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Friday, February 14 | Sessions
Companion Animal Session
Hot Topic Session
Swine Session
Equine Session
Veterinary Technician Session
Companion Animal - Sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition
Dr. Brenda Mulherin
8:00-9:00am - I’ll take Common Oral Conditions for $1,000…Doctor
This lecture will describe common conditions found within the oral cavity of dogs and cats. It will give a brief overview of periodontal disease, tooth trauma and potential treatment options for teeth with endodontic disease. The presentation will also discuss tooth resorption in both dogs and cats.
9:00-10:00am - 50 Shades of Grey, Black and White- Case-based Dental Radiographic Interpretation
This lecture is an interactive case-based approach to dental radiographic interpretation. Multiple radiographic images and different conditions will be demonstrated. Audience participation in interpretation is encouraged.
10:30-11:30am - 50 Shades of Grey, Black and White- Case-based Dental Radiographic Interpretation – Continued
1:00-2:00pm - Pearls of wisdom on surgical extractions
This lecture is designed to help make dental extractions in dogs and cats easier. The lecture will discuss instruments and equipment commonly used in surgical extractions and potential indications for extractions. It will also discuss appropriate sectioning of multi-rooted teeth and the surgical technique associated with crown amputations.
2:00-3:00pm - Oops I did it again, complications in surgery
This lecture is designed as a case-based approach to complications that can be encountered while extracting teeth in dogs and cats. Retained tooth roots, displaced tooth roots into the mandibular canal and into the nasal cavity as well as encountering hemorrhage while extracting teeth are scenarios that will be discussed.
3:30-4:30pm - Think Once, Think Twice, Think Referral
This lecture is designed as a potpourri of different topics that are commonly misdiagnosed or referred for treatment. Topics such as malocclusions, fractured teeth, dentigerous cysts, juvenile periodontitis, and gingivostomatitis.
Hot Topic - Sponsored by IDEXX
Dr. Brian Herrin
8:00-9:00am - From fecal floats to the future: The new age of fecal diagnostics
In this session we will cover the value of routine fecal testing, good in-house techniques, and how to interpret results from new commercial laboratory assays. We will be focusing on accurate diagnosis of hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and coccidia of small animals.
9:30-10:30am - Set it and forget it? Routine control of GI parasites in small animals
With all the great options for controlling routine parasites in small animals, it can be tough to decide what is best for you. In this session we will cover building a routine deworming program, discuss documented cases of drug resistance, and highlight your role in anthelmintic stewardship.
10:30-11:30am - Why won’t they go away? Lingering parasitic infections (Yes… Giardia)
We’ve got the diagnostics and drugs, now why can’t I get rid of this parasite?! In this session we’ll discuss the various reasons why parasitic infectious may be (or seem to be) tough to clear including reinfection, resistance, pseudoparasites, and the role of the immune system in helping to control these infections.
1:00-2:00pm - Itchy dogs and itchy cats: Controlling ticks and fleas on small animals
The isoxazoline drug class has taken over the market for ectoparasite control. In this session we will discuss how these drugs work, how quickly they are able to kill ticks and fleas, and how educate owners on tick distribution to increase compliance.
2:30-3:30pm - Tick-borne diseases: The spot is blue, now what do I do?
In this session we will discuss a variety of tick-borne diseases that infect dogs and cats. We will focus on interpreting in-clinic and laboratory diagnostic assays, building follow-up diagnostic plans, and implementing prevention and treatment programs.
3:30-4:30pm - Vector Vigilance: Emerging parasitic diseases in North America
Parasites are on the move! In this session we will cover some of the key emerging parasitic infections in North America including zoonotic tapeworms, invasive ticks, and updates on foreign animal diseases. You may not have seen them yet, but they’re on the rise.
Swine8:00-8:30am - VDL Update US SHIP - Dr. Rodger Main
8:30-9:00am - National Pork Board Update - Dr. Meredith Petersen
This session will provide a summary of the swine health projects at the National Pork Board. The presentation will discuss research updates and programs focused on both foreign animal and endemic diseases.
9:00-9:30am - Meloxicam – Dr. Brian Payne
Meloxicam in growing pigs’ water: Review of trials and current uses for a compounded non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to control inflammation and fever in respiratory disease and during times of stress such as weaning and vaccination. Overview of the compounding legality and residue study will be shared.
10:00-10:30am - Epi/PRRSV - Dr. Giovani Trevisan
10:30-11:00am - Update on Swine Influenza A Virus and Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Risk to Swine – Dr. Amy Baker
11:00-11:30am - State Veterinary Update - Dr. Jeff Kaisand
1:00-1:30pm - Oral Fluids - Dr. Grzegorz Tarasiuk
1:30-2:00pm - Enhancing Swine Health Through Improved Water Line Disinfection Practices - Dr. Gabi Doughan
This presentation explores the impact of peracetic acid disinfection on biofilm regrowth in swine water lines. Key findings include biofilm dynamics, water quality changes, and antimicrobial resistance in biofilms. Results highlight challenges in maintaining water system biosecurity and propose strategies for improving water management practices in swine production systems.
2:00-2:30pm - Best Practices for Water Line Systems in Swine – Dr. Chris Rademacher
Water delivery of medications and vaccines is a common practice in swine medicine. But how do you know you are doing everything correctly to optimize your results? We will share some best practices to ensure you are achieving the best outcome.
2:30-2:50pm - The cost of PRRSV attributable to lost productivity in US swine herds - Dr. Henry Osemeke
2:50-3:10pm - Active Surveillance of Swine Pathogens Based on Passive Environmental Sampling - Dr. Betsy Armenta Leyva
This topic aims to describe a project to develop an on-farm passive surveillance system for swine pathogens using passive samplers. The talk will explain the initial experiments performed to identify suitable materials and optimized RNA recovery methods, demonstrating the feasibility of detecting pathogens like PRRSV and PEDV with the best-performing candidate materials.
3:10-3:30pm - Active participatory surveillance for early detection of notifiable pathogens in the U.S. - Dr. Berenice Munguia Ramirez
Country-level effective, sustainable, and affordable surveillance for the early detection of notifiable pathogens is crucial for the protection of our pork producers. In the event of a WOAH-notifiable pathogen being introduced and spread across the contiguous 48 U.S. states, could a participatory surveillance approach achieve early detection?
3:30-3:50pm - When and How to Monitor for PRRSV by Sample Type, Dr. Isadora Machado
This presentation guides swine producers and herd veterinarians in optimizing PRRSV monitoring and surveillance programs in breeding herds. It will cover important aspects such as selecting appropriate sample types and diagnostic testing, and identifying opportunities to improve PRRSV detection and control strategies.
Equine – Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Dr. Trent Bliss
8:00-10:00am - EGUS: Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies
A general reminder of why gastroscopy is important, the differences between the grades of ulcers we diagnose, and both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical management strategies with case studies.
10:30-11:30am - Evidence-Based Corticosteroid Use, Viscosupplementation, & Parenteral Therapy
A very literature intense, but clinically relevant, review since the mid 1990’s up to more current viscosupplements in the medical device space with case studies.
1:00-2:00pm - Nonmusculoskeletal causes of poor performance
A high level review of causes of poor performance outside of the joint health space with case studies.
2:30-4:30pm - Nonmusculoskeletal causes of poor performance – Continued
Veterinary Technicians
8:00-9:00am - Feeding the Critical Care Patient - Walter Brown, BS. RVTg VTS (ECC)
This course explores the fundamentals of critical nutrition for Emergency and Critical Care veterinary professionals based on current literature. We'll examine the effects of malnutrition on critical patients and how to assess these patients to develop an effective nutritional plan. Learning Objectives: Explain the importance of nutritional assessment in managing hospitalized veterinary patients and recognizing malnutrition as a common, often overlooked issue. Utilize nutritional assessment tools to standardize protocols and improve clinical care. Understand how proactive nutritional support can reduce complications and enhance patient outcomes. Recognize the challenges of providing nutritional support to critical care patients with altered physiology and complex disease processes.
9:30-10:30am - Emergency Critical Care Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics - Walter Brown, BS. RVTg VTS (ECC)
This informative lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of frequently utilized medications in Emergency and Critical Care. The session will include detailed discussions on their dosages, administration, and mechanisms of action. Learning Objectives: Identify commonly used emergency and critical care (ECC) drugs suitable for administration via an endotracheal tube. Describe commonly used gastrointestinal (GI) drugs and their effects on the GI system in hospitalized patients. Explain the mechanisms of action of commonly used anesthetic and analgesic drugs, including their receptor targets. Recognize cardiotherapy drugs used in the ECC setting and their clinical applications. Understand the indications and applications of neurologic drugs in critical care scenarios.
10:30-11:30am - Navigating the Hospitalized Patient - Walter Brown, BS. RVTg VTS (ECC)
In this lecture, we will discuss the vital role veterinary technicians play in caring for critically ill animals. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and critical thinking skills in managing complex patient conditions, including those in general practice settings. The session focuses on creating tailored nursing care plans to optimize patient recovery while addressing potential risks. Key topics covered include fluid management, nutritional support, pain management, and infection control. Learning objective: Identify and apply basic principles of fluid balance management in hospitalized veterinary patients, distinguishing between signs of dehydration and fluid overload. Establish proficiency in conducting a comprehensive physical examination, including vital signs assessment and recognition of potential complications such as catheter-related issues. Review evidence-based nursing care plans that prioritize patient comfort, nutritional support, and infection prevention, aligning with established veterinary protocols. Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions in critically ill patients through regular assessment and documentation, ensuring adjustments are made to optimize patient outcomes. Equip yourself with actionable tactics that you can implement in your practice, regardless of its type, to ensure the immediate application of newly acquired knowledge.
1:00-2:30pm - New Iowa Practice Rules - Use of Veterinary Auxiliary Personnel Now how do I maximize efficiency? - Dr. Amy Fertig
Brief review of the new Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine Rules and Practice Act definitions. Discussion of ways to optimize auxiliary personnel to maximize efficiency and improve quality of life for everyone.
2:45-4:15pm – Panel: Using Auxiliary Personnel in Large Animal ER/Triage
Liesel Schwartzkopf RVT - What Do Ewe Do? A Day in the Life of a Large Animal Technician: Ever wonder how the daily life of a Large Animal Technician differs from our Small Animal counterparts? You will get an insight look on the day-to-day job tasks of a Large Animal Technician and how we assist our Veterinarians.
Alysha Bilharz RVT
Dr. Scott Shuey
Dr. Shawn Nicholson
Hot Topic Session
Swine Session
Equine Session
Veterinary Technician Session
Companion Animal - Sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition
Dr. Brenda Mulherin
8:00-9:00am - I’ll take Common Oral Conditions for $1,000…Doctor
This lecture will describe common conditions found within the oral cavity of dogs and cats. It will give a brief overview of periodontal disease, tooth trauma and potential treatment options for teeth with endodontic disease. The presentation will also discuss tooth resorption in both dogs and cats.
9:00-10:00am - 50 Shades of Grey, Black and White- Case-based Dental Radiographic Interpretation
This lecture is an interactive case-based approach to dental radiographic interpretation. Multiple radiographic images and different conditions will be demonstrated. Audience participation in interpretation is encouraged.
10:30-11:30am - 50 Shades of Grey, Black and White- Case-based Dental Radiographic Interpretation – Continued
1:00-2:00pm - Pearls of wisdom on surgical extractions
This lecture is designed to help make dental extractions in dogs and cats easier. The lecture will discuss instruments and equipment commonly used in surgical extractions and potential indications for extractions. It will also discuss appropriate sectioning of multi-rooted teeth and the surgical technique associated with crown amputations.
2:00-3:00pm - Oops I did it again, complications in surgery
This lecture is designed as a case-based approach to complications that can be encountered while extracting teeth in dogs and cats. Retained tooth roots, displaced tooth roots into the mandibular canal and into the nasal cavity as well as encountering hemorrhage while extracting teeth are scenarios that will be discussed.
3:30-4:30pm - Think Once, Think Twice, Think Referral
This lecture is designed as a potpourri of different topics that are commonly misdiagnosed or referred for treatment. Topics such as malocclusions, fractured teeth, dentigerous cysts, juvenile periodontitis, and gingivostomatitis.
Hot Topic - Sponsored by IDEXX
Dr. Brian Herrin
8:00-9:00am - From fecal floats to the future: The new age of fecal diagnostics
In this session we will cover the value of routine fecal testing, good in-house techniques, and how to interpret results from new commercial laboratory assays. We will be focusing on accurate diagnosis of hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and coccidia of small animals.
9:30-10:30am - Set it and forget it? Routine control of GI parasites in small animals
With all the great options for controlling routine parasites in small animals, it can be tough to decide what is best for you. In this session we will cover building a routine deworming program, discuss documented cases of drug resistance, and highlight your role in anthelmintic stewardship.
10:30-11:30am - Why won’t they go away? Lingering parasitic infections (Yes… Giardia)
We’ve got the diagnostics and drugs, now why can’t I get rid of this parasite?! In this session we’ll discuss the various reasons why parasitic infectious may be (or seem to be) tough to clear including reinfection, resistance, pseudoparasites, and the role of the immune system in helping to control these infections.
1:00-2:00pm - Itchy dogs and itchy cats: Controlling ticks and fleas on small animals
The isoxazoline drug class has taken over the market for ectoparasite control. In this session we will discuss how these drugs work, how quickly they are able to kill ticks and fleas, and how educate owners on tick distribution to increase compliance.
2:30-3:30pm - Tick-borne diseases: The spot is blue, now what do I do?
In this session we will discuss a variety of tick-borne diseases that infect dogs and cats. We will focus on interpreting in-clinic and laboratory diagnostic assays, building follow-up diagnostic plans, and implementing prevention and treatment programs.
3:30-4:30pm - Vector Vigilance: Emerging parasitic diseases in North America
Parasites are on the move! In this session we will cover some of the key emerging parasitic infections in North America including zoonotic tapeworms, invasive ticks, and updates on foreign animal diseases. You may not have seen them yet, but they’re on the rise.
Swine8:00-8:30am - VDL Update US SHIP - Dr. Rodger Main
8:30-9:00am - National Pork Board Update - Dr. Meredith Petersen
This session will provide a summary of the swine health projects at the National Pork Board. The presentation will discuss research updates and programs focused on both foreign animal and endemic diseases.
9:00-9:30am - Meloxicam – Dr. Brian Payne
Meloxicam in growing pigs’ water: Review of trials and current uses for a compounded non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to control inflammation and fever in respiratory disease and during times of stress such as weaning and vaccination. Overview of the compounding legality and residue study will be shared.
10:00-10:30am - Epi/PRRSV - Dr. Giovani Trevisan
10:30-11:00am - Update on Swine Influenza A Virus and Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Risk to Swine – Dr. Amy Baker
11:00-11:30am - State Veterinary Update - Dr. Jeff Kaisand
1:00-1:30pm - Oral Fluids - Dr. Grzegorz Tarasiuk
1:30-2:00pm - Enhancing Swine Health Through Improved Water Line Disinfection Practices - Dr. Gabi Doughan
This presentation explores the impact of peracetic acid disinfection on biofilm regrowth in swine water lines. Key findings include biofilm dynamics, water quality changes, and antimicrobial resistance in biofilms. Results highlight challenges in maintaining water system biosecurity and propose strategies for improving water management practices in swine production systems.
2:00-2:30pm - Best Practices for Water Line Systems in Swine – Dr. Chris Rademacher
Water delivery of medications and vaccines is a common practice in swine medicine. But how do you know you are doing everything correctly to optimize your results? We will share some best practices to ensure you are achieving the best outcome.
2:30-2:50pm - The cost of PRRSV attributable to lost productivity in US swine herds - Dr. Henry Osemeke
2:50-3:10pm - Active Surveillance of Swine Pathogens Based on Passive Environmental Sampling - Dr. Betsy Armenta Leyva
This topic aims to describe a project to develop an on-farm passive surveillance system for swine pathogens using passive samplers. The talk will explain the initial experiments performed to identify suitable materials and optimized RNA recovery methods, demonstrating the feasibility of detecting pathogens like PRRSV and PEDV with the best-performing candidate materials.
3:10-3:30pm - Active participatory surveillance for early detection of notifiable pathogens in the U.S. - Dr. Berenice Munguia Ramirez
Country-level effective, sustainable, and affordable surveillance for the early detection of notifiable pathogens is crucial for the protection of our pork producers. In the event of a WOAH-notifiable pathogen being introduced and spread across the contiguous 48 U.S. states, could a participatory surveillance approach achieve early detection?
3:30-3:50pm - When and How to Monitor for PRRSV by Sample Type, Dr. Isadora Machado
This presentation guides swine producers and herd veterinarians in optimizing PRRSV monitoring and surveillance programs in breeding herds. It will cover important aspects such as selecting appropriate sample types and diagnostic testing, and identifying opportunities to improve PRRSV detection and control strategies.
Equine – Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Dr. Trent Bliss
8:00-10:00am - EGUS: Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies
A general reminder of why gastroscopy is important, the differences between the grades of ulcers we diagnose, and both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical management strategies with case studies.
10:30-11:30am - Evidence-Based Corticosteroid Use, Viscosupplementation, & Parenteral Therapy
A very literature intense, but clinically relevant, review since the mid 1990’s up to more current viscosupplements in the medical device space with case studies.
1:00-2:00pm - Nonmusculoskeletal causes of poor performance
A high level review of causes of poor performance outside of the joint health space with case studies.
2:30-4:30pm - Nonmusculoskeletal causes of poor performance – Continued
Veterinary Technicians
8:00-9:00am - Feeding the Critical Care Patient - Walter Brown, BS. RVTg VTS (ECC)
This course explores the fundamentals of critical nutrition for Emergency and Critical Care veterinary professionals based on current literature. We'll examine the effects of malnutrition on critical patients and how to assess these patients to develop an effective nutritional plan. Learning Objectives: Explain the importance of nutritional assessment in managing hospitalized veterinary patients and recognizing malnutrition as a common, often overlooked issue. Utilize nutritional assessment tools to standardize protocols and improve clinical care. Understand how proactive nutritional support can reduce complications and enhance patient outcomes. Recognize the challenges of providing nutritional support to critical care patients with altered physiology and complex disease processes.
9:30-10:30am - Emergency Critical Care Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics - Walter Brown, BS. RVTg VTS (ECC)
This informative lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of frequently utilized medications in Emergency and Critical Care. The session will include detailed discussions on their dosages, administration, and mechanisms of action. Learning Objectives: Identify commonly used emergency and critical care (ECC) drugs suitable for administration via an endotracheal tube. Describe commonly used gastrointestinal (GI) drugs and their effects on the GI system in hospitalized patients. Explain the mechanisms of action of commonly used anesthetic and analgesic drugs, including their receptor targets. Recognize cardiotherapy drugs used in the ECC setting and their clinical applications. Understand the indications and applications of neurologic drugs in critical care scenarios.
10:30-11:30am - Navigating the Hospitalized Patient - Walter Brown, BS. RVTg VTS (ECC)
In this lecture, we will discuss the vital role veterinary technicians play in caring for critically ill animals. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and critical thinking skills in managing complex patient conditions, including those in general practice settings. The session focuses on creating tailored nursing care plans to optimize patient recovery while addressing potential risks. Key topics covered include fluid management, nutritional support, pain management, and infection control. Learning objective: Identify and apply basic principles of fluid balance management in hospitalized veterinary patients, distinguishing between signs of dehydration and fluid overload. Establish proficiency in conducting a comprehensive physical examination, including vital signs assessment and recognition of potential complications such as catheter-related issues. Review evidence-based nursing care plans that prioritize patient comfort, nutritional support, and infection prevention, aligning with established veterinary protocols. Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions in critically ill patients through regular assessment and documentation, ensuring adjustments are made to optimize patient outcomes. Equip yourself with actionable tactics that you can implement in your practice, regardless of its type, to ensure the immediate application of newly acquired knowledge.
1:00-2:30pm - New Iowa Practice Rules - Use of Veterinary Auxiliary Personnel Now how do I maximize efficiency? - Dr. Amy Fertig
Brief review of the new Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine Rules and Practice Act definitions. Discussion of ways to optimize auxiliary personnel to maximize efficiency and improve quality of life for everyone.
2:45-4:15pm – Panel: Using Auxiliary Personnel in Large Animal ER/Triage
Liesel Schwartzkopf RVT - What Do Ewe Do? A Day in the Life of a Large Animal Technician: Ever wonder how the daily life of a Large Animal Technician differs from our Small Animal counterparts? You will get an insight look on the day-to-day job tasks of a Large Animal Technician and how we assist our Veterinarians.
Alysha Bilharz RVT
Dr. Scott Shuey
Dr. Shawn Nicholson
Click here to register