Keystone, CO
June 25-28, 2026
- Connecting with Colleagues
- Beautiful Mountain Location
- Extensive Educational Topics
- Hundreds of Veterinarians
CVMA Convention is making history in 2026! For the first time ever, CVMA Convention is moving to June 25–28, 2026 in Keystone, CO. Mark your calendars and join us in the mountains for four unforgettable days of connection, hands-on learning, and summertime adventure.
Full Convention 2026 Program will be released in March.
Choose from 80+ hours of high-quality CE across multiple tracks and formats.
A Full Conference package earns you 21.5 CE hours with pre-conference sessions included.
Welcome to Keystone, Colorado
/01
Location & Lodging
Meetings and events will take place at the Keystone Conference Center. CVMA group rate lodging is available at the Keystone Lodge & Spa as well as several condominium options across Conference & Lakeside Village.
Keystone Conference Center
633 Tennis Club Road, Dillon, CO 80435
(970) 496-4142
Rooms starting at $189++.
Reservation link and group code provided at registration.
Keystone Lodge & Spa
22101 US-6, Keystone, CO 80435
(970) 496-3715
Condominium Reservations
Locations varying throughout Village.
Fun for the Whole Family this Summer
Registration Pricing
Prices below reflect Early Bird rates. Register by April 1st and save $100!
Veterinarian
Full Conference
Technician & Support Staff
Full Conference
Cancellation Policy: Refunds will only be processed if submitted in writing within 90 days of purchase, and prior to May 15, 2026. Refunds will incur a $75 processing fee. Any refund requests outside the 90 day window, or between May 15 and June 20, 2026 will only be given a credit of the full amount to your CVMA account for use through 2026. No refunds or credits will be issued if received after June 20, 2025. All refund or credit requests must be submitted ONLY in writing to [email protected]. Phone calls or text messages will not be accepted.
Meet the Speakers
Maggie Baldwin, DVM
Regulatory Updates
1 CE Hour
Bio
Dr. Maggie Baldwin joined the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division in January 2017 where she has focused primarily on emergency response, incident management, and public outreach, before being named assistant state veterinarian. Dr. Baldwin earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine in St. Paul. She began her career in public service as a supervisory public health veterinarian with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and Veterinary Medical Officer with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Dr. Baldwin grew up in a small town in rural west central Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota, Morris before entering veterinary school. In her previous roles at CDA, Dr. Baldwin worked on continuity of business planning, the ag liaison program, and African swine fever preparedness. Most recently, as the department’s epidemiology traceability veterinarian, she has been extensively involved in the Vesicular Stomatitis virus outbreak in Colorado. She is an avid reader and member of a local book club, and loves spending time with her husband and two sons on their small hobby farm near Johnstown.
Diane Balkin, JD
CDA – Animal Welfare
3 CE Hours
Bio
Diane Balkin, JD worked for 32 years in the Denver District Attorney’s Office where she served as the “animal crimes” prosecutor who ensured effective investigations and aggressive prosecutions of animal cruelty cases within her jurisdiction. She has also been involved in prosecutions in crimes involving juveniles, domestic violence and the elderly. She served as a public member on the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine from 2001 to 2009. Since her retirement from the Denver District Attorney’s Office, Ms. Balkin works as a contract attorney for the Criminal Justice Program of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Diane received her J.D. in 1977 from the University of Denver and is a nationally ranked lecturer on animal cruelty investigations and prosecutions with a strong emphasis on training veterinarians. Ms. Balkin is the current President of the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association.
Jeret Benson, DVM, CHPV
Integrative Medicine
2 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Jeret Benson, a Colorado native, earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University, where her involvement in the pet hospice club sparked a lasting passion for the human–animal bond and end-of-life care. She is certified in veterinary medical acupuncture (cVMA) through CuraCore, canine rehabilitation (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee, and hospice and palliative care (CHPV) through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. Dr. Benson is dedicated to guiding families through geriatric and hospice care with compassion. Outside of work, she enjoys camping and spending time outdoors with her husband, two children, and their dog.
Meredyth Jones Cook, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Mixed Animal
6 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Meredyth Jones Cook received her veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University in 2002. She entered private mixed-animal practice in Brandenburg, Kentucky, later completing a residency in Large Animal Internal Medicine-Emphasis Food Animal and received a MS degree in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at Oklahoma State University. She has taught food animal field services and internal medicine at Kansas State, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State. She owns Large Animal Consulting & Education, teaches part time for Texas Tech, and operates a ranch with her husband and 2 girls, raising beef and pork.
Kathleen Cooney, DVM, CHPV, CPEV, DACAW
Small Animal
2 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Kathleen Cooney has been practicing advanced end-of-life care since 2006. Dr. Cooney is Senior Director of Medical Education for the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA). She is well-known for her work in companion animal euthanasia and has authored two books on the subject along with numerous articles and book chapters (Cooney CV). Dr. Cooney has collaborated in end-of-life training for the AVMA, AAHA, NAVC, IAAHPC, the Fear Free Program, and many more. She is a strong advocate for best practices in all aspects of end-of-life care and speaks nationally and internationally on such topics. Dr. Cooney is Board Certified in animal welfare through the American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW), and is Affiliate Faculty at Colorado State University where she teaches end-of-life topics and animal welfare. In her personal life, Dr. Cooney is married with 3 children living in beautiful northern Colorado on her 35-acre farm.
Lindsay Deacon, DVM
Equine
3 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Deacon is from West Chester, PA where she grew up riding and showing in the hunter divisions. She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and completed her veterinary degree at Texas A&M University. After vet school, Dr. Deacon completed an internship at Littleton Equine Medical Center from 2018-2019 followed by a fellowship in cardiology and ultrasound at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. During her fellowship, she was trained in both equine and farm animal ultrasound, echocardiography, and equine cardioversion techniques. Dr. Deacon is currently an associate veterinarian at Littleton Equine Medical Center in Littleton, CO, where her primary interests include imaging, lameness, rehabilitation, and cardiology. She also enjoys being a part of the patient/owner relationship through general practice and emergency medicine. In her spare time, Dr. Deacon enjoys skiing, hiking, and trail running.
Becky Eschmann, DVM, MPH, CPH, DACVPM
Small Animal
2 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Becky Eschmann, DVM, MPH, CPH, DACVPM grew up in rural Southern Illinois and earned her veterinary degree from the University of Illinois in 2012. She began her career in mixed animal practice before focusing on small animal medicine. Her passion for preventive care led her to complete an MPH in 2020 and achieve board certification with the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine in 2022. Her experience spans private and corporate practice, hospital management, and academic teaching of veterinary students.
Megan Gerhardt, PhD
Keynote
1.5 CE Hours
Bio
Megan W. Gerhardt, Ph.D., is a Professor of Management and Leadership at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. In addition to her academic work, she consults and speaks with leading organizations worldwide on leveraging generational differences in the workplace and is the author of Gentelligence: A Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce.Her Gentelligence framework was featured as Harvard Business Review’s Big Idea in March 2022 and selected for Harvard Business Review’s Top 10 Must Reads for 2024. As the founder of gentelligence.org, all of Dr. Gerhardt’s work focuses on harnessing individual differences to drive impact and exceptional performance.
Jenn Hatzel, DVM, MS, DACT
Equine
3 CE Hours
Bio
Jenn Hatzel is originally from Katy, Texas and attended Texas Tech University for three years prior to an early acceptance into veterinary school. Her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree is from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. Upon graduation, she completed an equine internship in Ocala, Florida and internal medicine fellowship focusing on neonatal care in Lexington, Kentucky. She obtained her MS from the University of Florida and completed a residency program in Theriogenology from Colorado State University (CSU). Upon board certification, she began focusing on equine assisted reproduction at CSU and joined the faculty in 2017. Her research interests include in-vitro embryo production, particularly with postmortem ovaries, and holistic reproductive care. Her free time is spent on running for fun, running after a menagerie of animals on her small farm she shares with her husband but mostly running after three small children who also run her life.
Shelley Johnson, CVPM, MSSL
Leadership 4 CE Hours
4 CE Hours
Bio
With over 30 years of experience int eh veterinary profession, Shelley is a dedicated leader at the intersection of executive leadership and organizational culture. An Executive Leadership doctoral researcher, she focuses on authentic leadership, mentor vulnerability, psychological safety, and trust as vital components of effective leadership practice. Since 2009, Shelley has been instrumental in leadership development and practice management education, equipping veterinarians and organizational teams to enhance communication, decision-making, and culture. Drawing on insights from Dr. Brene Brown, she transforms vulnerability and resilience concepts into practical strategies for building effective teams. As a proponent of bridging research and practice, Shelley is committed to fostering environments where meaningful, sustainable work thrives, allowing businesses to grow with integrity. Join her in engaging sessions that inspire leaders to embrace stress as a growth opportunity, ensuring both teams and individuals both flourish.
Pam Jones, DVM, DACVIM, DACVR
SA Symposium
6 CE Hours
Bio
Pamela completed her veterinary training at Colorado State University. Followed by a private practice rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery, a three-year medical oncology residency at the University of Illinois and a two-year residency in radiation oncology at Southwest Veterinary Oncology in Arizona. She is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in medical oncology and by the American College of Veterinary Radiology in radiation oncology. She has enjoyed specialty practice in the southwestern United States in Arizona and Texas and has served in several capacities in the pharmaceutical industry including her current role as a Specialist Support Veterinarian at IDEXX.
Allison Kohnen, DVM, MPH
Regulatory Updates
1 CE Hour
Bio
As a regulatory veterinarian, Allison is trained in infectious disease and epidemiology, herd health, agricultural systems, regulatory program diseases, and international import and export regulations for animals and animal products, in addition to clinical veterinary medicine. Allison is committed to combining interests into a multidisciplinary career in public service. Allison is most interested in building upon her experience in disease surveillance and control. Allison has worked as a collaborator on multiple epidemiology studies in veterinary medicine and public health, including studies utilizing national surveillance data of livestock commodities for risk factors of disease and management practices. Allison has worked with many livestock species, including dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, horses, small ruminants and camelids. Allison is passionate about One Health and the environment, particularly about curtailing the impacts of climate change. She previously collaborated on a project surveying veterinary students on environmental health and sustainability education within veterinary programs. This project ultimately expanded into a network of student-led projects and an international symposium on the health impacts of climate change on animals and the veterinarian’s role in a changing climate. Allison has presented her research projects in veterinary infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance at the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (2019), the American Society for Microbiology (2015, 2012), and several local meetings. Allison is always looking to expand her professional network and connect with veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals.
Andrea Lear, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-LA
Bovine
6 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Andrea Lear is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, where she is a practicing clinical veterinarian and veterinary scientist. Her areas of expertise include large animal internal medicine, infectious disease, virology, immunology, reproductive physiology, & neonatology. Dr. Lear’s professional interests include participation in farm animal veterinary practice, advancement of animal agriculture, leadership in organized veterinary medicine, and training of future veterinarians & animal scientists. She earned her Ph.D. here at the University of Tennessee. She also received her B.S. at Murray State University, M.S. at Colorado State University, DVM at Auburn University & Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Her clinical interests are diverse and include livestock medicine and surgery, small ruminant and camelid herd management, herd disease investigation, and neonatology. Dr. Lear and her family live on a farmstead and raise meat goats, and chickens, along with vegetable gardens.
Andrew Linklater, DVM, DACVECC
Small Animal
3 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Linklater earned his veterinary degree in Canada and completed advanced training in the United States, becoming a Diplomate of ACVECC. He led the Emergency Department of a Wisconsin multispecialty hospital for over 20 years, mentoring more than 100 interns and residents and serving as Medical Director and Director of ER training and a VECCS- and VetCOT-certified trauma center. He has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, co-authored two textbooks, and lectured nationally and internationally. His professional interests include trauma, surgery, coagulopathies, and transfusion medicine; personally, he enjoys skiing, cycling, hiking, travel, and time with his family.
Richanne Lomkin, DVM
Regulatory Updates
2 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Richanne Lomkin grew up on a small farm in rural Colorado that was just big enough to keep everyone busy. She graduated from Colorado State University and then went to Albuquerque, New Mexico for an internship with USDA, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services. After spending a year basking in the wonderful weather of New Mexico and six years slowly freezing to death in eastern Idaho, she returned to Colorado as the field veterinary medical officer for northeastern Colorado. Dr. Lomkin thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to work with the local veterinarians, ranchers, and farmers.
Kelly McCord, DVM, MS
Small Animal
2 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. McCord completed both his residency in internal medicine and Master of Clinical Science degree in 2011 at Colorado State University, from where he also received his DVM degree in 2007. Dr. McCord has published multiple peer-reviewed veterinary journal articles on topics including canine acute pancreatitis, gastrointestinal disorders, and oxidative stress, among others. He has a particular interest in hepatic, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and autoimmune diseases. He practiced in the Pacific Northwest for 11 years and then moved back to Colorado from where he was born and raised. He is currently an internist at Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists in Loveland, CO.
Meaghan Monahan, RVT
Integrative Medicine
2 CE Hours
Bio
RVT and Director of Regenerative Medicine focused on mobility, comfort, and collaborative pain care.
Eric Monnet, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DECVS, FAHA
Small Animal
2 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Eric Monnet graduated from veterinary school in Maisons Alfort, France in 1985. He worked for four years in a Paris private practice performing small animal medicine and surgery. In 1994, Dr. Monnet completed a small animal surgery residency at Colorado State University and concurrently finished a Master of Sciences degree. In 1997, Dr. Monnet received his PhD in Clinical Sciences studying cardiac efficiency in dogs. In 2003, he became a fellow of the American Heart Association. He is a founding fellow of the MIS soft tissue ACVS fellowship.
Dr Monnet is a professor in small animal surgery (General Surgery) at Colorado State University. He has authored over 150 articles and 50 chapters in various surgical textbooks. Dr. Monnet was the founding president in 2001-2003 of the Society for Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgery and in 2002-2004 of the Veterinary Endoscopy Society. He is the textbook’s editor of “Disease Mechanisms in Small Animal Surgery” (3rd edition). He is also the editor of the textbook “Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery” (1st and 2nd editions). He is the editor with Dr Orton of the textbook “Small Animal Thoracic Surgery”. He is the editor with Dr. Smeak of the textbook” Gastrointestinal Surgical Techniques in Small Animals.”
Jennifer Rainey, DVM
Mixed Animal
3 CE Hours
Bio
I am the Forensic Veterinarian at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) located in Colorado Springs, CO. My clinical background is in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine. I worked as an emergency veterinarian in private practice for approximately 15 years. Later, I transitioned into veterinary forensics after completing a criminal justice degree with a focus in forensic investigation and the master’s degree in veterinary forensic sciences from the University of Florida. My primary role at HSPPR is to assist our Animal Law Enforcement Department (ALE), as well as local law enforcement agencies, with their animal cruelty investigations. In addition, I provide veterinary forensic training at our ALE Academy and am an instructor for Code 3 Associates, Inc.
Jess Rychel, CVMA, DACVSMR, CVMA, CCRP
Integrative Medicine
6 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Jess Rychel founded Red Sage Integrative Veterinary Partners in Fort Collins, Colorado in 2018 with the intention of providing comprehensive and cutting-edge medicine, while gathering the most experienced and caring team anywhere. Dr. Rychel received board certification in the College of Sports Medicine and Rehab in 2013, and has found a long-term love of clinical medicine, with the practice of evidence-based complementary medicine, integrative treatments, pain management, sports medicine, palliative care and rehabilitation for pets affected by a variety of conditions.
Brian Scansen, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Small Animal
1 CE Hour
Bio
Dr. Scansen is currently professor and service head of the Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Section at Colorado State University. He lectures internationally on topics relevant to heart disease in animals. His clinical and research interests include congenital heart disease, advanced cardiac imaging, and novel catheter-based therapies for the heart and vasculature system.
Jennifer Schoonmaker, DVM, MSc One Health
Mixed Animal
1 CE Hour
Bio
Dr. Jen Schoonmaker worked for years as a wildlife biologist before starting her veterinary career and earning her DVM from St. George’s University. She attended clinical rotations at the University of Florida, Shedd Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, and the Bronx Zoo. After graduation, she completed a specialty internship in Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine at South Wilton Veterinary Group. Dr. Schoonmaker has worked in small animal, aquarium, and zoological companion animal clinical practice and completed her Master’s Degree in One Health. Dr. Schoonmaker currently practices as a relief veterinarian and an Associate Veterinarian for Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Longmont, CO.
Phil van Herreveld, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA
Mixed Animal
2 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. van Harreveld received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University in 1996. In 1997, he completed a one-year internship in equine medicine and surgery at Kansas State University. After developing a strong interest in equine surgery, Dr. van Harreveld completed an equine surgery residency, as well as a Master’s degree in clinical sciences at Kansas State University. In 2001, Dr. van Harreveld was certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in equine surgery. Prior to joining Merck Animal Health, Dr. van Harreveld founded and operated Vermont Large Animal Clinic, an equine field service and surgical referral hospital in the Burlington, VT area for over 22 years. Areas of interest include lameness examination, soft tissue and reproductive surgery, and the management of medical and surgical equine colic.
Craig Webb, PhD, DVM, DACVIM
Small Animal
2 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Craig Webb completed a PhD in Neuroscience where he attempted to decipher how cat’s think. Obviously, this effort failed miserably, and so he switched his focus and has spent the last 20-plus years attempting to effectively diagnose and treat dogs and cats that show up on the small animal medicine service at the CSU VTH. Although he still fails quite frequently, he is incredibly fortunate to work in a hospital full of the best young minds in veterinary medicine. He is also fortunate to have married way above himself, to the much smarter and better looking, Dr. Tracy Webb.
Tracy Webb, DVM, PhD, FNAP
Small Animal
2 CE Hours
Bio
Tracy Webb received her DVM degree from The Ohio State University followed by a small animal medicine and surgery internship and an emergency and critical care residency at Angell Animal Medical Center. Tracy then completed a PhD in Pathology (Immunology) at Colorado State University where she is an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences and manages veterinary and translational regulatory affairs in the Office of the Vice President for Research. She is a Distinguished Fellow in the National Academies of Practice and involved in various efforts to support and perform quality and sustainable research to improve patient outcomes.
Teri Willard, RVT
Integrative Medicine
2 CE Hours
Bio
Teri moved to Fort Collins, CO from Rochester, NY in 2016. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2004 in various realms including emergency, surgery, rehabilitation, and general practice. Teri graduated with an A.A.S degree in Veterinary Technology in 2015, received her certification in Canine Rehabilitation in 2018 from the University of Tennessee, completed a certification to become a Veterinary Cannabis Counselor in 2020, and completed her Canine Athlete Specialist Certification from CSU Pueblo in 2025. Her main veterinary interests are in sports medicine and integrated/holistic medicine. Teri loves working with the canine athletes. She focuses on conditioning, strengthening, and cross training them to be ready for anything while they do what they love to do.
In her off time, Teri enjoys spending time with her husband Jeff, hiking, working out, practicing canine agility, flyball, and going to concerts (especially Dave Matthews Band). Teri and Jeff currently have four fur kids, Avalon Myst an Australian Shepherd, Adventure Horizon a Border Collie, Pivot Chandler a Border Collie, and Bexley Saffron a fluffy orange tabby.
Bonnie Wright, DVM, DACVAA
Preconference
4 CE Hours
Bio
Dr. Bonnie Wright is a leader in veterinary anesthesia, pain management, and evidence-based acupuncture. Board-certified in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (DACVAA), she holds advanced certifications in Medical Acupuncture, Veterinary Pain Practice, Canine Rehabilitation, Canine Musculo-Skeletal Imaging and Regenerative Medicine. As the lead faculty for the Evidence-Based Veterinary Acupuncture program, she is dedicated to integrating scientific rigor into non-pharmaceutical pain management strategies.
Dr. Wright completed her DVM at Colorado State University, followed by a residency in Anesthesia and Critical Patient Care at the University of California, Davis. She has been practicing, teaching, and advancing the fields of anesthesia, pain medicine, and rehabilitation for over two decades. You can learn even more about Bonnie at her website, The Mistral Vet.
Engage with our attendees!
Session Descriptions
Preconference
12:00 pm Anesthesia Intensive Workshop (4 CE hrs)
Bonnie Wright, DVM, DACVAA
Anesthesia management is far more complex and multifaceted than simple protocols, but alchemy remains a crucial component of the practice. In this afternoon we will discuss the background of each topic and then spend time exploring the nuances and exceptions present in each stage of the anesthetic experience.
Hour 1. Preparation for anesthesia
Hour 2. The Main Event- Maintenance and Support
Hour 3. Pain Physiology and management
Hour 4. Cases and Discussion
1:00 pm Companion Animal Euthanasia Technique Workshop (3 CE hrs)
Kathleen Cooney DVM, CHPV, CPEV, DACAW
This 3-hour dry lab will provide euthanasia technique practice using feline simulation models, brought to you by the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA). Participants will discuss the 14 essential components of good euthanasia, review venous pathways, intraorgan injections, memorialization, and more. This is an opportunity to gain valuable technique training applicable to a variety of species. CAETA will outline all the necessary supplies for both the hospital and mobile setting. Being prepared for all scenarios is the secret to success and brings peace of mind knowing the veterinary team is able to successfully complete the procedure. No detail is too big or too small. This lab is open to all veterinary roles.
4:00 pm Keynote: Unlocking Gentelligence
Megan Gerhardt, PhD
It’s time for smarter intergenerational conversations in the workplace, and this is the way to start.
With five generations currently in the workplace, many leaders view this dynamic as frustrating and challenging. In this engaging workshop, you will learn how apply the strategies of Gentelligence® to your organization’s unique generational challenges.
Small Animal
8:00 am Dr. Cooney's Most Challenging Euthanasia Cases; Pivoting from Panic to Peace
Kathleen Cooney DVM, CHPV, CPEV, DACAW
Someone who performs a lot of euthanasia is still going to have challenging cases from time to time. They make everyone nervous when instead the goal should be calm and peace. Dr. Cooney is a well-known expert in companion animal euthanasia and has picked some of her toughest cases to review and help you overcome challenges of your own. Videos will be shown to demonstrate better ways to perform euthanasia techniques. When we know better, we do better.
9:00 am Handling Behavior and Convenience Euthanasia Requests
Kathleen Cooney DVM, CHPV, CPEV, DACAW
Behavioral and convenience euthanasia requests are known to cause moral stress in veterinary teams. They are complicated situations that arise from a variety of factors, which personnel must consider before proceeding with euthanasia. This session looks at the types of euthanasia, reviews decision-making tools, shows how to build policies into a euthanasia manual, and gives instruction on how to more safely approach aggression cases.
11:00 am Updates on Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment in Primary Care
Brian A Scansen, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Mitral valve disease remains the most common heart condition of dogs and treatment is contingent on identifying patients at risk for disease progression. This session will cover staging of mitral valve disease in dogs, recommendations for evaluating the dog with a heart murmur in general practice, and practical recommendations to help delay disease progression and address clinical signs. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
● Understand the ACVIM staging guidelines for canine mitral valve disease.
● Describe the importance of recognizing an enlarged heart in the asymptomatic dog.
● Discuss the typical outcomes for a dog with mitral valve disease.
● Appreciate what pimobendan does to help the dog with mitral valve disease once heart enlargement has occurred.
Sponsored by: Boehringer Ingelheim
1:00 pm STAY TUNED FOR SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT SOON!
Sponsored by: American Regent
2:00 pm Nutritional Management of Canine and Feline Urinary Conditions
Becky Eschmann, DVM, MPH, CPH, DACVPM
Session descritpion coming soon!
Sponsored by: Purina
4:00 pm Nutritional Management of Canine and Feline Gastrointestinal Conditions
Becky Eschmann, DVM, MPH, CPH, DACVPM
Session description coming soon!
Sponsored by: Purina
Bovine
8:00 am Internal Med in Ambulatory Practice – Cow-side Diagnostics
Andrea Lear, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-LA
This lecture will discuss affordable and accessible diagnostic testing and other equipment that allows the ambulatory practitioner to improve their individual and herd-based assessment on farm.
9:00 am Internal Med in Ambulatory Practice – Practical Ultrasonography
Andrea Lear, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-LA
This lecture will provide a comprehensive review of diagnostic ultrasonography applications in ruminant medicine beyond reproductive uses. Ultrasound’s advantages as a relatively rapid, inexpensive, and noninvasive diagnostic tool that can be used in both hospital and ambulatory settings will be described. Instructions on how to perform a FAST scan in the field with representative images will be provided.
11:00 am Disease Outbreaks – Turning Data into Management
Andrea Lear, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-LA
This lecture will focus on understanding and applying diagnostic tests in veterinary practice, particularly for infectious disease outbreaks in food animal herds. We will define and describe the problem to determine if investigation is warranted, identify risk factors by comparing affected vs. unaffected groups, and discuss the investigative process. The practitioner will learn to generate hypotheses about key determinants of the disease outbreak and develop recommendations and follow-up protocols.
1:00 pm Ruminant Diagnostics
Andrea Lear, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-LA
This lecture will focus on diagnostic test interpretation in food animal veterinary practice. Fundamental concepts including sensitivity (ability to detect diseased animals) and specificity (ability to detect non-diseased animals) and predictive value will be explained. Examples of diagnostic result interpretation will be performed including interrelation of individual animal CBC and chemistry.
2:00 pm Update on Vaccination Strategies for Breeding Cattle
Andrea Lear, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-LA
This lecture will review current literature focusing on efficacies vaccine strategies for the protection of breeding cattle. Special focus examining the reproductive impacts of two major viral pathogens in cattle: bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) will be discussed.
4:00 pm Update on Vaccination Strategies for Weaned/Market Calves
Andrea Lear, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-LA
This lecture will focus on immune system development and vaccination strategies in weaned calves. Vaccination timing for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in beef cattle production systems will be discussed in relation to optimal timing and impact of stressful events. Review of current literature focusing on effective vaccine strategies will be performed.
Mixed Animal
8:00 am Introduction to Veterinary Forensics Part I: An Overview
Jennifer Rainey, D.V.M., M.S. (Veterinary Forensic Sciences)
In this session, we will review what the veterinary forensic sciences are, the role the veterinarian plays in suspected animal cruelty cases, and the six main categories of animal cruelty.
By the end of this session, participants will know:
• What the veterinary forensic sciences entail
• The role the veterinarian plays in suspected animal cruelty cases
• Have a basic understanding of the six main categories of animal cruelty
9:00 am Introduction to Veterinary Forensics Part II: Documentation
Jennifer Rainey, D.V.M., M.S. (Veterinary Forensic Sciences)
In this session, we will review the documentation required in suspected animal cruelty cases beyond the basic medical record. Included will be discussion on supplementary reports, with examples, and the use of photography, videography, and imaging to further document findings, with case examples.
By the end of this session, participants will know:
- The purpose of supplementary reports beyond the basic medical record and how to write them
- The basics of how to use photography, videography, and imaging to further document findings in suspected animal cruelty cases
11:00 am Nonaccidental (NAI) vs. Accidental Injury
Jennifer Rainey, D.V.M., M.S. (Veterinary Forensic Sciences)
In this session, we will review the meaning of manner of death, as opposed to cause and mechanism of death. Additionally, there will be discussion on some of the “red flags” that raise the suspicion of NAI vs. accidental injury. Included in the presentation will be case examples. By the end of the session, participants will know:
• The difference between manner of death vs. cause and mechanism of death and why the distinction is legally important
• The categories of manner of death
• Common “red flags” which raise the suspicion of NAI vs. accidental injury
1:00 pm From Shope to Nope: Current Topics in Zoological Companion and Wildlife Medicine
Jennifer Schoonmaker, DVM, MSc One Health
New obstacles present themselves in zoological companion and wildlife species, including several infectious diseases. This presentation will help veterinary professionals stay informed on the latest concerns in Colorado.
• Participants will identify key components of recent and emerging trends in zoological companion animals and wildlife, including HPAI, RHDV2, and Shope Papilloma
• Participants will be able to classify different concerns for their patients, including disease presentations, latest research, treatment, prevention, and monitoring/future concerns
• Participants will strengthen their overall emerging disease and concern assessment skills and awareness of Colorado zoological companion animal and wildlife conditions
2:00 pm Equine Respiratory Disease Updates
Philip van Harreveld, DVM, MS, DACVS
An update on recent studies related to equine respiratory health, including an overview and principal findings from the Equine Respiratory Biosurveillance Program.
Program Agenda:
- Equine Respiratory Biosurveillance Program
- Equine Influenza Data
- Equine Rhinitis B
- EHV 2 and EHV 5
- Exercise and nose wipe study
Learning Objectives:
- Review US seasonal respiratory disease patterns
- Examine Equine Rhinitis B’s role in horse respiratory illness
- Assess EHV 2 & 5 effects on equine respiratory disease
Sponsored by: Merck Animal Health
4:00 pm Equine Acute Abdomen: When referral is not an option
Philip van Harreveld, DVM, MS, DACVS
Overview of presentation and diagnosis of the equine acute abdomen (colic). In depth review of various treatment options and techniques for colic, especially when referral to a equine hospital is not an option.
Program Agenda:
- Colic numbers in the USA
- The problem of colic
- The opportunity of colic
- Examination of the acute abdomen
- Diagnostics
- Field blood work
- Imaging
- Procedures
- Treatment
- Pain management
- Various therapies
- Ancillary treatment techniques
- Management
- Preventative measures
Learning Objectives:
- How to work up a colic in the field to reach a working diagnosis
- Considerations for when a case should be referred to an equine hospital
- If referral is not an option, which treatment techniques can be instituted in the field to maximize
Sponsored by: Merck Animal Health
Small Animal Symposium - Oncology
8:00 am The Confident Clinician: Practical Approaches to Lymphoma in Everyday Practice
Pamela D. Jones, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
Lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs with various presentations. It is typically diagnosed when clinical signs appear, and diagnostic workups may include cytology, histopathology, and advanced imaging to assess the type and stage of the disease. Treatment decisions are based on diagnostic results and the pet owner’s goals. IDEXX Cancer Dx is a new tool that helps detect canine lymphoma using a simple blood sample. The session will highlight the innovation behind IDEXX Cancer Dx and how screening is reshaping early detection strategies in clinical practice.
- Describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic pathways for canine lymphoma, including the roles of cytology, histopathology, and staging tools such as imaging.
- Explain how IDEXX Cancer Dx works as a blood‑based diagnostic technology and how it supports earlier detection of lymphoma compared with traditional methods.
- Identify appropriate clinical scenarios for utilizing IDEXX Cancer Dx, including screening applications, diagnostic support, and integration with existing diagnostic workflows.
- Discuss how early detection strategies are reshaping lymphoma management, and how proactive screening can influence treatment planning, client communication, and overall patient care.
Sponsored by: IDEXX
9:00 am Demystifying Mast Cell Tumors: Confident, Practical Approach for Every Practitioner - Part I
Pamela D. Jones, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
This two-hour session will provide a comprehensive overview of mast cell biology and its clinical relevance in veterinary medicine. We will begin with the normal function of mast cells in health, setting the stage for understanding their role in disease. Attendees will then review the typical clinical presentation of patients with mast cell tumors, followed by a discussion of current diagnostic approaches used in practice. The program will also cover commonly employed staging tools to assess the extent of disease and conclude with a review of treatment options currently available. By the end of the session, participants will gain a practical framework for recognizing, diagnosing, and managing mast cell tumors in clinical settings.
- Describe the normal biology and physiological functions of mast cells to establish a foundation for understanding how dysregulation contributes to disease.
- Recognize the common clinical presentations of mast cell tumors in veterinary patients, including key physical exam findings and patterns of behavior in different anatomic locations.
- Explain current diagnostic methods used to evaluate mast cell tumors, including cytology, histopathology, grading systems, and routinely recommended staging tools.
- Evaluate available treatment options for mast cell tumors and integrate diagnostic results, disease stage, and patient‑specific factors into practical clinical decision‑making.
Sponsored by: IDEXX
11:00 am Demystifying Mast Cell Tumors: Confident, Practical Approach for Every Practitioner - Part II
Pamela D. Jones, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
This two-hour session will provide a comprehensive overview of mast cell biology and its clinical relevance in veterinary medicine. We will begin with the normal function of mast cells in health, setting the stage for understanding their role in disease. Attendees will then review the typical clinical presentation of patients with mast cell tumors, followed by a discussion of current diagnostic approaches used in practice. The program will also cover commonly employed staging tools to assess the extent of disease and conclude with a review of treatment options currently available. By the end of the session, participants will gain a practical framework for recognizing, diagnosing, and managing mast cell tumors in clinical settings.
- Describe the normal biology and physiological functions of mast cells to establish a foundation for understanding how dysregulation contributes to disease.
- Recognize the common clinical presentations of mast cell tumors in veterinary patients, including key physical exam findings and patterns of behavior in different anatomic locations.
- Explain current diagnostic methods used to evaluate mast cell tumors, including cytology, histopathology, grading systems, and routinely recommended staging tools.
- Evaluate available treatment options for mast cell tumors and integrate diagnostic results, disease stage, and patient‑specific factors into practical clinical decision‑making.
Sponsored by: IDEXX
1:00 pm Bridging Human and Veterinary Approaches to Cancer Screening
Pamela D. Jones, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
This session explores how cancer screening in veterinary medicine is rapidly evolving, drawing parallels to the progression of human oncology. In people, tools like mammography, colonoscopy, and liquid biopsy have shifted cancer detection from reactive diagnosis to proactive, population‑level screening. Veterinary medicine is beginning a similar transformation as emerging technologies—particularly liquid biopsy—enable earlier, less invasive identification of cancer in pets. These advances have the potential to move diagnosis upstream, identifying disease before clinical signs develop. Attendees will gain insight into how early detection strategies are being adopted, what lessons veterinary professionals can borrow from decades of human screening progress, and how proactive diagnostics can reshape the continuum of care for companion animals. The session also outlines current limitations, implementation considerations, and future directions for integrating screening into everyday practice.
- Describe how cancer screening has progressed in human medicine and identify key concepts—such as population‑level screening and early detection—that are beginning to inform veterinary approaches.
- Explain the principles and emerging role of liquid biopsy and other non‑invasive diagnostics in detecting cancer earlier in companion animals.
- Evaluate the potential clinical benefits and current limitations of incorporating screening strategies into routine veterinary practice, including workflow, patient selection, and interpretation considerations.
- Apply insights from human oncology and early detection models to develop practical, proactive screening strategies that can enhance the continuum of care and support earlier identification of disease in veterinary patients.
Sponsored by: IDEXX
2:00 pm Bringing Oncology Home: Chemotherapy Strategies for the General Practitioner
Pamela D. Jones, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
General practitioners play a critical role in supporting cancer patients, especially when referral to a specialty oncologist is not possible. This session provides a practical, safety‑focused overview of how to confidently manage oncology cases in general practice. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of chemotherapy, including how these drugs work, how to select appropriate patients, and how to monitor treatment response. The session emphasizes safe handling of hazardous drugs, essential PPE, spill management, and client education for at‑home oral chemotherapy. Commonly used oral chemotherapeutics—such as chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, lomustine, melphalan, and Palladia—are reviewed with dosing considerations and key toxicities. Participants will leave better prepared to communicate expectations, maintain safety for staff and clients, and deliver compassionate, quality‑of‑life–centered cancer care within their practice.
- Describe the fundamentals of veterinary chemotherapy, including mechanisms of action, patient selection criteria, and key factors that influence treatment planning in a general practice setting.
- Demonstrate safe handling and administration of hazardous chemotherapeutic drugs, including appropriate PPE, spill response, waste management, and essential safety protocols for staff, clients, and patients.
- Identify commonly used oral chemotherapeutics—such as chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, lomustine, melphalan, and Palladia—and explain their indications, dosing considerations, monitoring requirements, and expected toxicities.
- Apply effective client communication strategies to set expectations around treatment goals, quality‑of‑life considerations, at‑home medication administration, and when to seek veterinary support during chemotherapy.
Sponsored by: IDEXX
4:00 pm Cancer Conversations: Guiding Pet Owners with Clarity and Compassion
Pamela D. Jones, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
When a pet is diagnosed with cancer, owners often face uncertainty and overwhelming questions about treatment, quality of life, and long‑term expectations. This session provides veterinarians with practical, evidence‑based communication strategies to guide families through these discussions with clarity and confidence. Using clinical data and owner‑reported outcomes, the presenters highlight how most pets experience maintained or improved quality of life with appropriate cancer therapy, explain common misconceptions about chemotherapy and radiation, and outline recovery expectations for procedures such as limb amputation. Attendees will also learn how to prepare clients for specialty referral and build stronger partnerships with oncology teams. This session equips veterinary professionals to deliver compassionate, informed guidance at one of the most critical points in the client–patient journey.
- Understand essential elements of conversations surrounding a new cancer diagnosis in pets.
- Use supportive and accurate terminology when discussing oncology with pet owners.
- Set realistic expectations regarding diagnostics, therapeutic options, side effects, and quality-of-life outcomes.
- Strengthen collaboration between primary care veterinarians and oncology specialists for seamless referral experiences.
Sponsored by: IDEXX
Colorado Department of Agriculture - Animal Welfare
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Small Animal
8:00 am Anemia: A Reminder Primer
Craig Webb, PhD, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM and Tracy Webb, DVM, PhD, FNAP
This discussion will review the pathophysiology of anemia, coagulation, and transfusion medicine to provide the background needed to clinically approach diseases that manifest as anemia.
9:30 am Anemia: Canine Cases
Tracy Webb, DVM, PhD, FNAP
This is a case-based illustration of common presentations, key features, and the clinical course of both frequent and fascinating conditions that involve anemic dogs.
Sponsored by: Nutramax
10:30 am Anemia: Feline Cases
Craig Webb, PhD, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM
The same, but different…because once again, cats turn out to be much more than simply small dogs. This is a case-based illustration of common presentations, key features, and the clinical course of both frequent and fascinating conditions that involve anemic cats.
12:30 pm My Bowels are Bleeding! Management of the AHDS/HGE patient
Andrew Linklater, DVM, DACVECC
Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS), previously described as Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) can be a life-threatening problem in small animal patients. It may result in substantial fluids shifts, resulting in severe dehydration and even hypovolemia. In this hour long seminar, the presenter will use a case to discuss diagnostics, fluids resuscitation and supportive care for these patients. The use of antibiotics in this disease is debated and will be discussed along with nutritional management, and some more novel therapies including fecal catheters and fecal transplantation.
Learning Objectives
1. Recommended primary and ancillary diagnostics for patients with AHDS
2. Fluid resuscitation of patient in hypovolemic shock
3. Understanding the rational indications and use of antibiotics in patients with AHDS
4. Use of fecal catheters and FMT
Sponsored by: IDEXX
1:30 pm What's New in Pancreatitis
Andrew Linklater, DVM, DACVECC
There are many aspects to diagnosis and treatment of canine and feline pancreatitis in small animas which have yet to be fully elucidated.
The ideal diagnosis of pancreatitis is often quoted to involve histopathology of the pancreas, however in the majority of patients this is an involved, expensive and delayed diagnostic fraught with many potential complications. Subsequently non invasive diagnostics are most often based in physical exam, history and complementing diagnostics which may include blood tests (species-specific pancreatic lipase) and imaging (CT or ultrasound). The instructor will review some of the published information on these available diagnostics, focusing on common use, sensitivity and specificity.
Therapy largely remains based in supportive care (analgesia, fluids, management of GI symptoms) and removal of inciting causes if identified, while the disease is allowed to run its course. Recently, a resurgence of the previously avoided medications of steroids has gained some traction, however there is yet to be good, peer-reviewed data on the use of steroids in these patients. Acutely and severely affected patients, may develop critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency, however much debate remains about how to diagnose this problem in veterinary patients.
Recently, newly approved medication Panoquell (fuzapladib) has been approved for the use of acute canine pancreatitis, and although the company promotes its use, large-scale studies demonstrating objectively measured improvement are yet to be published. This drug, however does provide some excitement on improvement management of this disease.
Learning Objectives
- Understand a brief review of the pathophysiology and etiologies of pancreatitis
- Understand and describe various diagnostic tests available
- Review of standard care for acute pancreatitis, including nutrition
- Review of controversial therapies including antibiotics and plasma as well as novel therapies, including steroids, panoquell and STEM cell transplant.
Sponsored by: IDEXX
excitement on improvement management of this disease.
cell transplant.
2:30 pm Abdominal Diagnostics: When to Cut
Andrew Linklater, DVM, DACVECC
The acute abdomen is a common presentation in the veterinary emergency room. Many patients will present with abdominal pain, distention and GI signs including vomiting and diarrhea; severe cases may even have hypovolemic shock. Rapid intervention is often necessary before the definitive diagnosis is known, including antiemetics, analgesics and fluid resuscitation. Review of a complete history and physical exam of course is essential to help localize the disease and direct diagnostics.
The diagnostic approach often involves abdominal (or other) imaging, most often including radiography and ultrasound; each of these more available options have advantages and disadvantages of the acute abdomen, and this will be discussed. Although bloodwork findings may often be non-specific, some minor additional clinical pathology tests can often help make the determination if surgery is necessary.
Timely recognition (by use of physical exam, history, imaging and some very selected clinical pathologist tests) and appropriate intervention are absolutely necessary to help identify those patients which may require surgery on a more urgent basis to minimize complications and optimize outcome. Surgery is often indicated when medical management fail to resolve the symptoms, key findings in the above testing/monitoring arefound and/or the patient cannot be stabilized otherwise.
Sponsored by: IDEXX
Equine
8:00 am FLASH Ultrasound: Enhancing Diagnostic Capability in the Field
Lindsay Deacon, DVM
Session description coming soon!
9:30 am Heart Sounds to Clinical Decisions: A Practical Guide to the Equine Cardiac Examination
Lindsay Deacon, DVM
Session description coming soon!
10:30 am Imaging the Equine Heart: A Foundational Approach to Echocardiography
Lindsay Deacon, DVM
Session description coming soon!
12:30 pm Equine Reproduction
Jenn Hatzel, DVM, MS, DACT
Session description coming soon!
1:30 pm Equine Reproduction
Jenn Hatzel, DVM, MS, DACT
Session description coming soon!
2:30 pm Equine Reproduction
Jenn Hatzel, DVM, MS, DACT
Session description coming soon!
Mixed Animal
8:00 am Updates Bovine Lameness
Meredyth Jones, DVM, MS, DACVIM
In this session, we will dive into principles of management of bovine foot disease. You’ll get all my tips from visual to more invasive assessment of lame feet as well as interpretation of radiographs and joint taps. I cover medical management principles including systemic and regional antibiotic use – including some of my own research data, pain management, and overviews of paring out a foot, corn removal, claw amputation and facilitated ankylosis.
Attendees will be able to:
1. Recognize common diseases of the foot
2. Make decisions regarding antimicrobial and analgesic therapy for lameness
3. Select and perform surgical corrections for corns, septic arthritis, etc.
9:30 am Bovine Foot Surgeries
Meredyth Jones, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Claw amputation, corn removal and facilitated ankylosis are all procedures that every food animal should should have in their pocket. In this session I will walk you through video of every step in the process from evaluating the lameness to procedural anesthesia to the surgery and aftercare.
Attendees will be able to:
1. Perform a corn removal on a bovine
2. Perform a claw amputation on a bovine
3. Perform a facilitated ankylosis on a bovine
10:30 am Field Surgeries You Should Know: Small Ruminants
Meredyth Jones, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Umbilical hernia repair, third eyelid flap and rumenostomy are all handy procedures for food animal practice. In this session I will walk you through photos and video of every step for those procedures from procedural anesthesia to the surgery and aftercare.
Attendees will be able to:
1. Manage omphalitis ahead of surgical intervention
2. Correct uncomplicated and complicated umbilical hernias
3. Perform third eyelid flap and rumenostomy in cattle
12:30 pm Small Ruminant Urolithiasis
Meredyth Jones, DVM, MS, DACVIM
The fact that they are so hard to treat, coupled with the fact that they only seem to present at 4:30pm on a Friday, make the urolith-blocked sheep or goat very frustrating. This session will outline a diagnostic approach that gets to prognosis and treatment options quickly while making the best use of owner finances. Surgical and nonsurgical treatment options will also be reviewed, along with short and long term expectations.
Attendees will be able to:
1. Recognize a clinical history consistent with urolithiasis
2. Outline a diagnostic approach to efficiently arrive at a diagnosis and prognosis
3. Develop a treatment plan based on owner finances, stone type and extent of disease
1:30 pm Care of Geriatric Livestock
Meredyth Jones, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Ready to level up your approach to treating older livestock? In this session, I’ll discuss common conditions we see in older cattle, small ruminants, camelids and swine, including dental, musculoskeletal, nutritional and neoplastic diseases. I’ll share my approaches to health monitoring and maintenance care, with an emphasis on multimodal pain management. We will also discuss end of life decisions and client
care. You’ll walk away with the confidence to provide incredible care to this special population.
Attendees will be able to:
1. Identify common conditions of geriatric livestock
2. Understand the safety and efficacy of medications used to mitigate the effects of aging on livestock
3. Develop maintenance plans for geriatric livestock that adequately control pain, etc., while minimizing effects of long term use
2:30 pm Medical Decision Making and Bias
Meredyth Jones, DVM, MS, DACVIM
The good news: in ruminants, we get diagnoses right greater than 80% of the time. How can we get even better and what factors play a role in our decision-making ability at any given moment? In addition to the direct negative effects of medical errors, the anticipation or reflection on errors can be detrimental to our mental and physical health. Using real-life cases, I will discuss biases, decision fatigue, affect regulation,
and other internal and external factors that impact all of us each day. Most importantly, I will present practical techniques and interventions that we can implement to optimize our diagnostic effectiveness and our own comfort and enjoyment in practice.
Attendees will be able to:
1. Recognize common causes of bias in medicine
2. Evaluate case scenarios where bias easily enters
3. Understand techniques to recognize and reverse bias in medicine
Integrative Medicine
8:00 am Thoughtful Approaches to Geriatric Care- Applicable Techniques for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Jessica Rychel (DVM DACVSMR) Jeret Benson (DVM CHPV)
Elderly patients can be incredibly rewarding to treat, yet at times clinicians can be left feeling like they’re running out of tools. In this discussion we’ll explore the use of simple physical medicine and rehabilitation techniques that can be easily executed to enhance the treatment of osteoarthritis, neurologic degeneration, oncologic care and complex concurrent diseases in aging patients.
9:30 am Hospice Care for a More Satisfying Experience
Jessica Rychel (DVM DACVSMR) JeretBenson (DVM CHPV)
Hospice care, and its close cousin palliative care, are important aspects of our work as veterinarians. Rethinking the medical and supportive care options we have around end-of-life care, while reframing the connection that is created between pet, pet-owner and veterinary professional lead to more satisfaction for the entire team. We will explore the ways in which we can support mobility, comfort, appetite and interactivity, while addressing the client’s experience in thinking about quality of life and euthanasia.
10:30 am Cool Infusions to Further Your Medicine
– Jessica Rychel (DVM DACVSMR), Meaghan Monahan (RVT)
Strategic infusion therapies can significantly improve patient health, disease recovery and pain control – without requiring advanced equipment or specialty referral settings. This session will focus on practical, high-impact infusion protocols that are feasible in general practice and supported by physiologic and evidence-based rationale. Emphasis will be placed on efficient setup, dosing considerations, patient selection, workflow integration, and tips to simplify implementation. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to confidently incorporate targeted infusion therapies into everyday practice and enhance outcomes in complex or chronic cases.
12:30 pm Intra-articular Therapies - What's In and What's Out
Jessica Rychel (DVM DACVSMR),
Meaghan Monahan (RVT)
The intra-articular therapy landscape has expanded rapidly, with corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell preparations, and various injectable hydrogels now widely available. With more options comes greater complexity in deciding what to recommend, what to invest in, and how to apply each therapy appropriately. This session will provide a practical, physiology-driven framework to help clinicians navigate product selection and case decision-making. Thinking outside the box to directly address pain and joint pathology lends itself nicely to a complementary medicine approach, achieving the most successful outcome for each individual patient.
1:30 pm Therapeutic Exercise and Massage - A Whole Clinic Approach
Jessica Rychel (DVM, DACVSMR), Teri Willard (RVT)
Implementing basic rehabilitation techniques such as therapeutic exercise and massage can be challenging in the general practice setting, yet it can add so much to patient care and the client experience. With a team approach to care, small animal patients can have it all. We will discuss the perks of a shared approach to an efficient myofascial exam, how to implement therapeutic exercise is a way that enhances patient mobility and a guide to in-clinic and at-home massage that works for clients and the practice. This session will keep an eye towards the technician’s role in helping this process flow smoothly and setting clients up for success with a home exercise program.
2:30 Updates in Pain Management - Novel Tips and Tricks
Jessica Rychel (DVM DACVSMR)
Pain management is a challenging part of our everyday practice in veterinary medicine, yet the landscape is always changing, and the complexity of chronic pain in animals can be a moving target. In this lecture we’ll discuss the pros and cons of our current options for pain
management, along with common misconceptions. We’ll also discuss a number of novel treatment strategies that can be used for chronic pain, nerve pain, inflammatory pain and more.
State Required-CE
8:00 am Substance Use Prevention Training
9:30 am Delegation CE
10:30 am Delegation CE
12:30 pm Jurisprudence 1047 CE
1:30 pm Jurisprudence 1048 CE
2:30 pm Substance Use Prevention Training
Small Animal
8:00 am Renal Disease in Small Animals
Kelly McCord, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Session description coming soon!
9:00 am Chronic Enteropathies in Small Animals
Kelly McCord, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Session description coming soon!
10:00 am Brachycephalic Obstruction Airway Syndrome
Eric Monnet, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DECVS, FAHA
Identify the key components of brachycephalic airway syndrome and apply appropriate diagnostic and surgical approaches to improve airway function and clinical outcomes in affected patients.
11:00 am Principles of Open Wound Management Contact Layers
Eric Monnet, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DECVS, FAHA
Apply the principles of wound healing and bandage selection to effectively manage open wounds and determine appropriate timing for closure or second-intention healing.
Veterinary Leadership
Presented by ASCEND: Veterinary Leadership Summit
8:00 am From Surviving to Thriving: Unlocking the Power of Self-Leadership Amidst Chaos
Shelley Johnson, CVPM, MSSL
In a world where veterinary medicine feels like a relentless storm, escalating workloads, emotional exhaustion, and unrelenting client demands, are you simply treading water, or are you ready to take the helm? This session confronts the harsh realities of today’s veterinary landscape, compelling you to face not just your external challenges, but also the internal barriers standing in your way.
Self-Leadership doesn’t just mean looking inward; it’s about igniting a fire within to transform adversity into actionable insight. Together, we’ll dissect what it really means to lead yourself in turbulent times, identifying the courage to reflect, the boldness to act, and the clarity to chart your own course. Prepare for an eye-opening experience that connects the dots between your personal evolution and the dynamic demands of the profession. This isn’t just a call to self-awareness, it’s a rallying cry for systemic change. Are you ready to strip away build self-assurance and emerge as the leader you practice needs in this ever-shifting landscape? Join in and discover your untapped potential for growth, resilience, and impactful leadership.
Learning Objectives
1. Confront the current challenges in the veterinary field: Analyze the pressing challenges veterinarians, and practices, face today and
their profound implications for effective leadership, are you merely surviving, or can you thrive?
2. Empower yourself through Self-leadership: Explore the concept of Self-leadership and its critical importance in catalyzing both personal
resilience and professional growth, dare to ignite the leader within you!
3. Engage in a transformative Self-Assessment: Participate in an introspective self-assessment activity designed to uncover your unique
leadership strengths and identify areas ripe for bold improvement, your personal evolution starts here!
4. Craft a visionary Action Plan for Self-Leadership: Collaboratively design a personalized, actionable roadmap aimed at enhancing your Self-Leadership capabilities, equipping you to navigate the
complexities of the veterinary practice life with confidence and
purpose.
9:00 am Elevating Compassionate Leadership through Emotional Intelligence
Attendees will discover the vital role of EI in forging meaningful relationships with team members and clients, ultimately fostering a culture of compassion and support. We will delve into the pressing need for EI to combat burnout,
enhance communication, and navigate the complexities of veterinary practice. Practical strategies will be shared to seamlessly incorporate EI into daily operations, empowering veterinarians and leaders to thrive in their careers and significantly impact the wellbeing of their teams and clients.
Learning Objectives
1. Define Emotional Intelligence and emphasize its critical importance in the context of veterinary leadership and self-leadership in today’s
challenging climate.
2. Explore Daniel Goleman’s EI model alongside insights from contemporary practitioners to identify its practical applications within the veterinary practice.
3. Identify common emotional triggers and develop effective strategies for emotional regulation to combat stress and improve personal and
professional interactions.
4. Create actionable plans to cultivate a workplace culture of Emotional Intelligence, encouraging compassionate leadership and enhancing
team dynamics in veterinary settings.
10:00 am Self-Health Factors: Building Resilience in a Challenging Environment
Shelley Johnson, CVPM, MSSL
In the fast-paced world of veterinary practice and leadership, it’s the simple, everyday choices that often have the most profound impact on our well-being and resilience. This engaging session invites you to explore how your well-being shapes not only your personal health but also the dynamics of your practice and team. Together, we will uncover key Self-Health Factors, such as physical fitness, mental wellness, sleep hygiene, and the establishment of healthy boundaries. Far from being mere theoretical concepts, these elements serve as foundational tools for thriving in the face of challenges. Attendees will leave with practical, actionable strategies that have the potential to transform health goals into genuine benefits, inspiring a renewed commitment to personal and professional growth. Join in as we embark on a journey to harness the power of simple practices that cultivate resilience and foster a vibrant workplace culture.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the profound influence of physical and mental health on your effectiveness as a leader and the overall morale of your team.
2. Identify and implement practical strategies to enhance physical health, including effective sleep practices, nutritional choices, and proper
hydration.
3. Explore accessible mental health practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, that can be easily integrated into busy schedules.
4. Craft a personalized Self-Health action plan that seamlessly incorporates these strategies into your daily routine, paving the way
for lasting change and resilience.
11:00 am Responding to Stress: Tools for Coping and Leading Effectively
Shelley Johnson, CVPM, MSSL
In this final session, we will confront the ongoing realities of stress, tension, and conflict that veterinary professionals encounter daily. Drawing from Dr. Brene Brown’s research on vulnerability, shame, and the concept of “unknowing,” attendees will gain insights into fostering a resilient mindset by distinguishing between reactive and responsive approaches to stress. We’ll explore how embracing vulnerability can enhance leadership, how developing shame resilience can empower effective communication, and how acknowledging moments of unknowing can pave the way for growth and innovation. Through practical tools and self-reflective exercises, you will uncover personal barriers and learn to transform vulnerabilities into strengths that benefit both you and your team, fostering a culture of openness and trust.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify key stressors and analyze their impact on leadership effectiveness in both personal and professional contexts.
2. Differentiate between responsive and reactive approaches to challenges, understanding the implications for stress management.
3. Explore Dr. Brene Brown’s concepts of vulnerability and shame, normalizing feelings of uncertainty and fear among leaders while recognizing their role in effective leadership.
4. Discuss the concept of “unknowing,” and how embracing uncertainty can enhance professional growth, foster collaboration, and drive innovation within teams.