Friday, March 13

7:00 AM - 7:30 AM 
5 Tips In Triaging the Acute Abdomen
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1.    Recognize key clinical signs and red flags in patients presenting with an acute abdomen.
2.    Prioritize diagnostic tests and interventions based on patient stability and urgency.
3.    Assess abdominal pain and distension to differentiate between surgical and medical emergencies.
4.    Apply triage principles to stabilize critically ill patients efficiently.
5.    Develop a structured plan for ongoing management, monitoring, or referral.

Speaker
•   Justin C. Mathis, DVM, MS, DACVECC

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM  
Kirby’s Rule of 20: The Essential Checklist for the Critical ICU Patient
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the principles of Kirby’s Rule of 20 and its application in the ICU.
2. Perform systematic care using the Rule of 20 framework to prioritize critical patients.
3. Conduct thorough and consistent reassessments in unstable patients.
4. Apply efficient treatment strategies for stabilization and ongoing management in the ICU.
5. Coordinate care for patients requiring hospitalization or surgery, ensuring continuity and quality of care.
Speaker
•   Lexi Dickens, BS, LVT, RVT, VTS(ECC)

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 
Breakfast with Exhibitors

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM 
Where Do We Draw the Line? Deciding When to Start Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Mitral Valve Disease
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1.    Describe the evidence supporting pimobendan therapy in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease.
2.    Identify key physical examination, radiographic, and echocardiographic indicators of treatable preclinical MMVD.
3.    Differentiate between monitoring and treatment thresholds in dogs without clinical signs of congestive heart failure.
4.    Apply an evidence-based decision-making framework to determine when to initiate pimobendan therapy in clinical practice.
5.    Evaluate common clinical scenarios to determine appropriate timing for therapeutic intervention.
Speaker
•   Rebecca Stepien, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)

10:14 AM - 10:45 AM
Networking Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall

10:44 AM - 11:15 AM
5 Tips On How To Increase Dental Compliance
Speaker
•   Lindsey McMakin, MBA, CVPM MBA

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM 
How to Approach the Poisoned Patient Right From the Start!
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
1.    Identify common toxins and recognize species-specific risk factors that influence patient prognosis.
2.    Assess poisoned patients using a systematic approach to determine immediate priorities for stabilization and treatment.
3.    Select appropriate antidotes and supportive medications for the management of common toxic exposures.
4.    Develop protocols for staff safety and contamination prevention when handling poisoned patients.
5.    Evaluate follow-up needs and ongoing monitoring plans to ensure effective recovery and client communication.
Speaker
•   Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT

11:59 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
A Fear Free Approach to Humans
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify common triggers of client frustration and stress in veterinary interactions.
2. Analyze their own responses to challenging client behaviors and recognize areas for improvement.
3. Demonstrate practical de-escalation techniques.
4. Cultivate cultures of problem solving, not barrier setting.
5. Support client interactions and team communication that enhance respect, trust, and service outcomes.

Speaker
•   Bash Halow, CVPM, LVT

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Handling the Unhandleable: Sedation Strategies for Fractious Dogs
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify key risk factors and behaviors in fractious dogs that affect sedation safety.
2. Select appropriate sedation protocols based on patient temperament, medical history, and procedure needs.
3. Discuss pre-veterinary pharmaceutocals to reduce stress prior to sedation or handling.
Speaker
•   Maggie O’Brian, DVM, MS, DACVB

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Litter Box Lessons: Hacks for Inappropriate Elimination in Cats
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify common medical and behavioral causes of inappropriate elimination in cats.
2. Discuss the difference between inappropriate toileting and urinary marking.
3. Discuss treatment options for inappropriate toileting and urinary marking.
Speaker
•   Maggie O’Brian, DVM, MS, DACVB

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy: Does All Bleeding Eventually Stop?
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1.    Identify the clinical signs and risk factors associated with acute traumatic coagulopathy.
2.    Explain the pathophysiology of trauma-induced bleeding disorders.
3.    Interpret laboratory coagulation results to guide diagnosis and treatment.
4.    Implement appropriate interventions, including transfusion and hemostatic therapy, to control hemorrhage.
5.    Evaluate patient response and adjust management strategies to optimize survival and recovery.
Speaker
•   Justin C. Mathis, DVM, MS, DACVECC

 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM 
What’s New in Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
Learning Objectives:
 At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
1.    Describe the etiology and pathophysiology of canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).
2.    Compare traditional and emerging diagnostic methods for patients with suspected TCC.
3.    Perform an appropriate diagnostic work-up for patients with suspected or confirmed TCC.
4.    Discuss current treatment options and expected prognosis for patients with canine TCC.
Speaker
•   Christine Mullin, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology)

Saturday, March 14

7:00 AM - 7:30 AM 
Too Hot to Handle, Too Cold to Hold: A Quick Tour of Thermoregulation
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the physiological mechanisms of thermoregulation and their effects on body systems.
2. Assess patient temperature accurately and classify hypothermia or hyperthermia severity.
3. Analyze clinical signs and laboratory values to determine thermoregulatory compromise.
4. Implement evidence-based interventions to restore and maintain normal body temperature.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of thermoregulatory support measures and adjust patient care accordingly.
Speaker
•   Amber Hart, RVT, VTS(ECC)

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Gait Evaluation in the Canine: Everything You Need to Know
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1.    Describe the components of normal canine gait patterns and how they differ across common gait types.
2.    Identify abnormal gait characteristics that indicate lameness or altered limb function.
3.    Differentiate orthopedic gait abnormalities from neurologic gait patterns using key observational markers.
4.    Apply subjective and objective gait-analysis techniques to evaluate canine locomotion in clinical settings.
5.    Determine whether a patient’s lameness originates from the forelimb or hindlimb and distinguish right-sided from left-sided lameness.
6.    Analyze gait-example cases to interpret locomotion findings and formulate accurate lameness assessments.
Speaker
•   David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS-SA

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
CSI: Canine Scene Investigation. Cracking the Case in Veterinary Medicine
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
1.    Identify key clinical clues and historical findings relevant to common infectious, parasitic, and preventive medicine cases.
2.    Interpret diagnostic data and case information to narrow differential diagnoses.
3.    Apply structured clinical reasoning strategies to progress from presenting complaint to diagnostic conclusion.
4.    Evaluate diagnostic and treatment options based on case-specific evidence and best practices.
5.    Select appropriate next steps for case management using audience-guided decision-making scenarios.
Speaker
•   Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DACVM (Parasitology)

10:14 AM - 10:45 AM 
Networking Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Infected Corneal Ulcers: Medical and Surgical Management
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:
1.    Identify the clinical signs and diagnostic findings of infected corneal ulcers and corneal perforations in dogs and cats.
2.    Analyze underlying causes contributing to ulcer formation, including ocular surface abnormalities and systemic conditions.
3.    Evaluate bacterial and fungal infection risks to determine appropriate medical therapy.
4.    Apply effective medical management strategies to treat infections, control enzymatic degradation, and manage pain.
5.    Decide when surgical intervention is indicated and select the most suitable surgical technique for deep ulcers or perforations.
6.    Assess prognosis for vision and quality of life to guide treatment planning and client counseling.
Speaker
•   Joshua Broadwater, DVM, DACVO

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
How to Perform Minimally Invasive Surgery In 5 Steps?
Speaker
•   Justin Ganjei, DVM, DACVS-SA

11:59 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Exotic Pet Dermatology: Tackling Lumps, Bugs, and Crusts
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1.    Identify common skin conditions in avian and exotic pet species.
2.    Describe the clinical signs and diagnostic approaches for dermatologic issues.
3.    Differentiate between infectious, parasitic, and inflammatory skin conditions.
4.    Apply appropriate treatment and management strategies for various dermatologic cases.
5.    Evaluate patient responses to therapy to optimize dermatologic care outcomes.
Speaker
•   Peter J. Helmer, DVM, DABVP-Avian Practice

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM 
Ways to Make Change Stick: Turning Fear into Forward Motion
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify common emotional and behavioral responses to organizational change.
2. Explain the importance of communication and psychological safety in successful change adoption.
3. Apply practical strategies to implement and sustain change within a veterinary team.
4. Demonstrate techniques for reducing fear and resistance while maintaining team engagement.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of change initiatives and adjust approaches based on feedback and outcomes.
Speaker
•   Suzie Campbell, CVT

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
The GP Ophthalmologist Workshop
Learning Objectives:
1.    Identify key diagnostic indicators from signalment and case histories to generate a focused differential diagnosis list for common ophthalmologic conditions. 
2.    Utilize general practice diagnostic tools effectively to evaluate ophthalmologic cases. 
3.    Recognize breeds predisposed to specific ophthalmologic diseases and correlate breed risk with clinical presentation.
4.    Differentiate between ophthalmologic cases requiring immediate referral and those suitable for in-hospital management or home care. 
Speaker
•   Joshua Broadwater, DVM, DACVO

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
From Panic to Precision: Mastering the Art of the Veterinary Triage
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Define the key principles of veterinary triage.
2. Differentiate between life-threatening, urgent, and stable cases using objective assessment criteria.
3. Apply a structured triage approach to real-world patient scenarios under time pressure.
4. Analyze communication strategies that improve team coordination and client understanding during triage situations.
5. Evaluate triage outcomes and adjust protocols to enhance efficiency and patient safety.
Speaker
•   Suzie Campbell, CVT

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Fetch Finale Trivia Gameshow!
Speaker
•   Adam Christman, DVM, MBA