Sunday, May 18, 2025
Harrah's Atlantic City Waterfront Conference Center
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May 17-18, 2025
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 lumpectomies, laceration repairs, and arguably, spays, neuters, and uncomplicated tooth extractions.
Learning Objectives:
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:
In this NJVMA Veterinary Conference Session, Dr. Adam Rudinsky, MS, DACVIM reviews the problem of vomiting in cats. We will discuss how prevalent, concerning, and important chronic vomiting is to the health and well-being of our feline patient population. We will also focus on the concerning trend amongst pet owners that vomiting is considered a ‘normal’ cat behavior and the perpetuation of this myth of ‘normal vomiting’ in the cat. Join us to get a clinical update on appropriate strategies to screen, diagnose and treat your chronic vomiting feline patients.
Learning Objectives:
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:
This lecture will review the causes of dyspnea in cats and highlight the pros and cons of commonly used diagnostics (X-ray, 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:
This lecture will focus on the most common use of nutritional management in private practice – the gastrointestinal tract! But with the dozens of easily digestible and hydrolyzed diets on the market, how do you choose the best one for your patient? In this one-hour lecture we will focus on quick tips, tricks, and absolutes for managing gastrointestinal disease in practice. This lecture will act as a guide to the selection of pet foods based on pet signalment and gastrointestinal signs.
Learning Objectives:
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, patients with 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:
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:
In this NJVMA Veterinary Conference Session, Dr. Adam Rudinsky, DACVIM reviews what many feline practitioners find to be one of the most stubborn problems – kitten diarrhea. This session covers the traditional approach to diagnosis and treatment based on current literature for feline diarrhea. The session will then expand into findings from recent research shining a light on other potential causes in these patients which may explain some of our most refractory cases. What traditional differentials should I consider? What new differentials should I consider? Are there more effective and beneficial treatments available? And how can we educate our clients with proper expectations? Come find out in this session!
Learning Objectives:
With DEIB continuing to be a hot topic across industries, we in veterinary medicine must continue to have the conversation(s) to ensure that this is an integral part of our practice(s). Being inclusive is second nature to some, and to others, it is a skill that needs developing. All members of the veterinary practice must be involved, and leadership must also be fully invested to create a culture where this concept becomes a reality.
Learning Objectives:
This lecture will review the causes of coughing or dyspnea in dogs and highlight the pros and cons of commonly used diagnostics (X-ray, 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 will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Fiber is an essential yet often overlooked component of pet nutrition, playing a crucial role in digestive health, weight management, and overall well-being. This one-hour lecture aims to provide veterinarians with an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted benefits of fiber in canine and feline diets. We will explore the types of fiber, their physiological impacts, and practical applications for integrating fiber into pet nutrition plans. By the end of this session, veterinarians will be equipped with the knowledge to make informed dietary recommendations and enhance the health of their patients through effective fiber utilization.
Learning Objectives:
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:
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:
In this NJVMA Veterinary Conference Session, Dr. Adam Rudinsky, DACVIM reviews the use of probiotics in small animal gastroenterology. The environment of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is composed of a diverse microbiome with marked therapeutic potential. One option for this is employing probiotics in our clinical practice. However, doing this well and impacting our patients positively is easier said than done. With so many options on the market, when and how do we know what probiotic to use and when to use it? In this session, we will review how to choose a probiotic and how to use it for various gastrointestinal indications. Are they the superpower therapeutic we hoped for are they more than they are cracked up to be? Join us to find out.
Learning Objectives:
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:
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 24-hour ambulatory Holter ECG. Furthermore the current management strategies for 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:
This one-hour lecture is designed to equip veterinarians with a comprehensive understanding of commercial whole foods prepackaged diets for dogs and cats. As pet owners increasingly seek out high-quality, minimally processed diets for their pets, it is essential for veterinarians to be well-informed about these options. This session will cover the key attributes of whole foods prepackaged diets, their nutritional benefits, potential limitations, and how to evaluate these diets for suitability in clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
Coming Soon
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 Antbody, bisphosphonates, Intra-articular injections.
Learning Objectives:
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:
In this NJVMA Veterinary Conference Session, Dr. Adam Rudinsky, DACVIM reviews canine acute diarrhea management. Once a patient is diagnosed, how are we going to treat it? Is prescribing metronidazole truly helping our patients? Are there more effective and beneficial treatments available? Tune in to get a clinical update on treatment of acute canine diarrhea.
Learning Objectives
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:
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:
Obesity affects up to 50% of our daily patient populations. This one-hour lecture is designed for veterinarians seeking to enhance their understanding of weight management in dogs and cats through targeted nutritional strategies and effective communication techniques. Weight loss is a team event, requiring family and veterinary professional support. Join Dr. Markovich to learn several strategies that veterinary teams can utilize to provide education and support clients throughout their pet’s weight loss journey.
Learning Objectives:
Chronic Pain in the form of osteoarthritis and other conditions is a ubiquitous feature of veterinary patients; however it is 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 its management according to Canine Osteoarthritis Staging Tool Guidelines.
Learning Objectives:
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:
In this NJVMA Veterinary Conference session, Dr. Adam Rudinsky, DACVIM reviews the cutting-edge changes in the way parvovirus is managed in practice. This session will review the tried and true approach to management as well as the therapeutic potential of new options including monoclonal antibodies and fecal transplantation. With these new options on the market, are they worth it, and when should they be used? Are they the superpower therapeutic we hoped for, or are they not all they’re cracked up to be? Join us to find out.
Learning Objectives
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 behavioral 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:
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:
As pet owners become increasingly interested in diverse dietary options for their pets, veterinarians need to be prepared to guide them through alternative diets beyond traditional kibble. This one-hour lecture is designed to equip veterinarians with the knowledge and tools to discuss and recommend various alternative diets, including raw, vegan, vegetarian, and partial home-cooked approaches. We will explore the nutritional principles, benefits, potential challenges, and practical considerations for each type of diet, enabling veterinarians to provide balanced, evidence-based guidance to clients.
Learning Objectives:
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