Clinical Bites

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: December 18, 2024

*Virtual meeting via Teams is available

SESSION SYNOPSIS:

In the Clinical Bites session, we will review updates on the consensus for management of common immune mediated diseases, such as IMHA, ITP, and IMPA. This will include recommendations on the diagnosis, staging, screening for secondary causes, and long-term monitoring and management of these cases

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Saturday January 18, 2025

Date: Saturday January 18, 2025
Time: Snacks & Cocktails 2:00 PM | Presentation 2:30 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre
RSVP: January 17, 2025

SESSION SYNOPSIS:

This talk will review the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation based on the recently released RECOVER 2024 update. We will discuss Basic Life Support guidelines, Advanced Life support guidelines, go over medications recommended in CPR, fluid therapy recommendations, and give a brief demonstration using the CPR mannequins.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.5 hour ABVMA CE credits

Monday, November 25, 2024

Date: Monday, November 25, 2024
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: November 24, 2024

*Virtual meeting via Teams is available

SESSION SYNOPSIS:

This talk will focus on the use of Point-of-care-ultrasound (POCUS) in the diagnosis and management of cardiac cases and emergencies. We will discuss how to utilize POCUS to evaluate for the presence of heart disease and congestive heart failure. This includes evaluating for B lines, pleural effusion, left atrial:aortic ratio, and obtaining a subjective impression of contractility.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: August 19, 2024
*Virtual meeting via Teams is available

SESSION SYNOPSIS:

This presentation will focus on the different causes of respiratory distress in small animal patients. It reviews clinical exam findings and localization, common causes, along with recommendations for initial stabilization. The aim is to enhance existing knowledge and confidence in the management of this common emergency presentation.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: June 10, 2024
*Virtual meeting via Teams is available

SESSION SYNOPSIS:

This presentation centers on the critical issue of canine heat stroke. It explores its causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment, providing insights to recognize and address this life-threatening condition effectively. The aim is to enhance existing knowledge and skills to diagnose and manage heat stroke in dogs. 

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Date: Thursday, May 30, 2024
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: May 28, 2024
*Virtual meeting via Teams is available

SESSION SYNOPSIS:

This presentation provides an exploration of the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias in dogs and cats. We'll examine the classification of arrhythmias, including bradyarrhythmias, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, with a focus on their clinical significance and potential complications. We'll then delve into electrocardiography (ECG) interpretation in identifying arrhythmic patterns and guiding further evaluation. Treatment strategies focusing on emergency antiarrhythmic medications will be discussed alongside considerations for managing underlying cardiac conditions and addressing emergent situations.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: February 26, 2024
*In-person attendance only

SESSION SYNOPSIS:

Cancer is unfortunately the leading cause of death in adult dogs and cats. Traditional therapies for cancer have primarily consisted of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Although these are still vitally important components of cancer therapy, new innovations have focused on early detection, precision medicine (more targeted to the individuals cancer genetics), AI, and immunotherapy (harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer). This presentation will focus on the latest and greatest advancements in veterinary oncology including blood tests for the early detection of cancer, stelfonta intratumoral injections for mast cell tumors, targeted therapies, and the new Hills Oncology Diet.  

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Monday, January 22, 2024

Date: Monday, January 22, 2024
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: January 19, 2024

SESSION SYNOPSIS:

This talk will focus on veterinary toxicology and specifically the use of antidotes in veterinary medicine. We will discuss common indications for antidotes, dosing regimens, potential complications, and when to consider advanced procedures such as therapeutic plasma exchange. 

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: December 18, 2023

SESSION SYNOPSIS:

With the assistance of PO Brad Nichols and A/Sgt Dennis Smithson, Dr. Margaret Doyle BSc MVB MSc MRCVS will discuss the link between animal and human abuse. Those who abuse animals are likely to abuse people as well. As we are on the front lines we need to be able to recognize potential animal abuse cases and know when to report them. In this talk, some correlations between human abuse and animal abuse will be discussed, as well as what red flags to watch out for in potential animal abuse cases.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: November 27, 2023
*Remote attendance available

Clinical Reasoning in Veterinary Medicine
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd"; Voltaire. Clinical reasoning is a core competency for ensuring patient safety and quality of patient care. It is a skill, process or outcome wherein veterinarians observe, collect and interpret data to diagnose, prognosticate and treat patients. Human and veterinary medical research demonstrates that 15% of clinical cases culminate in misdiagnosis. Cognitive failures (flawed thought processes) are a significant contributor to these levels. This talk will define what a "diagnosis" is and discuss how we reach one. Is pattern recognition the enemy? Does problem based clinical reasoning enhance diagnostic accuracy? Can clinical reasoning error be reduced?

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: October 23, 2023

The Human-Animal Abuse Link
Dr. Margaret Doyle BSc MVB MSc MRCVS, with the assistance of PO Brad Nichols and A/Sgt Dennis Smithson will discuss the link between animal and human abuse. Those who abuse animals are likely to abuse people as well. As we are on the front lines we need to be able to recognize potential animal abuse cases and know when to report them. This talk will highlight some of the correlations between human abuse and animal abuse, and what red flags to watch out for when dealing with potential animal abuse cases.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: September 19, 2023
*Remote attendance available

SESSION DETAILS:
Canine Urothelial Carcinoma

SYNOPSIS:
The evening will include a review of symptoms, risk factors, tumour behaviour, diagnostic testing, treatment options and prognosis.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

June 27, 2023

Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre*
RSVP: June 25, 2023

SESSION DETAILS:
Dermatology Diagnostic Techniques

SYNOPSIS:
This lecture will be an in-depth discussion of different diagnostic methods in veterinary dermatology with an emphasis on cytology. Focus will be on performing the techniques and interpreting results. The presentation will use a combination of videos and images as well as clinical examples.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

May 30, 2023

Date: Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre (virtual options available)

SESSION DETAILS:
Canine Urolithiasis 

SYNOPSIS:
In this talk, we will review current recommendations for the management of canine urolithiasis. This will include the diagnostic evaluation of patients presenting with urolithiasis, selecting the appropriate dietary, medical, and procedural management, and using these tools for prevention and early intervention.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

April 27, 2023

Date: Thursday, April 27, 2023
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre (virtual options available)

SESSION DETAILS:
Transfusions in Veterinary Medicine 

SYNOPSIS:
This session will focus on presenting information on transfusion medicine. Dr. Lange will discuss the guidelines put forth in the recent consensus statement regarding timing, product use, and indications for blood transfusions in cats and dogs.  

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

March 23, 2023

Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre (virtual options available)

SESSION DETAILS:
Flapping in the Wind: Canine Osteochondrosis Dissecans

SYNOPSIS:
This presentation will cover the pathogenesis of OCD as it is currently understood. Treatment options (both surgical and non-surgical) for various affected joints will be discussed. Case examples will be used to highlight the importance of case selection when choosing the appropriate treatment for the individual patient.

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.0 hour ABVMA CE credits

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre (virtual options available)

SESSION DETAILS:
Canine Mast Cell Tumors: an updated review

SYNOPSIS:
Canine mast cell tumors are one of the most common tumors seen in small animal general practice. This talk will provide an up to date review on the clinical presentation, diagnostic work up, staging & grading, and both standard and novel treatment options for canine mast cell tumors. There will be a special focus on clinical management of these tumors for the general practitioner. 

MORE INFO:
RSVP by February 21 2023

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.5 hour ABVMA CE credits

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Time: Dinner 6:30 PM | Presentation 7:00 PM
Location: Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre

SESSION DETAILS:
Feline Urethral Obstructions

SYNOPSIS:
This talk will present information on the management of feline urethral obstructions. We will present information on how to stabilize these cases, manage hyperkalemia and present tips for unblocking. We will discuss surgical approaches to these cases, including timing and when to consider a perineal urethrostomy. We will also present information on how try to manage feline lower urinary tract disease long term.  

MORE INFO:
RSVP by January 16, 2023

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1.5 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Date: Thursday, December 22, 2022
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Paradigm Shifts, Controversies, and Myths Misconceptions in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

SYNOPSIS:
Dr. Osborne will present the current research behind some of veterinary medicine's more controversial practices such as the use of antibiotics in diarrhea, bladder lavage and prazosin in FLUTD, diuresis for nephrotoxins, widespread use of proton pump inhibitors, etc.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by December 21, 2022

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Monday, November 28, 2022

Date: Monday, November 28, 2022
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Procedures 

SYNOPSIS:
Several minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed in small animal medicine. Using case examples, this talk will discuss several of these that are offered at WVSEC, including information on appropriate case selection and approximate costs. 

MORE INFO:
RSVP by November 25, 2022

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Updates on FIP

SYNOPSIS:
This talk will review feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and present updates on diagnosis, treatment, and prognosi

MORE INFO:
RSVP by October 17, 2022

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Perioperative Analgesia

SYNOPSIS:
Pain is one of the main concerns owners have when their animals undergo anesthesia. At the same time, it is often treated on a one-size-fits-all manner, or underestimated. This lecture aims to review analgesic options for dogs and cats, focusing on injectables for the intraoperative period, but also briefly covering local block and post operative options.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by September 26, 2022

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Date: Thursday, August 18, 2022
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Congestive Heart Failure

SYNOPSIS:
What clinical signs should you look for to increase your suspicion of congestive heart failure? How do you attempt outpatient treatment of congestive heart failure and guide clients through medications, side effects, monitoring, and rechecks? This Clinical Bites lecture will attempt to address these questions by discussing pathophysiology of congestive heart failure, treatment and monitoring recommendations, and long-term management of congestive heart failure patients. This lecture will also discuss differences in presentation and treatment of feline vs canine patients.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by August 17, 2022

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Date: Thursday, May 26, 2022
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Tales of the Testis

SYNOPSIS:
Continuing along the themes brought forward by Dr. Hyndman on April 28th, this talk will review considerations for castrations in dogs (and cats). Complications of this routine procedure will be discussed. We will also review potential consequences of not proceeding with castration and review some of the hormone dependent diseases we see affecting male dogs in practice. Unfortunately, one size fits all types of answers are not available. The hope is that a review of the available information will help guide conversations between clients and their primary care veterinarians as to why a routine neuter is a good idea in most patients.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by May 24, 2022

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Date: April 28, 2022
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Canine Ovariohysterectomy/Ovariectomy: Modern Considerations For A Well-Established Procedure

SYNOPSIS:
This talk will review various considerations for proceeding forward with ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy as well as some rarely observed complications from a specialist hospital perspective. Additionally, we will review aspects of client education concerning potential consequences of pursuing surgery including the relevance of timing. While many definitive answers remain elusive this talk aims to open discussion amongst veterinary professionals in light of recent literature.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by April 27, 2022

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Dialysis in Veterinary Medicine: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
Presented by Dr. James Lange, BSc, BVSC..

SYNOPSIS:
Dr. Lange will introduce dialysis as a whole, and will focus on the use of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE). TPE is the form of dialysis currently practiced at Western Veterinary Specialty. Dr. Lange will present the indications for TPE, how it is performed, as well as outcomes and potential complications.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by March 21, 2022

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Radiation Therapy For Intracranial Tumours
Presented by Dr. Katherine Sweet, DVM, DACVR-RO.

SYNOPSIS:
Overview of radiation therapy recommendations for intracranial tumours including meningioma, glioma, and pituitary tumours. This will include consideration of different treatment schedules for different tumour types (stereotactic radiation therapy versus full-course/conventionally fractionated radiation therapy), recheck schedule, and anticipated response/prognosis.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by February 15, 2022

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Date: Thursday, January 20, 2022
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Canine Atopy 
Presented by David Genovese BSC, DVM, DACVD.

SYNOPSIS:
This talk will present current updates in atopic disease for dogs and cats and possible future directions for therapy.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by January 18, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Acute Kidney Injury
Presented by Clare Hyatt, DVM, MS, DACVECC.

SYNOPSIS:
This talk will present information regarding acute kidney injury (AKI) including causes, recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by November 17, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Date: Thursday, October 21, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Presented by Valerie Madden DVM, DACVECC

SYNOPSIS:
This session will present the RECOVER guidelines on how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Dr. Madden will include recommendations for how to perform basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS), defibrillation, and post resuscitation care.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by October 20, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Date:Thursday, August 19, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
My patient looks like a ghost! Is it IMHA?
Presented by Amélie Paré, Veterinarian DMV, IPSAV

SYNOPSIS:
This session will go over the diagnostic process and treatment of IMHA, including the long-term management of the disease. The recent consensus statement will be summarized and updates from the ACVIM Forum will be discussed.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by August 18, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Date:Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
A Labrador Retriever and A French Bulldog Walk Into a Bar...
Presented by Justin Lavallée, DVM, MSc, DACVS-SA

SYNOPSIS:
This session will focus on the pathogenesis, stabilization, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of patients with upper airway obstruction. Perioperative care will also be discussed. The focus will be on laryngeal paralysis and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome as it pertains to the primary care and referral settings.

MORE INFO:
RSVP by July 19, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Date:Thursday, June 17, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus
Presented by Germaine Hung DVM, MVETSC, DACVS-SA

MORE INFO:
RSVP by June 15, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Pleural Space Disease
Presented by Clare Hyatt, DVM, MS, DACVECC.
 
MORE INFO:
RSVP by May 19, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Date: Thursday, April 15, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Glaucoma
Presented by
Dr. Kelli Combs Ramey 
MORE INFO:
RSVP by April 14, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Initial Assessment and Resuscitation of the Trauma Patient
Presented by Dr. James Lange BSc, BVSC

MORE INFO:
RSVP by March 17, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Wednesday, February 16, 2021

Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Radiation Therapy: Case selection and side effect management
Presented by Dr. Katherine Sweet DVM, MSc, DACVR(RO)

MORE INFO:
RSVP by February 12, 2021

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting

SESSION DETAILS:
Traumatic Brain Injury
Presented by Dr. Laura Osborne BVSC HON, DACVECC

MORE INFO:
Registration now closed

CE CREDITS:
Approved for 1 hour ABVMA CE credits