2025 CE DAYTIME SESSIONS
H5N1 IN CATS: UNDERSTANDING AVIAN INFLUENZA RISKS IN THE SHELTER ENVIRONMENT Rachael Kreisler, VMD, MSCE, DACVPM (Epidemiology) 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM | Room 201 AB Recent outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza have highlighted its potential for devastating impacts on feline populations. Although many cases in cats have been directly linked to consuming raw meat and raw milk, some cases have no clear connection to these risk factors. With shelters housing large numbers of cats, understanding the risks and being vigilant to the signs is critical. In this session, we’ll explore: H5N1 in Cats – The connection between raw diets and H5N1 infections, and what makes feline populations particularly vulnerable. Impacts of Recent Outbreaks – How outbreaks in poultry and cattle have increased the risk for cats and what this means for shelters. Shelter Ramifications – Managing the threat of H5N1 in high-density cat populations and minimizing transmission risks. Clinical Signs and Response – Key symptoms to watch for, diagnostic tools, and protocols for managing suspected cases. This seminar is designed for shelter veterinarians and professionals seeking to safeguard feline health in the face of evolving H5N1 threats. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to protect your shelter’s cats and reduce the risk of devastating outbreaks. SUSTAINABILITY IN SHELTER MEDICINE: REDUCING WASTE AND SAVING MONEY Rachael Kreisler, VMD, MSCE, DACVPM (Epidemiology) 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM | Room 201 AB Shelter veterinarians often operate in low-resource environments where every decision must balance cost, care, and efficiency. This session focuses on practical, science-based strategies to reduce waste, conserve resources, and maintain the highest standards of animal care in shelter settings. Topics include: Optimizing Needle Practices – Reviewing the evidence on whether needles need to be changed after drawing up vaccines, and how this can reduce waste and prevent needle-stick injuries. Choosing Reusable vs. Disposable – Evaluating cloth versus paper drapes to determine the most cost-effective and sustainable options for your shelter. Minimizing Waste, Maximizing Impact – Identifying the biggest contributors to medical waste and implementing smarter, resource-conscious practices. Sustainable Solutions for Shelters – Practical tips tailored to the unique challenges of providing high-quality care in low-resource environments. Join us to learn how shelter veterinarians can stretch limited budgets while delivering exceptional care and reducing environmental impact. This session is designed to provide actionable insights that make sustainability both achievable and affordable. FIDO FIRING BLANKS Clare Scully, MA, DVM, MS, DACT 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | Room 201 AB This talk provides an introduction to diagnosing infertility in male dogs, emphasizing the importance of clear definitions and a comprehensive approach. It covers key terms, subfertility, infertility, and sterility, and discusses the poor prognosis for male infertility, with less than 10% returning to normal fertility. The session highlights the importance of Breeding Soundness Examinations (BSE) in evaluating stud dogs, including detailed physical exams and semen analysis. Additionally, it outlines diagnostic tests and conditions such as Brucella canis, testicular tumors, and prostate disorders that can contribute to infertility, while stressing the importance of thorough history-taking and diagnostic procedures to improve outcomes.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF CANINE PYOMETRA Clare Scully, MA, DVM, MS, DACT 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM | Room 201 AB This talk addresses the critical issue of pyometra in female dogs, while spaying is the recommended solution, medical management may be an option for breeding bitches. The session covers the pathogenesis of pyometra, including hormonal influences, bacterial colonization, and its effect on the uterus. Clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and treatment options (surgical and medical) are discussed in depth, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. The talk also highlights recent advances in medical management using prostaglandins, dopamine agonists, and progesterone receptor antagonists. A case study exemplifies the practical approach to managing pyometra in a breeding dog. The talk concludes with insights on prognosis, recurrence prevention, and client education. TRANSCERVICAL INSEMINATION (TCI) FOR BEGINNERS This talk focuses on canine breeding management, with an emphasis on improving pregnancy success through accurate timing and advanced insemination techniques. It covers the critical role of a stud dog with healthy semen and a receptive bitch with mature oocytes. The importance of identifying the optimal breeding time is highlighted, using tools such as vaginal cytology, hormone assays, and endoscope-assisted transcervical insemination (TCI). The anatomy and estrous cycle of the bitch are reviewed, along with methods for determining the fertile period. Special attention is given to TCI, which Clare Scully, MA, DVM, MS, DACT 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM | Room 201 AB enables precise semen deposition in the uterus, increasing conception rates with minimal risk and no anesthesia. The advantages, challenges, and necessary equipment for performing TCI are discussed, along with the long-term benefits of this technique, particularly in cases involving frozen semen. EXOTIC NEUROLOGY: NEUROLOGICAL EXAM OF EXOTIC ANIMALS Colleen Embersics, DVM 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | Ballroom C This session will provide an overview of the neurological exam of common exotic animals including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. EXOTIC NEUROLOGY: NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES This session will provide an overview of neurological diseases of common exotic animals including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. SIMPLIFYING SPINAL TAPS Colleen Embersics, DVM 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM | Ballroom C Obtaining a sample of spinal fluid can be challenging but is often necessary for the diagnosis of microscopic diseases of the CNS such as inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases. This session will include a thorough description of the atlantooccipital and lumbar spinal tap procedures including indications, risks, materials, and interpretation of results. OF EXOTIC ANIMALS Colleen Embersics, DVM 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM | Ballroom C IS NUTRITION OUR PROFESSION’S UNICORN OR DRAGON? THE STATE OF VETERINARY NUTRITION AND AN UPDATE ON THE LATEST NUTRITION TRENDS/EVENTS Danielle Conway, Nutrition Residency Trained 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | Room 204 AB This session will cover the most recent and perplexing areas of nutrition in practice. Nutrition can be viewed as a unicorn or a dragon within our profession. The session will address what makes these topics challenging to discuss along with where these trends originate and how to address them with clients. Topics to include; grain free brief update, raw food, commonly misunderstood ingredients (grains, meat meals, by products,) and pet food processing. We will also address the shift away from expertise and science and how to get these nutrition conversations back into our clinics.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DRAGONS; A PROS AND CONS ANALYSIS OF THE VARIOUS NUTRITION FEEDING OPTIONS IN PRACTICE AND HOW TO IMPROVE CLIENT NUTRITION COMPLIANCE WITHOUT GETTING BURNED Danielle Conway, Nutrition Residency Trained 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM | Room 204 AB Food for Thought will address the pros and cons of all of the various feeding in a neutral fact based ethics structure. The various feeding options (commercial OTC, commercial Rx, homemade, raw and other) will be covered with an emphasis on being able to meet clients at their truth to increase compliance and diffuse frustration surrounding nutrition in practice. We will also cover how to evaluate the quality of a pet food company. This talk will continue with the popular culture analogy of nutrition as a dragon in our profession to keep the session engaging and lively. FROM KIBBLE INTO THE KITCHEN AND BEYOND: SAFELY GUIDING CLIENTS ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF CARE IN FRESH PET DIETS (RAW AND HOMEMADE) Danielle Conway, Nutrition Residency Trained 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM | Room 204 AB This session will delve into the growing trend of fresh pet diets, exploring their potential benefits, current research, and challenges. As pet guardians increasingly seek fresh, personalized options, the rise in commercial products has brought both innovation and corporate greed, with some companies failing to provide nutritionally sound recipes. We’ll discuss how to identify trustworthy products, make homemade diets more affordable, and determine when to recommend alternatives. Attendees will gain insight into the diverse home formulation options, the risks for vulnerable patients, and the nuances of the balance over time philosophy. This evidence-based session will offer practical strategies for formulating homemade diets and tools for effective client communication. We will discuss the safety of raw food and how to guide clients in this controversial feeding methods. By the end, veterinary professionals will feel equipped to guide clients in making informed, safe dietary choices that support long-term pet health. MY FAVORITE CANCER TOOLS FOR EVERYDAY PRACTICE 2025 Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | Ballroom A Get ready to discover my absolute favorite tools and innovations in veterinary oncology that you can start using in your practice right away! This fun and informative session will highlight the latest and greatest advancements that can make a real difference in diagnosing and treating cancer in your patients in your practice. We'll dive into Stelfonta, the groundbreaking intratumor injection for mast cell tumors, and explore how the NuQ® Vet Cancer Screening Test is improving early cancer detection with a simple blood test. Learn about Vetscan Imagyst™, the point of care testing where advanced technology meets rapid and accurate cytological diagnoses, streamlining your workflow and boosting your diagnostic confidence. Plus, learn about Canalevia, my new go-to non-antibiotic oral medication for managing chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, and Laverdia, an exciting oral treatment option for lymphoma in dogs. And don't miss out on gilvetmab, the first conditionally licensed caninized anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for stage I, II, III mast cell tumors and stage II or III melanoma (note: this one is currently for specialists only) This session is packed with practical insights and tips to help you integrate these fantastic tools into your everyday practice. Enhance your diagnostic accuracy, improve treatment outcomes, and provide the best care for your patients with these cutting-edge advancements. Join me and stay ahead of the curve with the latest in veterinary oncology.
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