Dr. Melinda McCall
8:15am | "Approaching Veterinary Medicine with Grace, Grit & Humor to Better Serve your Clients & Patients"
Join Dr. Melinda McCall for our keynote presentation as she discusses practical examples and strategies on how changing your outlook and communication about a case can increase patient safety, client compliance, and strengthen the veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

Kelli Moss, Executive Director
9:30am | "Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine: Updates"
Join Ms. Moss as she shares information and updates from the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Health Professions.

Dr. Jessica Barker
10:40am | "Neuro Cats"
Cats can be a challenge to examine and diagnose. We'll review tips and tricks for completing a cat neuro exam safely without stressing you or your feline patient. We'll then discuss top feline neurological diseases, how they are diagnosed and treatment options available so you can feel more confident working with our feline friends.

Dr. Jessica Barker
11:40am | "Dizzy Dogs: Vestibular Canines in Practice"
When dogs get vertigo, everything goes sideways. Distinguishing between peripheral and central vestibular disease is the first step. Then we can contemplate whether these patients need further workup and intervention or just a ton of supportive care and time. This talk will go thru these steps one at a time to make sure we provide balanced care to our off kilter patients.

Dr. Jessica Barker
1:50pm | "Is it a Seizure?"
Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your patient is experiencing a true seizure or another cardiac, behavioral or neurologic event. How we differentiate between seizures and other events, how treatment differs and how we can help pets and owners during these challenging episodes will be the focus of this talk.

Dr. Emily Suess-Radford
Sponsored by CVCA - Cardiac Care for Pets
2:50pm | "Congestive Heart Failure in the ER/GP Setting"
A practical approach to diagnosing and treating heart failure in the primary care/ER setting (regardless of underlying cause). Will also delineate between primary airway disease and discuss empiric therapies for the coughing patient.

Dr. Emily Suess-Radford
Sponsored by CVCA - Cardiac Care for Pets
4:10pm | "Minding Your P's and Q's: Understanding ECGs"
A brief review of basic ECG principles, followed by tips to diagnose and manage common arrhythmias seen in clinical practice.

Dr. Justin Ganjei
9:30am | "Interventional Oncology: Inoperable but not Untreatable"
This lecture will highlight minimally invasive options such as tumor stenting, transarterial embolization, and ablation therapies, focusing on their applications, benefits, and outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into how these advanced approaches can enhance patient care, improve quality of life, and extend survival in cases where conventional surgery is not an option. Perfect for veterinarians seeking innovative solutions to challenging oncologic cases.

Dr. Justin Ganjei
10:40am | "Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgical Options: Why Isn’t This the Gold Standard Already?"
This lecture will delve into the latest laparoscopic and interventional procedures, exploring their benefits over traditional surgery, including reduced pain, quicker recovery, and improved outcomes. Through case examples and discussion of current barriers to widespread adoption, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of why these approaches should be the gold standard in modern veterinary practice. Ideal for veterinarians striving to stay at the forefront of surgical innovation.

Dr. Justin Ganjei
11:40am | "Interventional Management of Intrahepatic Shunts: Percutaneous Transjugular Coil Embolization (PTCE)"
Explore the cutting-edge approach of percutaneous transjugular coil embolization (PTCE) for managing intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in veterinary patients. This lecture will cover the principles, techniques, and outcomes of this interventional procedure, highlighting its advantages over traditional surgical methods. Attendees will gain practical insights into patient selection, procedural planning, and post-procedural care, equipping them with the knowledge to educate clients that there is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for patients with this condition.

Dr. Matthew Brunke
1:50pm | "Not Just Old Dogs: Changing Mindset on Osteoarthritis"
This presentation will review the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs and in cats. It will review commonly found conditions and causes of OA, and how to find them on physical exam in a general practitioner setting.

Dr. Matthew Brunke
2:50pm | "IntraArticular Options for OA Management in Dogs: 2025 Edition"
This presentation will review how to do joint injections in a general practitioner setting, and review the evidence based medicine for the different injectates available. It will also provide information on how to start doing these procedures in your practice.

Dr. Matthew Brunke
Sponsored by Vetoquinol
4:10pm | "Nutraceuticals for Joint Health: 2025 Edition"
This presentation will review the current evidence for the commonly used nutraceuticals for the management of osteoarthritis in a small animal practice. It will also review how to incorporate them into your practice.

Dr. Amy Polkes
9:30am | "Cardiac Murmurs and Arrhythmias: When are They Significant"
This presentation will review the common murmurs and arrhythmias in equine practice and when to refer for further evaluation.

Dr. Amy Polkes
10:30am | "Equine Cardiac Cases"
Session description coming soon!

Dr. Amy Polkes
12:45pm | "Equine Asthma: Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies"
Session description coming soon!

Dr. Sarah Colmer
1:45pm | "Why the Long Face? A Refresher on the Equine Neurologic Exam"
This discussion will summarize the neurological evaluation with video examples, highlighting some of the more common abnormal presentations and differential diagnoses based on various neurolocalizations.

Dr. Sarah Colmer
3:00pm | "A Pain in the Neck: Equine Neck Abnormalities"
This discussion will review some of the most common pathological conditions of the equine cervical vertebral column, their associated imaging findings, available interventions and prognoses.

Dr. Sarah Colmer
4:10pm | "Protozoal Perils: EPM Overview and Updates"
This discussion will encompass an overview of EPM, its clinical presentations, testing methodologies, treatments and recent literature updates.

Dr. Carolynn Bissett
Joint Presentation for Food Animal & Public Practice
9:30am | "The Evolution of HPAI in Poultry and Cattle"
Session description coming soon!

Dr. Stephen Goldsmith
Joint Presentation for Food Animal & Public Practice
10:30am | "Threats to Agricultural Security - Agroterrorism, Biological Warfare, Espionage, and Agrocrimes"
Session description coming soon!

News Hour Panel
Joint Presentation for Food Animal & Public Practice
12:45pm | with Dr. Karen Becker, Dr. Charlie Broaddus, Dr. Laura Hungerford, Kelli Moss, Dr. Julia Murphy & Dr. John Tracey
This panel will include updates from the following agencies: United States Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Department of Health, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Dr. John Currin
Sponsored by Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
1:45pm | "Theileria and Anaplasmosis Testing and Clinical Relevance"
The test results are back and the cow is positive, now what? This talk will focus on typical clinical presentations of these two diseases and interpretation of test results.

Dr. John Currin
Sponsored by Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
3:00pm | "BLV in Beef Herds"
Confused about the prevalence, clinical importance, and testing for leukosis in beef herds? This talk will focus on answering these questions for food animal veterinarian.

Dr. John Currin
Sponsored by Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
4:10pm | "Application of Evidence Based Medicine on Commonly Used Products"
Have you been asked questions about Ferapease®, Multimin®, Lidobands®, various mineral supplements, and other products? This talk will take an evidence-based approach to evaluating the use of these products in your producer’s operations.

Dr. Ralph Harvey
Sponsored by Zoetis
8:00am | "Everyone Benefits from Reducing Fear, Anxiety, Aggression, and Stress in Perioperative Care"
Practical strategies move our practices and profession toward a more fear-free and stress-free experience. The benefits go far beyond the individual patient, bringing value and quality to our lives.

Dr. Ralph Harvey
Sponsored by Zoetis
9:15am | "Compassionate Education and Partnership with Our Clients: Essential in Pain Management"
We cannot succeed if we face significant challenges alone: veterinarians and staff bond with clients as partners in recognizing, assessing, and managing animal pain. Compassionate education plays a vital role in partnering with our clients. We have many new resources to apply and share to help us build client engagement in pain management.

Dr. Ralph Harvey
Sponsored by Zoetis
10:10am | "OA Pain in Cats: Ubiquitous, Underdiagnosed, and Undertreated—How We Can Help"
Feline OA is ubiquitous, especially as cats age. We have successfully managed canine OA pain for decades with improved health and life span, but therapy for OA pain in cats is challenging. There are options available now, and an excellent new treatment will soon be available.

Dr. Ralph Harvey
Sponsored by Zoetis
11:20am | "OA Pain in Dogs: Relieve the Pain—Restore the Bond"
With nearly 40% of dogs suffering from OA pain, developing an efficient and effective pain management program may seem difficult. However, we will discuss a canine OA pain management plans that include the entire veterinary healthcare team and allows us to diagnose sooner and monitor on a long-term basis. Treatment options including safe and effective anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies will be discussed.

Dr. Julie Cecere
Sponsored by Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
1:20pm | "Not Mini Me's: How to Handle Neonatal Emergencies"
Neonates are not small adults and require specific handling, reference ranges, and their own set of normal parameters. This lecture will highlight these differences and attention to emergency triage and post c-section recovery will be emphasized.

Dr. Julie Cecere
Sponsored by Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
2:20pm | "Bleeding, Broken and Stuck: Common Reproductive Emergencies"
No one ever got excited about anything related to an abnormal reproductive tract! This lecture will be a basket full of reproductive emergencies, diagnosis and treatment for general practice. Specifics of each condition, practical diagnosis and treatment will be covered. 

Dr. Ian Herring
Sponsored by Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
3:20pm | "Vision Loss in Dogs and Cats: Diagnostic Considerations"
With simple tools, adept observation and a clear understanding of a few key points, arriving at the etiology of vision loss should be within grasp. In this session I will outline the principles and thought process I use to quickly arrive at a diagnosis or at least substantially narrow down the rule outs.

Dr. Ian Herring
Sponsored by Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
4:10pm | "Do This, Don't Do That: Avoiding Common Errors When Managing Eye Disease"
This session will outline a do no harm approach to managing common small animal ocular conditions by avoiding some of the most common mistakes I have seen over the years. Specific conditions discussed will include corneal ulcers, glaucoma and cataract.

Dr. Bill Saxon
Sponsored by IDEXX
8:00am | "Out of breath: How to manage cats in respiratory distress"
Practical approach to initial assessment and stabilization of feline patients that present with respiratory distress. Topics will include localizing the problem, differentiating between cardiac and pulmonary disease, initial treatment and monitoring, as well as long term management.

Dr. Bill Saxon
Sponsored by IDEXX
9:15am | "Tips for Managing Emergency Patients: The Golden Hour"
This talk will provide practitioners with a stepwise approach to the initial assessment and treatment of emergency patients covering the most important diagnostic testing and treatment to perform in the critical first hour.

Dr. Bill Saxon
Sponsored by IDEXX
10:10am | "Diagnosing and Treating the Pale Pet"
This talk will focus on dogs and cats that present with pale mucous membranes. A practical approach to determining the underlying cause and providing appropriate emergency therapy will be provided. Topics will include shock, anemia, and bleeding disorders.

Dr. David Twedt
Sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc.
11:20am | "Liver Made Easy: A Diagnostic Approach to Abnormal Liver Enzymes"
Laboratory interpretation and a basic approach of how to work up the case with abnormal liver enzymes will be presented. When is a liver biopsy indicated, how to interpret the results, what cases require further diagnostics will all be covered.

Dr. David Twedt
Sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc.
1:20pm | "Chronic Hepatitis in the Dog: More Common Than You May Think"
The diagnosis and etiologies of hepatitis will be discussed with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment. Copper associated chronic hepatitis and idiopathic (immune) hepatitis are the two most common types and require specific therapies. Dietary, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and liver supportive care are the key case to management.

Dr. David Twedt
Sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc.
2:20pm | "Four Common Liver Conditions You Likely Did Not Learn About in School"
A brief review of some “newer” liver problems including gallbladder mucocele, portal vein hypoplasia (microvascular dysplasia), ductal plate abnormalities and idiopathic glycogen (vacuolar) hepatopathy.

Dr. David Twedt
Sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc.
3:20pm | "Acute Pancreatitis in the Dog"
An overview of current thoughts on the diagnosis and therapy of acute pancreatitis in the dog. The role of risk factors, new pancreatitis tests, pain management, antiemetics and nutrition will be presented. Management strategies following recovery will be discussed

Dr. David Twedt
Sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc.
4:10pm | "Those Troublesome Chronic Diarrhea Cases"
Chronic diarrhea work-up requires a directed systematic approach beginning with simple things and then advancing to more involved diagnostics. From the common conditions to complex intestinal disease will be presented. Many therapies do not require an intestinal biopsy but rather management with logical therapeutic trials.

Dr. Alexandra Kintz-Konegger
Sponsored by Chi University
11:40am | "Five Elements and Clinical Applications"
Introduction to one of the essential diagnostic approaches in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine using circular thinking and acknowledging the influence of the patient’s constitution and environment on disease processes.

Dr. Alexandra Kintz-Konegger
Sponsored by Chi University
1:50pm | "Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis and Pain Management"
The most common conditions TCVM practitioners are asked to address include osteoarthritis and pain management. This lecture provides a summary and anatomical description of common acupuncture points used to help these patients.

Dr. Alexandra Kintz-Konegger
Sponsored by Chi University
2:50pm | "Top 10 Herbal Medicines in Small Animal Practice"
Introduction and ingredient analysis of the most common herbal formulas suitable for small animal general practice.

Dr. Alexandra Kintz-Konegger
Sponsored by Chi University
4:10pm | "How to Get Your Acupuncture Practice Started"
Review of “cook book” acupuncture points for common conditions and guidelines on how to integrate acupuncture in your busy practice.

Dr. Greg Schmid
Sponsored by Dechra Veterinary Products
8:00am | "An Update on The Use of Bisphosphonates in Horses"
After nearly a decade since the FDA approval of non-nitrogenous bisphosphonates for use in horses, this presentation aims to provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge and introduce newly available scientific data and research. Attendees will explore topics such as clinical efficacy, pharmacokinetics, equine safety studies, and the recently discovered effects of bisphosphonates in non-bone cells, culminating in an overview of relevant clinical trials. With bisphosphonates being a unique drug class that continues to yield new discoveries in both human and veterinary medicine, this presentation offers practical insights that can be directly applied in the clinical setting when considering their use in equine patients.

Dr. Greg Schmid
Sponsored by Dechra Veterinary Products
9:15am | "Equine Regenerative Therapy - Autologous Blood Products"
This presentation explores the expanding role of regenerative medicine in equine practice, focusing specifically on autologous blood products. Attendees will gain an understanding of the principles and treatment objectives behind regenerative therapies, as well as learn about the biochemical components and processing methods of commonly used autologous blood products. Additionally, the presentation will highlight current research and clinical applications, emphasizing both the potential benefits and limitations of these therapies in equine medicine.

Dr. Keith Brady
10:10am | "The Equine Pre-Purchase Exam"
The equine pre-purchase examination is the first step in helping your clients meet their equestrian goals. Often, the problems riders experience with their mounts could have been prevented with a thorough vetting. Dr. Brady will utilize his 3 decades of experience to a discussion of all aspects of the equine pre-purchase examination including medical, legal and business aspect of the examination. The goal is to improve the accuracy of the evaluation, improve the client experience, and move towards greater consistency amongst veterinarians.

Dr. Keith Brady
11:20am | "Imaging and the Equine Pre-Purchase Exam"
Pre-purchase examinations often include the use of radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopy. The relevance of the findings is often debated. This session will review some of the most common radiographic findings and their relative significance. We will discuss when ultrasound and endoscopic evaluations are indicated. Images will be presented, and the significance of the findings will be discussed.

Dr. Alyson Booth
1:20pm | "Casting Tips & Tricks in the Field"
Session description coming soon!

Dr. Alyson Booth
2:20pm | "Topical Wound Treatments"
Session description coming soon!

Dr. Allison Fuchs
Sponsored by Virginia Veterinary Centers
3:20pm | "Equine Ophthalmology: A Clinical Approach to the Cloudy Eye"
This presentation will review some of the causes of the nebulous "cloudy eye" complaint in equine patients. We will review some basic exam techniques, diagnostics, and how to differentiate conditions as well as basics of treatment.

Dr. Allison Fuchs
Sponsored by Virginia Veterinary Centers
4:10pm | "Equine Ophthalmology: Equine Recurrent Uveitis"
This presentation will review the clinical signs, pathogenesis, and causes of ERU. We will also discuss steps to help control and treat flare-ups, as well as some of the recent research on treatment.