Sunday, May 18, 2025

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

Sunday, May 18

7:40 - 8:50 am
Breakfast
9:00 - 9:50 am
Transoperative Pain Management for the Low-Surgical Dose Patient
by Dr. Mark Epstein
|
Room: TBD

This session will describe the basic pain management protocols for procedures in which post-operative pain would be expected not to be severe and/or are at low risk for sensitization and maladaptive pain.   Examples include but not limited to: small, uncomplicated lumpectomy, laceration repair; arguably, spay, neuter, uncomplicated tooth extraction.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the difference between Low- and High-Surgical Dose patients.
  • Learn the foundational features of pain management protocols for every surgery.
  • Learn post-surgical pain recognition and assessment.
Simple Flaps/Grafts Part 1: Wound Classification, Care, & Healing Process
by Dr. Nancy Zimmerman
|
Room: TBD

These sessions are directed at the general practitioner who enjoys surgery and wants to learn how to remove masses that are more challenging or to manage/close complex wounds.  Affordability of wound management in specialty practice often causes owners to make difficult choices for their pets.  The goal of this presentation will be to provide an understanding of the principles of tissue flaps and skin grafts so the family veterinarian feels confident closing large tissue defects on the head, trunk, and limbs. 

Learning Objectives: 

  • Review wound classification and stages of healing in order to select the best method of closure.
  • Case presentation of wounds that can be closed using simple flaps.
  • Become familiar with potential complications of wound closure and methods to avoid problems.
Gastroenterology Session 1
by Dr. Adam Rudinsky
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

De-Escalate Critical Conversations
by Rebecca Rose
|
Room: TBD

The field of veterinary medicine is riddled with emotionally charged events and circumstances! Clients can be angry, co-workers can be critical, and managers are eager to support their team in managing difficult conversations. Thankfully, there are tools in your toolbox for such incidents. We will review the completed DiSC assessments and determine how best to de-escalate a situation. Through self- awareness and feedback, skills can be elevated.

Learning Objectives:

  • Determine how important communication skills are for professional success.
  • Define ways to pick out communication styles with the ability to de-escalate.
  • Receive tools in de-escalation.
  • Review a few critical conversations from varying points of communication styles.
Cat is Dyspneic - Is it Cardiac or Respiratory?
by Dr. Anna Gelzer
|
Room: TBD

This lecture will review the causes of dyspnea in cats and highlight the pros and cons of commonly used diagnostics (Xray, echo/ ultrasound, biomarkers) to help identify if a cat is in respiratory distress due to a cardiac or airway- related disease. This will be followed by  case examples, where the utility of different imaging modalities and blood tests is exemplified to determine if a patient had cardiac or respiratory disease.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Know the underlying diseases causing dyspnea in cats.
  • Understand the pathophysiology of dyspnez.
  • Recognize clinical signs of dyspnea in cats.
  • Understand and interpret the diagnostics to determine the cause of dyspnea.
  • Recommend treatment options for cats with dyspnea.
Nutrition Session 1
by Dr. Jessie Markovich
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

10:00 - 10:50 am
Transoperative Pain Management for the High-Surgical Dose Patient
by Dr. Mark Epstein
|
Room: TBD

This session will describe the modalities and protocols deployed for those in which significant post-operative pain can be anticipated and/or the patient has or is at risk for maladaptive pain. These include but are not limited to are patients that have significant tissue trauma, are already in pain, and have chronic inflammation and/or nerve injury present.   Examples include but not limited to: large soft tissue resection, trauma repair; laparotomy/abdominal Sx of any kind; significant oral surgery; orthopedic surgery, amputation (even just digit), enucleation, and so on.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand pathophysiology and risk factors for post-surgical maladaptive pain.
  • Learn to recognize maladaptive pain signs.
  • Learn the additional pain management modalities to deploy in High-surgical dose patients, beyond those utilized in Low-surgical dose patients.
Simple Flaps/Grafts Part 2: Simple Flaps/Grafts & Techniques to Improve Success in Wound Management
by Dr. Nancy Zimmerman
|
Room: TBD

These sessions are directed at the general practitioner who enjoys surgery and wants to learn how to remove masses that are more challenging or to manage/close complex wounds.  Affordability of wound management in specialty practice often causes owners to make difficult choices for their pets.  The goal of this presentation will be to provide an understanding of the principles of tissue flaps and skin grafts so the family veterinarian feels confident closing large tissue defects on the head, trunk, and limbs. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how to close problem wounds using the fundamentals of Halsted’s Principles.
  • Gain confidence planning, developing, and managing skin grafts.
  • Become familiar with different methods of bandaging and wound care materials to facilitate second intention healing.
Gastroenterology Session 2
by Dr. Adam Rudinsky
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

Inclusivity – The “I” in Team
by Alyssa Mages
|
Room: TBD

With DEIB continuing to be a hot topic across industries, we in veterinary medicine must continue to havethe conversation(s) to ensure that this is an integral part of our practice(s). Being inclusive is secondnature to some, and to others, it is a skill that needs developing. All members of the veterinary practicemust be involved, and leadership must also be fully invested to create a culture where this concept becomes a reality.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define what DEIB means – literally and within veterinary medicine.
  • Recognize what constitutes an inclusive culture in practice.
  • Learn how to set the groundwork for inclusivity.
  • Understand that this is not a one-and-done situation but an ongoing process.
How to Approach a Coughing and/or Dyspneic Dog
by Dr. Anna Gelzer
|
Room: TBD

This lecture will review the causes of coughing or dyspnea in dogs and highlight the pros and cons of commonly used diagnostics (Xray, echo/ ultrasound, biomarkers) to help identify if a dog is coughing or in respiratory distress due to a cardiac or airway- related disease. This will be followed by case examples, where the utility of different imaging modalities and blood tests is exemplified to determine if a patient had cardiac or respiratory disease. Recommended therapy and follow-up for these cases is discussed.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Know the underlying diseases causing cough and or dyspnea in dogs.
  • Recognize clinical signs of coughing and dyspnea in dogs.
  • Understand and interpret the diagnostics to determine the cause of dyspnea.
  • Recommend treatment options for dogs with coughing and dyspnea from cardiac causes.
Nutrition Session 2
by Dr. Jessie Markovich
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

10:50 - 11:10 am
Break / Visit the Exhibit Hall
11:15 - 12:05 pm
Oral Therapeutics for Chronic Pain
by Dr. Mark Epstein
|
Room: TBD

During this lecture the audience will learn about non-NSAID, non-opioid oral pain modifying analgesic drugs (PMAD) and their use in clinical practice for chronic pain.  Examples include but are not limited to tramadol, gabapentinoids, amantadine, amitriptyline, SSNRIs, CBD.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain understanding of adjunctive PMAD mechanisms of action.
  • Learn patient populations that would most benefit – or not benefit – from various adjunctive oral PMADs.
  • Understand clinical use of various oral PMADs.
Caudectomy/Digit Amputation
by Dr. Nancy Zimmerman
|
Room: TBD

Tail and digit amputations may not be very common, but it is important to know how to do them correctly in order to avoid some of the complications like persistent pain, dehiscence, and recurrence of disease.  This session will review the procedures of tail and digit amputation and walk through some of the specific perioperative considerations to optimize patient outcome and client satisfaction.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Review indications for caudectomy and digit amputation and perioperative planning
  • Discuss key points to consider when educating clients about tail/digit amputation including expected outcome and prognosis.
  • Gain confidence with digit and tail amputation procedure, tips for success and methods to avoid complications.
Gastroenterology Session 3
by Dr. Adam Rudinsky
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

SMARTer Goal Setting
by Alyssa Mages
|
Room: TBD

The achievement of professional goals is vital for your success and growth of veterinary medicine. Implementing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Exciting, Readjust) goals,coupled with actively sharing with others on your team, can significantly enhance efficiency, longevity, and overall career satisfaction. We will delve into the principles of SMART-ER goal setting and provide practical strategies for leveraging your strengths to drive success. Here is where we empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement SMART goals effectively, supporting your healthy and sustainable life and career in veterinary medicine.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the benefits of SMART goal utilization (Part II).
  • Break down the reasons why SMART goals are not used & build up the argument for why they should be.
  • Working through the worksheet, find your champions and ACHIEVE IT.
The Heart Rate is Rapid & Irregular- What to do Next?
by Dr. Anna Gelzer
|
Room: TBD

This lecture will review diagnosis and etiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) and highlight the clinical presentations of canine and feline patients with AF. Recommended clinical work-up for patients with AF will be reviewed, including 24h ambulatory Holter ECG. Furthermore the current strategies of management of AF, with an emphasis of rate control therapy will be discussed. This will be followed by case examples, where different treatment approaches and outcomes are presented.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Diagnose AF on ECG.
  • Know the underlying diseases causes of AF.
  • Recognize clinical signs of AF.
  • Interpret echocardiograms and/ or  radiographs to identify underlying heart disease associated with AF.
  • Recommend treatment and monitoring options for dogs and cats with AF.
Nutrition Session 3
by Dr. Jessie Markovich
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

12:05- 1:30 pm
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
12:40 - 1:30 pm
Update from the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine
by Dr. Matthew Edson
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

1:40 - 2:30 pm
Parenteral Therapeutics for Chronic Pain
by Dr. Mark Epstein
|
Room: TBD

During this lecture the audience will learn about non-NSAID, non-opioid pain modifying analgesic drugs (PMAD) administered parenterally, and their use in clinical practice for chronic pain.  Examples include but are not limited to parenteral medications such as alpha-2 agonists, subanesthetic ketamine CRI, systemic lidocaine, anti-NGF Monoclonal Antbiody, bisphosphonates, Intra-articular injections.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain understanding of adjunctive PMAD mechanisms of action.
  • Learn patient populations that would most benefit – or not benefit – from various adjunctive parenteral PMADs. 
  • Understand clinical use of various parenteral PMADs.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) Part 1: Anatomy of Upper Airway & Pathophysiology of BOAS
by Dr. Nancy Zimmerman
|
Room: TBD

These sessions will review diagnosis and medical or surgical management of upper respiratory disease.  Specific anatomic characteristics of brachycephalic breeds that result in BOAS, recommendations for surgical intervention, and limitations of treatment will be discussed.  Presentations will include short videos to demonstrate key observations of the airway exam to evaluate patients as surgical candidates as well as case images of corrected nares and soft palates.  A brief review of tracheostomy is included in the presentation.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Review the specifics of upper airway disease and learn how to evaluate patients to determine the best medical or surgical approach.
  • Discuss components of brachycephalic airway syndrome to understand surgical recommendations and limitations.
  • Review triage of patients who present in respiratory distress.
Gastroenterology Session 4
by Dr. Adam Rudinsky
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

Cultivating Pillars of Wellbeing
by Rebecca Rose
|
Room: TBD

You hear it all the time, the importance of veterinary team wellbeing, creating a work/life balance, and the need for implementation. The fact is, these habits and shifts in traditions are not easy. If healthy habits were simple all teams would be rested, resilient, stress-free, and have the physiques of a God or Goddess. I’m not saying cultivating pillars of wellbeing is unobtainable, rather that health and wellbeing must be intentional. Measuring the intangibles may hinder teams from understanding their achievements. First, identify current team statusin the pillars of wellbeing, prioritize which are important for the team, then measure for assured success. Together we will identify the pillars of wellbeing, ascertain the habits suited best for a veterinary team, then establish ways in which to achieve defined goals in wellbeing with intent.

Learning Objectives:

  • Consider the myths related to health and wellbeing of veterinary teams.
  • Outline 8 pillars of wellbeing.
  • Learn the E.D.S. acronym to keep it simple, silly. KISS it!
  • Define the three pillars a veterinary team may want to measure, track, and celebrate success.
Don't Miss a Beat: Interpreting ECGs
by Dr. Alexandra Crooks
|
Room: TBD

Determination of a patient’s cardiovascular status is an important part of veterinary practice – whether triaging patients in an emergency room, performing treatments/monitoring in an intensive care unit, or anesthetizing patients for surgery. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an excellent tool for assessing heart rate and rhythm. However, ECG interpretation can feel daunting at times. This lecture will briefly cover basic ECG principles including how to perform an ECG, and what information can be obtained from an ECG. Using case examples, we will learn a systematic approach to interpreting ECGs and practice identifying some of the most common ECG abnormalities.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Review the steps to acquire an ECG.
  • Recognize the normal ECG waveforms and intervals and understand what each represents.
  • Learn a systematic approach to interpreting ECGs.
  • Identify common types of arrhythmias through a case-based approach.
  • Discuss causes of common arrhythmias and possible treatment options.
Nutrition Session 4
by Dr. Jessie Markovich
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

2:40 - 3:30 pm
Osteoarthritis: Rethinking Recognition, Assessment, & Management in 2025
by Dr. Mark Epstein
|
Room: TBD

Chronic Pain in the form of osteoarthritis and other conditions is a ubiquitous feature of veterinary patients, however often underrecognized and therefore undermanaged.  This session will discuss the prevalence of OA and other chronic pain conditions to include maladaptive to neuropathic pain conditions; the recognition and assessment of OA with validated Clinical Metrology Instruments (CMIs), and it management according to Canine Osteoarthritis Staging Tool Guidelines.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain understanding of species differences and recognition and validated assessment methods of OA in dogs and cats.
  • Learn evidence-based and best practices of clinical OA management in dogs and cats.
  • Understand new and emerging OA-management modalities.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) Part 2: Diagnosis, Treatment, & Perioperative Considerations of BOAS Procedures
by Dr. Nancy Zimmerman
|
Room: TBD

These sessions will review diagnosis and medical or surgical management of upper respiratory disease.  Specific anatomic characteristics of brachycephalic breeds that result in BOAS, recommendations for surgical intervention, and limitations of treatment will be discussed.  Presentations will include short videos to demonstrate key observations of the airway exam to evaluate patients as surgical candidates as well as case images of corrected nares and soft palates.  A brief review of tracheostomy is included in the presentation.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Review perioperative considerations of brachycephalic breeds.
  • Gain confidence with techniques used to correct stenotic nares in the dog.
  • Discuss techniques to complete partial staphylectomy and resect everted laryngeal saccules.
  • Become familiar with equipment, instruments, and technique for tracheostomy.
Gastroenterology Session 5
by Dr. Adam Rudinsky
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon

Debriefing, Incorporating, Solidifying, Collaborating
by Alyssa Mages
|
Room: TBD

Effective teamwork is essential for delivering high-quality care and ensuring positive outcomes in veterinary medicine. The DiSC assessment framework offers valuable insights into individual behavior styles and communication preferences, providing a foundation for building a cohesive and collaborative team culture. This session gets into how veterinary professionals can fully understand, discuss, and incorporate DiSC principles to foster teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among team members. Attendees will be able to harness the principles of the DiSC assessment in establishing a solid foundation for teamwork, communication, and collaboration in veterinary medicine, ultimately enhancing patient care and career success.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the benefits of debriefing with your team.
  • Establish the framework for delivering and receiving quality feedback.
  • Learn how to effectively incorporate DiSC assessments with your practice.
  • Solidify the leveraging process of DiSC insights to build rapport among the team.
  • DiSCover ways to collaborate with colleagues within #vetmed and beyond.
How to Succeed at Heart Failure: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis & Management
by Dr. Alexandra Crooks
|
Room: TBD

This session will focus on congestive heart failure in canine and feline patients. We will discuss how to identify congestive heart failure based on history, physical exam findings, and diagnostic imaging. Using a case-based approach, we will review management and monitoring of congestive heart failure in dogs and cats.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the tools, tips and tricks for diagnosing congestive heart failure in dogs and cats.
  • Review commonly used cardiac drugs.
  • Gain confidence in managing patients with congestive heart failure.
Nutrition Session 5
by Dr. Jessie Markovich
|
Room: TBD

Coming Soon