By: Elke Rudloff, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC, cVMA &
Marie Kerl DVM, MPH, DACVIM, DACVECC

Course Description:
In this session, an emergency and critical care specialist and internal medicine specialist will present cases that highlight typical and atypical medical emergencies.  Cases presented will be emergent cases that require longer term, chronic management as well as internal medicine cases that become emergencies. Discussions may include how to decide how much should be done in the ER and what might wait for the internist to do.

Speaker Info:
Dr. Rudloff is a 1991 graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her residency training at the Animal Emergency Center and achieved board certification in the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 1995.  She has supervised/mentored 30 ACVECC Diplomates and is currently a clinical supervisor at the Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists in Glendale, Wisconsin. She is certified in veterinary medical acupuncture by the CURACORE Integrative Medicine and Education Center as well as certified as an instructor in RECOVER CPR. She has served as the IVECCS Program Coordinator from 1998-2009, and from 2013 until now.  She is the 2008 recipient of the Ira Zaslow Award for distinguished service in the field of veterinary emergency and critical care and is an internationally recognized educator in the field of veterinary emergency and critical care.  She routinely incorporates her medical acupuncture skills into her everyday practice to enhance the well-being and pain management of critically ill and injured patients. Her special interests include fluid resuscitation, pain management and trauma management, topics on which she has published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters.

Marie Kerl obtained her DVM from Auburn University and Masters of Public Health from the University of Missouri, and completed specialty training at the Animal Medical Center in New York. She is a diplomate of ACVIM and ACVECC. Dr. Kerl is currently Chief Medical Officer for VCA Inc. Her duties include medical leadership to advance the highest quality of care within VCA hospitals through education and training. Additional professional activities include online teaching and disaster response. Dr. Kerl has received the Norden Distinguished Teaching Award, and the Ira Zaslow Award for service to VECCS.

By: Elke Rudloff, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC, cVMA &
Marie Kerl DVM, MPH, DACVIM, DACVECC

Course Description:
In this session, we will continue our in depth discussion on AKI in the ER. Cases presented will be emergent cases that require longer term, chronic management as well as internal medicine cases that become emergencies.

Speaker Info:
Dr. Rudloff is a 1991 graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her residency training at the Animal Emergency Center and achieved board certification in the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 1995.  She has supervised/mentored 30 ACVECC Diplomates and is currently a clinical supervisor at the Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists in Glendale, Wisconsin. She is certified in veterinary medical acupuncture by the CURACORE Integrative Medicine and Education Center as well as certified as an instructor in RECOVER CPR. She has served as the IVECCS Program Coordinator from 1998-2009, and from 2013 until now.  She is the 2008 recipient of the Ira Zaslow Award for distinguished service in the field of veterinary emergency and critical care and is an internationally recognized educator in the field of veterinary emergency and critical care.  She routinely incorporates her medical acupuncture skills into her everyday practice to enhance the well-being and pain management of critically ill and injured patients. Her special interests include fluid resuscitation, pain management and trauma management, topics on which she has published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters.

Marie Kerl obtained her DVM from Auburn University and Masters of Public Health from the University of Missouri, and completed specialty training at the Animal Medical Center in New York. She is a diplomate of ACVIM and ACVECC. Dr. Kerl is currently Chief Medical Officer for VCA Inc. Her duties include medical leadership to advance the highest quality of care within VCA hospitals through education and training. Additional professional activities include online teaching and disaster response. Dr. Kerl has received the Norden Distinguished Teaching Award, and the Ira Zaslow Award for service to VECCS.

By: Merilee Costello, DVM, DACVECC

Trusting the Pulse Oximeter
Course Description:
This talk will review the basics of how the pulse oximeter works as well as the inherent challenges we have in using this technology in our patients. The situations in which you can trust the number you get as well as all the situations in which the data you obtain should be questioned. It will also cover numerous studies in human and veterinary medicine that highlight these challenges in our critically ill (and small, furry) patients.

Giving Famotidine to Every Patient
Course Objectives:
This talk will discuss why we use famotidine so much and review the mechanism of action as well as the purported benefits of administration.  It will review numerous studies that have evaluated the efficacy (or lack thereof) of famotidine in both dogs and cats. The potential negative side effects of acid suppression will be addressed. Finally, more recent studies discussing more effective administration techniques will be reviewed.

Performing a Urine Culture on Cats with Urethral Obstruction
Course Objectives:
This talk will briefly review a very common emergency presentation in our feline patients. The incidence of bacterial infections in cats will be discussed, with special attention focused on the incidence associated with urethral obstruction (both before and after unblocking and catheter placement). Guidelines for when culturing is indicated will be covered, as well as exceptions to the statement that culturing is never indicated.

Speaker Info:
Dr. Costello graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, and pursued an internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City followed by a critical care residency at The Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. She then went on to get additional training in nephrology and dialysis at the University of California Davis veterinary College and the dialysis center at the Animal Medical Center. She has worked as a criticalist in both the University as well as private practice setting.  She has also worked in dialysis units at the University of Pennsylvania as well as in private practice. Dr. Costello has extensive lecturing experience, both in the United States as well as internationally. She has authored numerous book chapters as well as co-editing a book entitled Feline Emergency and Critical Care Medicine. 

By: Jennifer Graham, DVM, DABVP (Avian / Exotic Companion Mammal), DACZM

Course Description:
Exotic companion mammal (ECM) respiratory emergencies present many challenges to clinicians. The unique anatomy and physiology of many ECMs requires a specialized approach to these types of cases. This lecture will review techniques for triage and emergency stabilization efforts and discuss common respiratory emergency presentations for ECMs.

Course Objectives:

1. Review of stabilization and diagnostics for managing respiratory emergencies in ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas
2. Review common respiratory emergencies in ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas

Speaker Info:
Dr. Graham graduated with her DVM from Auburn University in 1999. She completed an avian/exotic internship at the University of Georgia followed by a 3-year residency in avian/exotic animal medicine at the University of California at Davis. Following her residency she started an exotics practice in a specialty referral hospital located in Seattle, WA, from 2003-2006. Dr. Graham worked at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA from 2006-2012. She is presently an Associate Professor of Zoological Companion Animal Medicine at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Graham became board certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in Avian medicine in 2002 and became a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine in 2008. She was on the organizing committee for the ABVP-Exotic Companion Mammal practice category and became certified in this practice category in 2009.  Dr. Graham is a member of multiple professional organizations including the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV). Dr. Graham’s professional interests include NSAIDs/inflammation, oncology in exotic animal species, rabbit gastrointestinal motility, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, stem cell research, and avian red blood cell preservation techniques. She served as the ABVP Residency Chair from 2009-2013 and holds positions on several veterinary committees. In her spare time, Dr. Graham enjoys cinematography, hiking, camping, kayaking, and fly fishing (although she never catches anything!).

By: Lisa Smart BVSc (Hons) DACVECC PhD

Course Description:
Synthetic colloid fluids, including hydroxyethyl starch and gelatine, have been used for fluid resuscitation since the 1950s. They gained in popularity over time due to their lasting intravascular persistence. However, this popularity took a sharp nosedive in the last 10 years due to several landmark studies published in human medicine. Two of the major complications identified include exacerbation of acute kidney injury and adverse effects on coagulation. Since that time, there have been many studies published in veterinary medicine attempting to characterise these adverse effects and establish clinical relevance. This talk will review the current research on synthetic colloid use in dogs and cats, critically evaluating the level of evidence available, and provide pragmatic clinical guidelines for use of these fluids.

Course Objectives:

1. Briefly review the theoretical benefits and adverse effects of the most commonly used synthetic colloid fluids
2. Review the current clinical research on the utility and adverse effects of synthetic colloids
3. Provide clinical scenarios in which synthetic colloids may be considered, with review of real case examples
4. Review recommended monitoring tools during use of these fluids

Speaker Info:
Dr. Smart completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 2003, followed by a rotating internship at Queensland Veterinary Specialists and Pet Emergency Room. She then completed a residency in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at University of California, Davis, and became ACVECC board-certified in 2009. She recently completed a PhD in Emergency Medicine at the University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. She has been residing as a senior lecturer at Murdoch University for the past 11 years. Her position includes clinical service, undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, residency supervision and research (both basic science and clinical). She has been conducting research on the adverse effects of colloid fluids for the past 15 years. Other research interests include adverse effects of resuscitation fluid therapy, coagulation, inflammation and, more broadly, clinical trial research in small animal emergency and critical care medicine.

By: Lisa Hacker, MSW, APSW

Course Description:
Increasingly evident, stress and compassion fatigue are high among veterinary emergency and critical care providers. This course will review the sources of strain experienced by the profession, and primarily focus on brief, cognitive coping techniques that can be actively used during a shift, as well as afterwards, to promote emotional wellness.

Course Objectives:

1. Define emotional wellness and how that could look for you
2. Review causes of distress amongst emergency and critical care professionals
3. Discuss 4-5 cognitive coping strategies and why they are effective
4. Identify 1-2 techniques reviewed that are best fitted for you, and commit to putting them into practice

Speaker Info:
Lisa is a licensed, Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) in the State of Wisconsin. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2009. Lisa’s post-graduate experience has been in pediatric, medical social work as well as veterinary social work since 2018. She is the 2014 recipient of the Milwaukee BizTimes “Health Care Hero” award for her work with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Currently, Lisa is the Social Work Program Manager for BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Pet Hospitals in the Milwaukee Market, which was featured in the June 2020 edition of the JAVMA. She also established and manages a training program for MSW students for three area universities. Additionally, Lisa is working on her Grief Support Specialist Certification at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a contributor to the forthcoming volume The Comprehensive Guide to Interdisciplinary Veterinary Social Work. At home, Lisa’s pack includes her spouse, a 12-year-old black lab, a 4-year-old golden retriever, and a 7-month-old chocolate lab.

By: Abigail Kitchens, DVM

Course Description:
This lecture will give the emergency veterinarian productivity tools that they can immediately apply to their next shift.  These tools will help improve their personal productivity regardless of management’s protocols or medical record systems.

Speaker Info:
Abigail Kitchens, DVM, 2008 graduate of Texas A&M University has been an educator of veterinarians for 10 years. She has taught over 200 hours of continuing education including time management, focus, and courses in alternative medicine. She is currently the director of Parker University Animal Chiropractic Program due to her experience and knowledge in curriculum design and presentation.

By: Abigail Kitchens, DVM

Course Description:
Did you go to veterinary school to be a typist?  I didn’t think so!  Medical Records have become a significant pain point for emergency veterinarians.  The ER has unique challenges including increased liability due to the type of cases presented and additional communication with the referring veterinarian.  Proper and efficient documentation is key to protect yourself and provide continuity of care.  This lecture will give the practitioner tools to help improve the quality and efficiency of records that they can apply to their next shift regardless of the record keeping system utilized in their practice.

Speaker Info:
Abigail Kitchens, DVM, 2008 graduate of Texas A&M University has been an educator of veterinarians for 10 years. She has taught over 200 hours of continuing education including time management, focus, and courses in alternative medicine. She is currently the director of Parker University Animal Chiropractic Program due to her experience and knowledge in curriculum design and presentation.

By: Angela M. Lennox, DVM, DABVP-Avian, ECM; DECZM-Small Mammal

Course Objectives:

1. To quickly identify respiratory emergencies in birds through client phone description and at-a-distance visual examination
2. To quickly formulate a plan for stabilization and determine when immediate intervention is required, e.g. measures such as placement of an airsac breathing tube for upper airway obstruction
3. To formulate a reasonable diagnostic plan to help implement the best therapy

Speaker Info:
Angela M. Lennox is a graduate of Purdue University, where she serves as an adjunct associate professor. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioner (ABVP) in both Avian and Exotic Companion Mammal Medicine, and the European College of Zoological Medicine in Small Mammal medicine. She has practiced exclusively exotic animal medicine since 1991, and lectured extensively throughout the US and internationally, including at IVECCS.  Dr. Lennox is past president of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, and has authored and edited many books, book chapters and scientific articles.  She resides outside of Indianapolis with her husband of 30 years and 4 daughters.

By: Dr Sheilah A Robertson BVMS (Hons), PhD, DACVAA, DECVAA, DACAW, DECAWBM (WSEL), CVA, MRCVS

Description:
In this session tips on how to start the difficult conversation about euthanasia will be discussed; this includes verbal priming, supporting the owner / family, understanding the difference between empathy and sympathy, focusing on the pet’s needs and being non-judgmental. Owners have four main budgets when making euthanasia decisions (financial, emotional, physical and time) and all must be considered. Setting the scene for success includes small but powerful ‘little things’ such as never separating the patient from the owner once the decision has been made, quickly creating a less clinical setting (blankets, cushions, dimming lights). How and when to ask for payment will be discussed.

Course Objectives:

1. Attendees will feel confident initiating difficult conversations about euthanasia by learning key words and phrases that are patient centric.
2. Attendees will understand why pre-euthanasia sedation is important for the whole veterinary team, patient and owner.
3. If intravenous access is not possible attendees will be confident with using alternate routes for administration of euthanasia solutions.
4. Attendees will perform their next euthanasia with confidence, calmness and a feeling of control form start to finish.

Speaker Info:
Dr. Sheilah Robertson graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Following time in private practice and a surgery internship she undertook specialized training in anesthesia and completed her PhD at the University of Bristol. She is board certified in anesthesia and in animal welfare by the respective American and European Colleges and holds a certificate in small animal acupuncture. In 2019 she received her certification as a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Palliative and End-of-Life practitioner by the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. She has published widely on the recognition and alleviation of acute pain. Currently she is the senior medical director of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a large network of veterinarians dedicated to end-of-life care and in-home euthanasia throughout the USA. Dr Robertson is also a courtesy Professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

By: Dr Sheilah A Robertson BVMS (Hons), PhD, DACVAA, DECVAA, DACAW, DECAWBM (WSEL), CVA, MRCVS

Description:
In this session the value of pre-euthanasia sedation or anesthesia and which drugs to choose will be discussed. Tips for intravenous access (have you tried dorsal pedal vein?) will be covered along with what to do if IV access is not possible. Non-intravenous techniques for dogs and cats will be covered. If things do not go as planned, we will discuss how to explain this to owners and how to deal with unexpected adverse effects. What we do after the euthanasia has an impact on the owner. This includes a discussion on body care, providing mementos, giving them time alone, and follow up within a few days.

Course Objectives:

1. Attendees will feel confident initiating difficult conversations about euthanasia by learning key words and phrases that are patient centric.
2. Attendees will understand why pre-euthanasia sedation is important for the whole veterinary team, patient and owner.
3. If intravenous access is not possible attendees will be confident with using alternate routes for administration of euthanasia solutions.
4. Attendees will perform their next euthanasia with confidence, calmness and a feeling of control form start to finish.

Speaker Info:
Dr. Sheilah Robertson graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Following time in private practice and a surgery internship she undertook specialized training in anesthesia and completed her PhD at the University of Bristol. She is board certified in anesthesia and in animal welfare by the respective American and European Colleges and holds a certificate in small animal acupuncture. In 2019 she received her certification as a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Palliative and End-of-Life practitioner by the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. She has published widely on the recognition and alleviation of acute pain. Currently she is the senior medical director of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a large network of veterinarians dedicated to end-of-life care and in-home euthanasia throughout the USA. Dr Robertson is also a courtesy Professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

By: Kate Hopper BVSc, PhD, DACVECC

Description:
Envenomation by a poisonous animal can be a challenging emergency case to manage and the severity of potential injury varies between regions. This presentation will review key diagnostic and management aspects of snake and spider envenomation with guidelines for rational clinical decision making.

Course Objectives:

1. Review the main venomous snakes and spiders in North America
2. Understand the common presenting signs of pit viper envenomation
3. Review the key aspects to management of snake envenomation
4. Outline how venomous spider bites could present and the management approach to these cases

Speaker Info:
Kate is a Professor of Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at the University of California, Davis. She graduated from the University of Melbourne and completed residencies in emergency and critical care at both the University of Melbourne and UC Davis. Kate also completed a PhD in acid base physiology at UC Davis. Her current research interests include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, clinical acid base and electrolyte disorders and mechanical ventilation. Kate is a co-editor of the textbooks Small Animal Critical Care Medicine and Small Animal Emergency Medicine.