon 6 & 7

This lecture will provide a step-by-step description of the conscious and anesthetized oral examination techniques in dogs and cats, while providing disease recognition of common oral and dental lesions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Become familiar with exam findings of periodontal disease.
  • Become familiar with exam findings of tooth resorption.
  • Become familiar with exam findings of fractured teeth.
Diabetes Mellitus Treatment & Monitoring Update
by Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM)
|
Avalon 8 & 9

A discussion of the newer insulins (generics etc.).  A discussion on the current pros and cons of using continuous glucose monitoring both on an in and outpatient basis. Some tricks and tips for applying and syncing the sensors. We will discuss the newer oral hypoglycemic agents for cats.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Understand the newer insulin options available.
  • Understand the advantages and limitations of continuous glucose monitoring systems.
  • Understand the indications and side effects of the newer oral hypoglycemics in cats.
Cat Friendly Interactions & Handling: Creating Better Feline Visits
by Kelly A. St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline Practice)
|
Avalon 18 & 19

Veterinary visits with some cats can be challenging and downright difficult at times.  It may seem like the cat is being deliberately uncooperative, but if we take the time to understand what they are experiencing, we can learn simple ways to improve the visit for the cat, the caregiver, and the veterinary team.  This seminar will explore the Heath Model of Emotional Health and how we can easily apply it to our day-to-day interactions with cats, thereby revolutionizing the cat’s veterinary experience.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the Heath Model of Emotional Health as it describes feline emotions and their related behaviors.
    • List examples of protective and examples of engaging emotions that may be observed in the veterinary practice.
    • Recognize the behaviors associated with these emotions.
  • Apply this knowledge in practice:
    • Identify, interpret and appropriately responding to a cat’s emotional states.
    • Differentiate and enact the steps necessary to minimize protective and promote engaging emotions.
    • Demonstrate an ability to adapt to changes in the cat’s emotions as they occur.
  • Create changes in the practice which aim to pre-emptively minimize protective and promote engaging emotions understanding that even the smallest changes can have significant positive impact on the experience for the patient, caregiver, and veterinary team.
Practice Management 101: Knowing the Financial Basics
by David McCormick, MS, CVA
|
Avalon 1 & 2

This program covers the financial foundations that all new practice managers, owners and future owners should know. Attendees will learn financial statement basics and then how to use these statements to self-diagnose poor financial health – and some of the key stats to help. This session also looks at common management mistakes and how to implement best practices to avoid them.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the challenges and benefits of being a fixed cost business.
  • Learn about income statements and balance sheets, how they are different and what they are used for in a veterinary practice.
  • Learn the difference between the tax return / income statement “profit” and the practice’s real profit.
Radiation Safety: Achieve the Lowest Dose of Radiation & the Optimal Diagnostic Image
by Michael Q. Bailey DVM, DACVR, AAAS Fellow
|
Avalon 4 & 5

The first rule of radiation safety is to protect all humans by utilizing the principle of as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). If you follow the ALARA principle, the primary exposure to staff results only from scatter radiation, still harmful radiation. Simple methods allow the reduction and avoidance of scatter with the benefit of improving image diagnostic quality. This benefits valuable staff, improves patient care, and optimizes pet family satisfaction because you give their pet the best possible care.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Define the Three principles of ALARA.
  • Develop awareness of all sources of hazardous ration in the X-ray suite.
  • Emphasize the methods to minimize non-diagnostic radiation while optimizing the diagnostic value.
Feline Triaditis
by Liza Wysong, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 20 & 21

Triaditis (triad syndrome) is the concurrent state of pancreatitis, cholangiohepatitis/cholangitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Patients who are hospitalized for triaditis have a myriad of issues that need to be addressed simultaneously and a comprehensive veterinary nursing care plan is recommended.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn about the factors that lead to feline triaditis.
  • Understand the rationale for the diagnosis and treatment of feline triaditis.
  • Understand the importance of nursing care in feline triaditis patients.
  1.  
Shock Has Many Faces: The Keys to Perfusion
by Ken Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 22 & 23

Patients presenting in shock is one of the most common emergencies. These patients are unable to produce adequate cellular energy. Hemodynamic compromise and loss of proper perfusion leads to significant physiological consequences and requires immediate intervention for restoration. This session will help you recognize signs of circulatory shock through physical assessment parameters and accessible monitoring technology, as well as understand treatment and nursing interventions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the pathophysiology of circulatory shock.
  • Identify the clinical signs associated with various stages of shock.
  • Learn to assess and devise nursing care plans for patients in shock.
10:00 - 10:50 am
Say Ahh...Oral Exam & Common Oral Diseases: Part 2
by John Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, Fellow-AVDC, OMFS
|
Avalon 6 & 7

This lecture will continue the step-by-step description of the conscious and anesthetized oral examination techniques in dogs and cats, while providing disease recognition of common oral and dental lesions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Become familiar with exam findings of stomatitis.
  • Become familiar with exam findings associated with oronasal defects.
  • Become familiar with location of salivary ducts, glands and papillae.
I Found an Adrenal Tumor, Now What?
by Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM)
|
Avalon 8 & 9

This session will include a current review of the literature on adrenal tumors and how to non-invasively diagnose adrenal tumors.  We will discuss how both ultrasonographic findings and biochemical findings can help diagnose various tumors.  We will briefly discuss the surgical options and outcomes for adrenal tumors.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the differentials for adrenal tumors.
  • Understand the clinical signs associated with functional adrenal tumors.
  • Understand the next diagnostic steps to take to when an adrenal tumor is identified.
  • Briefly review the surgical options and outcomes for adrenal tumors.
Update on Pain in the Cat: Decoding a Feline Enigma
by Kelly A. St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline Practice)
|
Avalon 18 & 19

As a prey species the cat is programmed to conceal illness and pain, identifying pain in the cat can be challenging for caregivers and veterinary teams. In this seminar we will review the common causes of pain in the cat and learn how to utilize pain scales to diagnose, quantify and manage both acute and chronic pain.  We will investigate current treatment options focusing on taking a holistic approach that includes the patient, the caregiver, and the patient environment.

Learning Objectives:

  • Comprehend the importance of assessing feline pain as the 4th vital sign.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between acute and chronic pain as well as the concept of maladaptive pain.
  • Evaluate different types of pain using appropriate pain scales.
  • Develop a pain management plan for their feline patients.
Diagnosing & Treating Financial Diseases: Part 1
by David McCormick, MS, CVA
|
Avalon 1 & 2

What makes a financially healthy practice and how can you tell?  Your practice financial data & tax returns can be powerful diagnostic tools. Learn why & how to do more with them than just filing them in that dusty file cabinet. We will look at how you can use them to help diagnose your practice’s financial health and when necessary, develop a treatment plan for improvement.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand what makes a practice financially healthy and why it is important.
  • Learn how to sell assess their practice’s financial health.
  • Understand what profit and EBITDA are and how they can differ.
  • Learn key tools and references to help them improve their practice’s financial health
Pulmonary Patterns: The Radiographic Signs of Pulmonary Disease, Part One: Alveolar & Bronchial Patterns
by Michael Q. Bailey DVM, DACVR, AAAS Fellow
|
Avalon 4 & 5

This session will concentrate on Alveolar and Bronchial patterns and how they develop as a response to disease. Pulmonary radiographs are essential to the evaluation and diagnosis of suspected pulmonary disease. Patterns seen on radiographs may change in broadly normal limits or may be interpreted as abnormal, especially when placed in the clinical context of a specific patient’s clinical problem.

A discussion of the radiographic patterns of disease includes the anatomy of the disease, the temporal course of the disease, pleural abnormalities, aberrant pulmonary inflation, atelectasis, bronchiectasis, and vascular disease. Radiographic disease patterns are associated with discrete anatomic structures (Alveolar and Bronchial discrete Patterns) seen on a radiograph. Pulmonary pattern recognition is the most challenging concept to teach and the most complex and frustrating to learn, yet pattern recognition is a vital part of the disease puzzle.

The sessions will build on the fundamental interpretation paradigm of pulmonary patterns, emphasizing Interpreting nonspecific and specific radiographic patterns using case material to build an explanation of the pulmonary disease process.

Learning Objectives:

  • Will explain the pathophysiology of Alveolar and Bronchial Patterns.
  • Develop an understanding of the anatomic distribution of the macroscopic disease of Alveolar and Bronchial pathology.
  • Emphasize the patterns’ mutual but independent evolution and the disease’s radiographic presentation.
Feline Chronic Kidney Disease
by Liza Wysong, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 20 & 21

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common renal disease in cats. This session will discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostics, and treatment for CKD. The role of the veterinary technician will be stressed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the clinical signs of feline CKD and the importance of obtaining an accurate patient history.
  • Understand the value of diagnostic testing to arrive at a diagnosis and the ongoing management of CKD.
  • Understand the treatment and prognosis for CKD patients.
  1.  
The Essential Art Of Triage: Sharpen Your Hands, Eyes, Ears, & Mind
by Ken Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 22 & 23

A panicked owner brings in their pet with an emergency—so what do you do? Technicians are often the first to assess a patient’s status upon presentation and must be able to swiftly determine how urgently the patient requires care. In this session, we will discuss methods of performing effective triage and how to use our hands, eyes, ears, and sharp mind to put it all together.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Understand the systematic process of triage.
  • Recognize signs of life-threatening emergencies.
  • Be able to assign patient priority based on physical signs.
10:50 - 11:20 am
Coffee Break / Visit the Exhibit Hall
11:25 - 12:15 pm
Important Considerations of the Anesthetic Assessment & Dental Cleaning & Treatment
by John Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, Fellow-AVDC, OMFS
|
Avalon 6 & 7

To do achieve the desired goal, dental cleanings must involve general anesthesia. There are important considerations that will make the process safer and more effective during anesthetized examination, cleaning and extractions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how many milliliters of air are required, on average, to inflate the cuff of a cat’s endotracheal tube.
  • Learn ways to avoid tracheal tears during dental procedures.
  • Learn three ways to avoid aspiration pneumonia during dental procedures.
  • Learn about the most common regional nerve blocks in dogs and cats.
To Neuter or Not to Neuter: That is the Question!
by Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM)
|
Avalon 8 & 9

A review of the literature as to the pros and cons early and late spay/castration.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the current debate about early versus late sterilization.
  • Be able to council clients on the pros and cons of sterilization and what age best suits their pet.
In Sickness & in Health: Maintaining Appetite in Cats
by Kelly A. St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline Practice)
|
Avalon 18 & 19

Cats are notoriously fussy about their food.  Sick cats in hospital and cats with chronic health conditions face additional challenges with intake and appetite.  This seminar will explore the causes of inappetence as well as the challenges associated with encouraging appetite and maintaining intake for both the hospitalized patient and the cat with chronic health issues.  Treatment options including pharmaceuticals, feeding tube placement and the reduction of environmental stressors will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the concepts of inappetence and related causes in the feline species.
  • Investigate inappetence in feline patients with the goal of identifying the cause(s).
  • Create a patient-specific treatment plan that combines appropriate measures to address patient medical, pharmaceutical, and environmental needs.
Diagnosing & Treating Financial Diseases: Part 2
by David McCormick, MS, CVA
|
Avalon 1 & 2

What makes a financially healthy practice and how can you tell?  Your practice financial data & tax returns can be powerful diagnostic tools. Learn why & how to do more with them than just filing them in that dusty file cabinet. We will look at how you can use them to help diagnose your practice’s financial health and when necessary, develop a treatment plan for improvement.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand what makes a practice financially healthy and why it is important.
  • Learn how to sell assess their practice’s financial health.
  • Understand what profit and EBITDA are and how they can differ.
  • Learn key tools and references to help them improve their practice’s financial health.
Pulmonary Patterns: The Radiographic Signs of Pulmonary Disease, Part 2: Interstitial & Vascular Pattern
by Michael Q. Bailey DVM, DACVR, AAAS Fellow
|
Avalon 4 & 5

This session will concentrate on linear and nodular Interstitial patterns and Vascular pattern changes such as pre and post-capillary hypertension, demonstrating the radiographic response to disease. The four patterns will be unified to allow pathophysiology to be explained.

Pulmonary radiographs are essential to the evaluation and diagnosis of suspected pulmonary disease. Patterns seen on radiographs may change in broadly normal limits or may be interpreted as abnormal, especially when placed in the clinical context of a specific patient’s clinical problem.

Radiographic patterns of disease include the location of change, the temporal course of the disease, pleural abnormalities, aberrant pulmonary inflation, atelectasis, bronchiectasis, and vascular disease. Radiographic disease patterns are associated with discrete anatomic structures (Interstitial and Vasculardiscrete Patterns) seen on a radiograph. Pulmonary pattern recognition is the most challenging concept to teach and the most complex and frustrating to learn, yet pattern recognition is a vital part of the disease puzzle.

The sessions will build on the fundamental interpretation paradigm of the pulmonary patterns, emphasizing what is intrinsically visible or should be visible on the thoracic radiograph and the impact of pathology defining lung diseases or diseases of lung parenchyma—an explanation of radiographic anatomic as well as physiological change that evolves due to disease and trauma will be presented.

Interpreting nonspecific and specific radiographic patterns using case material to build an explanation of the pulmonary disease process.

Learning Objectives:

  • Will explain the pathophysiology of the pulmonary Interstitial and Vascular Pattern.
  • Develop an understanding of the anatomic distribution of macroscopic disease of Interstitial and Vascular.
  • Emphasize the patterns’ mutual but independent evolution and the disease’s radiographic presentation.
  • Blend the palate of disease with all four patterns.
Empowering Technicians for the Diabetes Revolution: Leading the Way to Sweet Solutions
by Liza Wysong, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 20 & 21

This presentation will equip veterinary technicians with the knowledge and skills to educate pet owners about diabetes mellitus (DM), including new treatment and management options for cats and dogs. By combining background on the disease, risk factors, and pain points with technical information on treatment and management, this presentation will provide veterinary technicians with a solid foundation of how DM can affect canine and feline patients. Technicians will leave with communication tools and strategies to help pet owners feel confident caring for their diabetic pets.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review the classification of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the key differences between canine and feline DM.
  • Learn about the impact of a DM diagnosis on pets and pet owners.
  • Explore the latest treatment and management options for DM in cats and dogs.
  • Recognize the crucial role of effective communication with pet owners in achieving successful diabetes management, emphasizing the importance of clear and empathetic discussions.
  • Examine strategies to address serious complications associated with DM or its treatment within a critical care setting.
Turning Passion Into Purpose: Finding Meaningfulness In Your Career
by Ken Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 22 & 23

“If you want to be happy in life, find your passion.” We hear this common saying all the time. But is passion truly all we need to have a fulfilling career? While finding your passion is extremely important, turning it into purpose is necessary for finding meaningfulness in a career and life. Through an exploration of my own career journey, I’ll discuss concepts such as passion vs. purpose, luck, defining moments, and crossroads.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore the concept of how defining moments can affect your sense of purpose.
  • Identify factors that contribute to fulfillment.
  • Inspire participants to reflect on their own meanings.
12:15 - 1:50 pm
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
12:40 - 1:30 pm
Update from Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University​
by Matthew Edson, DVM
|
Avalon 29 & 30

In 2022 the New Jersey Veterinary Foundation established an endowed scholarship fund at the soon-to-be-opened Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. These scholarships will be used to ensure that NJ-based students can attain affordable education in the veterinary profession and remain in-state upon graduation. Join us for an update on the school’s progress, both in terms of curriculum and physical structures, from the School’s Founding Dean and former NJVMA President Dr. Matthew Edson.

2:00 - 2:50 pm
Obtaining & Interpreting Dental Radiographs
by John Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, Fellow-AVDC, OMFS
|
Avalon 6 & 7

Dental radiography is one of the most important tools we have, but there is a learning curve to acquiring and interpreting the films. This lecture will discuss approaches to obtaining diagnostic radiographs and how to diagnose the most common lesions seen in dogs and cats.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how obtaining diagnostic radiographs of the maxillary fourth premolar differs in dogs and cats.
  • Learn to diagnose periodontal disease, tooth resorption and endodontic disease.
  • Learn of normal variations that can mimic endodontic disease.
Cushing’s Disease Update: Diagnosis & Monitoring Updates
by Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM)
|
Avalon 8 & 9

We will review Cushing’s disease and diagnosis.  We will discuss current trends in monitoring including the newer trends in cortisol testing on trilostane.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the best diagnostic tests for Cushing’s disease in dogs and cats.
  • Understand newer studies related to trilostane monitoring.
  • Understand the pros and cons of surgery versus medical therapy of adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
The Vomiting Cat: Working Your Way to Diagnosis & Therapy
by Kelly A. St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline Practice)
|
Avalon 18 & 19

Hairballs are often considered to be normal in cats, with an entire industry of ‘hairball’ formulations being built upon this assumption.  This session will focus on understanding the truth about vomiting in cats, with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of common causes of vomiting including inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and lymphoma.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand and define the causes of vomiting in the cat.
  • Examine individual histories and physical examination findings to differentiate vomiting from coughing.
  • Create a diagnostic and treatment plan appropriate to the individual cat.
15 Minute Practice Physical & the Top 5 Small Business Mistakes
by David McCormick, MS, CVA
|
Avalon 1 & 2

The assessment of health or disease starts with a good physical exam. The same goes for your veterinary practice. With this monthly process, in 15 minutes you can quickly scan a set of data that provides an indication of your practice’s overall financial health – or lack thereof. Once you identify the issues you can begin the treatment. After this the session focuses on the five mistakes that many practice managers and owners make – so that you can avoid them.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Learn a monthly routine that they can use to keep their fingers on the pulse of their practice.
  • Understand the importance of working on the business, not just in it.
  • Become aware of the barriers and common mistakes that can have a negative impact on their practice.
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: You Really Want Me to Look Where?
by Michael Q. Bailey DVM, DACVR, AAAS Fellow
|
Avalon 4 & 5

We will discuss diagnostic imaging cases with clues encouraging fuller evaluation of abdominal disease and disease that may not be restricted to a single anatomic geography.

An experience of images emphasizing the abdomen, but you never know where it will take you.

Learning Objectives:  

  • Take you out of your comfort zone and display the cross-borders of disease, thorax in limbs, Abdomen in thorax, etc.
  • Develop an appreciation that pathology knows no borders.
  • Better appreciate the pathophysiology of why the disease may have a vast diagnostic imaging geography.
Venipuncture & Vascular Access
by Liza Wysong, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 20 & 21

The indications, types, and methods of vascular access will be discussed. This includes venipuncture techniques, peripheral vs central venous access, catheter types, placement, and proper maintenance. Aseptic technique will be stressed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the indications for venipuncture and vascular access and the importance of evaluating your patient as an individual when making decisions that impact patient care.
  • Understand the advantages and disadvantages of peripheral vs. central venous access catheters.
  • Recognize the importance of aseptic technique as well as routine and timely patient evaluation for indwelling venous catheters.
Reimagining Veterinary Nursing: Be The Change
by Ken Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 22 & 23

There are many issues surrounding the nursing profession: earning a living wage, finding career growth and sustainability, and finding purpose and meaning. As the chief veterinary nursing officer at VEG, my mission is to “reimagine veterinary emergency nursing” and change the profession for the better. At VEG, we’re poised to become the paradigm of emergency nursing, making nursing a lifelong career and inspiring the field to change. Let’s talk about how to be the change our profession needs.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the challenges of the veterinary nursing profession.
  • Discuss case examples and solutions to these challenges.
  • Inspire individuals to find paths towards actionable change.
3:00 - 3:50 pm
General Practitioner’s Guide to Malocclusions
by John Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, Fellow-AVDC, OMFS
|
Avalon 6 & 7

This lecture will discuss the various classes of malocclusion in dogs and cats and how veterinary dentists treat them.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn to diagnose and correctly describe malocclusions.
  • Learn the basics of treatment options for patients with malocclusions.
  • Learn when conservative treatment is reasonable for certain malocclusions.
Calcium Homeostasis & Calcium Disorders
by Kimberly Hammer, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM)
|
Avalon 8 & 9

A discussion of calcium homeostasis and calcium disorders with emphasis on hyper- and hypoparathyroidism diagnosis and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how to identify and confirm calcium derangements.
  • Diagnostic work up for calcium derangements.
  • Understand treatment of hyper and hypoparathyroidism.
Constipation in Cats: A Complex Problem Signaling Underlying Disease
by Kelly A. St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline Practice)
|
Avalon 18 & 19

Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult defecation.  It can present in many different forms in the feline species and at any age and should be recognized as a symptom of an underlying medical issue, rather than a primary disease itself. Management and prevention can be targeted to the colon, but ongoing care should aim to identify and treat the underlying cause(s). 

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the differences between constipation, obstipation, and megacolon.
  • Investigate the potential causes in each individual patient.
  • Prescribe appropriate care to minimize constipation and treat related disease.
Practice Managers: How to Work with the Owner
by David McCormick, MS, CVA
|
Avalon 1 & 2

The relationship between the practice owner and the practice manager is super important for the practice’s ongoing success, for team development and the practice’s financial health. This session covers key components of the relationship and what both sides can do to help it grow in a positive direction.  

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn the importance of having clear job descriptions for their role as a manager.
  • Learn the 5 foundations for building a relationship with the practice owner.
  • Become aware of the unfortunately common mistakes managers can make which are detrimental to the practice and the team.
A Smorgasbord of Radiographic Interpretation by Companion Animal Breeds & Age
by Michael Q. Bailey DVM, DACVR, AAAS Fellow
|
Avalon 4 & 5

“The believer is happy. The doubter is wise.”— Edgar Allan Poe.

You are taught in school that radiographic images should all look the same, but there are normal variations that you would call pathological if you read films strictly. We will discuss breed variations that will give a healthy benefit of the doubt about whether it is pathology or normal. Be wise, a doubter, and question.

Learning Objectives:  

  • Take you out of your comfort zone and display the breed/age variation of normal and disease of the thorax, limbs, Abdomen, and adjacent structure.
  • Develop an appreciation that normal structure is subject to interpretation by breed and age variation.
  • Better appreciate the range of radiographic anatomy by breed and demographics.
Ins & Outs of Blood Pressure Measurement
by Liza Wysong, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 20 & 21

Blood pressure measurement is an important vital parameter in small animal patients. Invasive vs non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) measurement will be discussed. Doppler vs oscillometric devices, their use, limitations, and recommendations for obtaining consistent and accurate values will be stressed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand that blood pressure is an important monitoring parameter for the successful management of many different diseases.
  • Explain the importance of accurate blood pressure measurement technique, including the pros and cons of different applications.
  • Understand the impact of patient stress and inconsistent methods on blood pressure measurement and interpretation.
Mythbusters: Myths & Facts of ECC Nursing
by Ken Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM)
|
Avalon 22 & 23

Various nursing practices are considered to be “standard of care”—but are they really? Some practices are continued out of tradition, some have valid evidence to support their use, and others are topics of controversy. This session will answer many prominent nursing questions and discuss the methods of incorporating evidence into nursing practice.

Learning Objectives:

  • List common understandings of veterinary nursing care and their validity.
  • Describe recent evidence on veterinary nursing.
  • Critically evaluate “facts” by finding answers within the literature.
4:00 - 5:30 pm
Happy Hour in the Exhibit Hall
Happy Hour in the Exhibit Hall

Time to get social! Join us in the exhibit hall for food, drinks, and raffle prizes!  The perfect way to end a long day of learning before you head out on the town for the evening!