Sessions

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Seeing Differently: Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Eye
Anatomy and physiology of the eye will be described using everyday objects as metaphors, leading to understanding of complex and often confusing conditions!
Ann Dwyer, DVM

9:50 AM
Break

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Equine Opthalmology for Road Warriors
Tried and true tips for examination, diagnosis treatment, and management of common equine eye problems in the field. Will include SPL management and field surgery.
Ann Dwyer, DVM

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Everything is Relative: The Equine Orbit & Adnexa
Problems of the equine orbit, periorbit, haired eyelids and third eyelid will be covered including periocular trauma and neoplasia.
Ann Dwyer, DVM

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch & Presentation of Alumni Awards
Presentation by Dr. Bonnie Rush, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University

1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

Evaluation of the soft tissues of the equine stifle using magnetic resonance imaging
The recent development of high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the equine stifle has resulted in a need for more information on the normal MRI anatomy of the soft tissues of the stifle and how they change under different conditions before accurate conclusions can be drawn from clinical cases. This presentation will describe the appearance and features of the soft tissues of the equine stifle using 3 T MRI under multiple conditions and compare these results to histologic findings. It will also discuss novel findings related to the structure and MRI appearance of the cruciate ligaments of the horse. The potential clinical applications of MRI to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries in the horse as well as possible etiologies of soft tissue injuries to the stifle and how these relate to the management of these injuries will also be reviewed.
Jocelyn Stedman, DVM

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Break

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Tracks of My Tears: Ulcerative Keratitis
Corneal ulcers are not all the same! Discussion of the differential diagnosis for this common equine ocular emergency and explanation of appropriate treatments.
Ann Dwyer, DVM

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM

Cry Me a River: Non-Ulcerative Keratitis & Common Intraocular Conditions
Discussion of the diagnosis, treatment and management of non-ulcerative keratitis and selected conditions of the lens and posterior segment in horses.
Ann Dwyer, DVM

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Bovine Leukosis Virus Control, Farmers Perceptions, New Strategies and Old Remedies
Frank Van Der Meer, DVM, PhD, Professor Global Health and Infectious Diseases|Virology, University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Updates on Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infections and Control, a Canadian Perspective
Frank Van Der Meer, DVM, PhD, Professor Global Health and Infectious Diseases|Virology, University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Improvement Options and Developments in Bovine Vaccines and Vaccination Strategies
Frank Van Der Meer, DVM, PhD, Professor Global Health and Infectious Diseases|Virology, University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch & Presentation of Alumni Awards
Presentation by Dr. Bonnie Rush, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University

1:30 PM -2:20 PM

Identifying and Managing Predator Attacks on Livestock
This presentation will provide information on the process of determining the predator responsible for attacks on livestock, including key differences on injuries caused by coyotes, dogs, and mountain lions. Guidance on how to help producers deal with predation issues will also be provided.
Drew Ricketts, BS, PhD

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Break

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Keeping Up with Estrus Synchronization Systems for Beef Cows and Heifers
The session will provide background and resources for implementing synchronization and AI programs for beef females to achieve optimal results. A successful breeding season begins with good management months in advance of the breeding season. A systematic approach will be illustrated to guide users through protocol selection and methods to eliminate errors in protocol compliance and improve communication to all involved.
Sandy Johnson, BS, MS, PhD

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM

Heifer Management Considerations for Fertility and Longevity
Since the time that a target weight concept was established for heifer development, several industry changes have occurred that have prompted re-evaluation under current conditions. Studies will be reviewed that consider implications to longevity beyond the first breeding season.
Sandy Johnson, BS, MS, PhD

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Pathophysiology of Pain & Maladaptive Pain Syndromes
This session will discuss normal, protective pain processing associated with tissue trauma and inflammation, and the pathways and receptors that provide therapeutic targets. Pain processing can go awry and become exaggerated, maladaptive, and even neuropathic; this session will discuss the pathophysiology of central and peripheral hypersensitization and the neuropharamcologic targets to mitigate maladaptive pain. Specific neuropathic syndromes recognized in dogs and cats will be discussed.
Mark Epstein, BS, DVM, DABVP (C/F), Medical Director TotalBond Veterinary Hospitals, PC

9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Equine Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion
Orthopedic infections, whether osseous or synovial, are commonplace in equine veterinary practice. Elimination of bacteria from the area is a critical component of therapy which is accomplished with antimicrobial therapy or lavage/debridement. Intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) is a technique that can be performed in horses, in a field or hospital setting, that generates high concentrations of antimicrobials in equine distal limbs. This presentation will discuss how to perform and tips for an IVRLP for distal limb orthopedic infections or penetrating synovial wounds in horses as well as technical aspects of equine IVRLP.
Jarrod Troy, DVM, DACVS-LS, CERP

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Equine Emergency Surgeries in the Field
Equine emergencies happen and three emergencies often require emergency surgery in the field to stabilize/treat the horse. These three emergencies include acute wounds, upper airway distress, and urethral obstructions in male horses. This presentation will discuss treating these conditions with wound repair, tracheostomy, and perineal urethrotomy. Additionally, this presentation will provide tips and tricks regarding these surgical procedures in the field
Jarrod Troy, DVM, DACVS-LS, CERP

9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Equine Fracture First Aid in the Field
A limb fracture can be a catastrophic injury in horses but many of these fractures can be repaired with appropriate fracture first aid in the field. Appropriate fracture first aid will significantly improve the prognosis of repairable equine limb fractures, reduce the risk of surgical site infection, and improve the comfort of the horse. This presentation will discuss the principles of equine limb fracture first aid, stabilization, and tips/tricks associated with fracture first aid.
Jarrod Troy, DVM, DACVS-LS, CERP

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Sustainability in Equine Veterinary Practice
Discuss the formation of the AAEP Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability which was formed in 2022 and programs working on improving the practice of equine medicine.
Maureen Sutter, DVM

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch and Presentation
KVMA Director Megan Kilgore

1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

Congenital Angular & Flexural Limb Deformities
Many neonatal foals are born with congenital angular or flexural limb deformities that can affect their future athletic performance, sales prospect, or even be life threatening if the foal is unable to stand. These limb deformities can often be managed in the field especially if treated early in the process although some do require surgical intervention as the foal ages. This presentation discusses congenital limb deformities in foals, the management/treatment of these conditions, and tips/tricks associated with management.
Jarrod Troy, DVM, DACVS-LS, CERP

2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
Break

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Equine Colic: Improving patient outcomes and preparing owners for referral
Meghan McCarthy, DVM, MS

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM

No Hoof. No Horse: Field approaches to common hoof injuries and disorder
Meghan McCarthy, DVM, MS

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

The Finer Points of Diagnostic Investigations of Common Food Animal Toxins
Like many of our production diseases, a diagnostic workup is often multifactorial and building supportive evidence in multiple areas will generate the most confidence in a diagnosis. Specific tests require specific sample types and there are reasons why the perfect test may or may not serve its intended purpose in all cases. This presentation will use common toxic exposures in food animals to discuss the finer points of making a definitive diagnosis of these potentially catastrophic situations. Sample selection, care, submission, and test selection will be addressed with a detailed description of the “why” that can make or break a case.
Scott Fritz, DVM, DABVT, Veterinary Toxicologist, Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Beef Cattle Mineral Nutrition
Working up questions from clients about mineral nutrition involves incorporating local knowledge of soil and forage mineral considerations, a thorough history, examination of cattle, water and feed analysis, and liver biopsy results. Several faculty at KSU CVM are available to assist practitioners working up mineral nutrition questions.
Steve Ensley, BS,DVM, Ms, PhD, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Robert Larson, DVM, PhD, DACT, DACVPM (Epidemiology), ACAN, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine

9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Investigating the Causes of Reproductive Failure in Beef Herds
Reproductive efficiency is still the most important output factor affecting profitability of the cow/calf enterprise. While reproductive performance can be negatively impacted by many factors, infectious disease often plays a pivotal role in those situations where suboptimal reproductive performance is demonstrated. Early embryonic death, late-term abortion, delayed conception and “weak calf syndrome” may all be manifestations of a disease outbreak. Regardless of the cause, the end result is that the operation will have fewer pounds of calf to market after weaning. The practitioner plays a central role in understanding the relationship of infectious agents with the risk of exposure and the timing of gestational losses in order to utilize the proper diagnostics and determine why reproductive losses are occurring. Then herd health protocols can be built to minimize these losses in the future.
Terry Engelken, DVM, MS

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Managing Digital Dermatitis in Feedyards
Reports of “hairy heel warts” or digital dermatitis (DD) have been described in cattle beginning in the early- to mid-1970’s. While first described in dairy cows, more recent reports have centered on the development of DD in beef cattle operations. Over the years, this disease has been referred to as interdigital dermatitis, interdigital papillomas, Mortellaro’s disease, and strawberry foot. While called by different names, the hallmark of this disease include well defined lesions on the heel that show erosions and ulceration, protruding wart-like structures, skin bearing thickened and elongated hairs, and the skin at the border of the lesion is thickened. This presentation will detail our current understanding of the pathophysiology of lesion development and control options to consider in feedyards.
Terry Engelken, DVM, MS.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch and Presentation
KVMA Director Megan Kilgore

1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

How Does Housing Influence Bovine Respiratory Disease in Confinement Cow-Calf Operations?
Over the past decade, confined cow-calf operations have become more common in the U.S. Corn Belt. There are multiple reasons for the development of this trend, with land costs and availability being primary. As the competition for tillable acres from row crop enterprises has increased, there has been a corresponding rise in the cost of pasture ownership. Even in areas of the Corn Belt where pasture acres are available to rent, these costs have increased rapidly as well. In addition, expanding urban development also competes for pasture acres and dramatically increases land costs. At a time when the next generation of young producers are moving back to the family farm, expansion or establishment of the cow herd via traditional grazing is economically unfeasible. This has caused cow-calf producers to explore new methods of production that do not require such an extensive investment in land resources. Working with these confined units provides veterinarians with new challenges and opportunities in animal health programming, biosecurity and disease prevention, nutritional management, and animal welfare.
Terry Engelken, DVM, MS

2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
Break

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis – What we Know and Don’t Know about “Pinkeye”
“Pinkeye” (IBK) represents the most common ocular disease in cattle and it occurs worldwide. Clinical cases begin with inflammation and excess lacrimation and proceed to photophobia and blepharospasm. The terminal lesion results in corneal edema, ulceration, and blindness. Recent surveys of U.S. cattle producers have identified IBK as one of the top 3 diseases that they have to deal with. Economic losses are represented in decreased weaning weights and calf discounts at the time of sale. Calves suffering from IBK weighed 11-35 lbs. less at weaning and showed reduced marbling scores at a year of age. Discounts for “bad eyes “ranged from $12-$13.30 at the time of sale. As vaccination against IBK remains controversial, it become critical for producers to work with their veterinarians to better understand risk factors and cost-effective preventative programs.
Terry Engelken, DVM, MS

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM

Balancing Beef Cow Diets: Introduction to BRANDS
Developing cost-effective supplements for beef cattle requires considerations of size, production potential, production phase, weather, and forage quality. Because the factors that impact nutrient needs and diet composition have multiple interactions, using a software package such as BRANDS (Beef Ration and Nutrition Decisions Software) provides veterinarians with a valuable tool to strengthen nutritional consultation services for their clients.
Robert Larson, DVM - Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Introduction to the Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Cats with Diabetes
Thomas Schermerhorn, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM)

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Transfusion Medicine: Preparing Product & Testing for Administration
Giving a transfusion to a veterinary patient can be a lifesaving procedure, however, if it is not something that you are used to performing, it can be overwhelming. This session will discuss some tips if you are collecting your own product, things to keep in mind when selecting which product to give to your patient and what to monitor for during the transfusion.
Jenifer Loewen, DVM

9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

A little Sweet, A little Sour: Approach to Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of diabetes mellitus. When treating a patient with DKA presents, there are several things to keep in mind including, what caused the DKA, what electrolytes do we need to monitor/manage during treatment and insulin therapy. This session will discuss differentials and initial tests to suggest when diagnosing a DKA, limitations of some of our bedside tests, electrolyte therapy as well as insulin protocols.
Jenifer Loewen, DVM

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Pawing Through Poisons: Management of Small Animal Toxicity
Dogs and cats love to get into things they shouldn’t, whether it is their own medication, an owner’s medication or things around the house or yard. Depending on what the item is, we may treat the patient with supportive care or there may be a specific antidote. This session will review the general approach that should be taken when treating all toxicities as well as highlight the treatment of a few specific toxins.
Jenifer Loewen, DVM

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch and Presentation
KVMA Director Megan Kilgore

1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

High Volume High Quality Spay Neuter Techniques
This presentation targets the pivotal role of high-volume, high-quality (HVHQ) spay and neuter techniques in managing these surgical cases within private practice. We will cover the streamlined protocols designed to ensure both efficiency and safety, essential in any small animal veterinary environment where resources may be limited but the demand is high. Our discussion will focus on surgical techniques that have been optimized for rapid recovery, minimal complication rates, and maximum throughput without compromising the quality of veterinary care. Additionally, we will examine best practices in anesthesia, perioperative care, and pain management tailored to the unique needs of HVHQSN. The session aims to equip veterinarians and staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement these life-saving procedures, ultimately enhancing animal welfare and aiding in the effort to reduce overpopulation in communities. Join us to learn how these practices can transform and promote healthier animal communities.
Ron Orchard, DVM

2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
Break

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Point-of-Care Ultrasonography
This presentation will first review the basics of ultrasound equipment, physics, and terminology. Next, attendees will learn ways to integrate ultrasound into their practice as part of a complete diagnostic work-up, answering critical cage-side questions with confidence. This presentation will provide the needed background information for attendees participating in the hands-on workshop.
Mackenzie Hallman, DVM

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM

Point-of-Care Ultrasonography
This presentation will first review the basics of ultrasound equipment, physics, and terminology. Next, attendees will learn ways to integrate ultrasound into their practice as part of a complete diagnostic work-up, answering critical cage-side questions with confidence. This presentation will provide the needed background information for attendees participating in the hands-on workshop.
Mackenzie Hallman, DVM

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

The Veterinarian's Role in Disaster Response
This presentation will use the deployment experiences of the presenter, along with key components of the AVMA's Veterinary First Responder Certification curriculum guidance to introduce the novice and experienced veterinary responder with keys to developing the necessary knowledge, skills and training to safely and successfully integrate into a disaster response.
Debra Zoran, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

The Veterinarian's Role in Disaster Response
This presentation will use the deployment experiences of the presenter, along with key components of the AVMA's Veterinary First Responder Certification curriculum guidance to introduce the novice and experienced veterinary responder with keys to developing the necessary knowledge, skills and training to safely and successfully integrate into a disaster response.
Debra Zoran, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)

9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Emergency Stabilization of the Critical Exotic or Zoo Patient
Exotic patients may present to the general practitioner in various degrees of compromise or even in acute decompensation. Given the anatomical and physiological differences from feline and canine medicine, practitioners will be presented with the fundamental skills needed to
1. Recognize an exotic emergency &
2. Establish the ABC(& D)'s of critical stabilization in non-traditional species.
Trenton Shrader, DVM

11:30 AM - 12:20 AM

Emergency Stabilization of the Critical Exotic or Zoo Patient
To identify frequent causes of emergency presentation in common exotic pet species.
To establish a systematic process for triage of the exotic patient.
To present special considerations for the zoological patient.
To review clinical and technical approaches to stabilization of the unstable exotic patient.
Trenton Shrader, DVM

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Empower your whole team with Performance-based Compensation.
Most veterinarians are paid based on their performance, why do we pay our team members hourly? I find that most practice owners struggle with pay scales, starting wages, raises, and promotions. How do practice owners and managers choose which team member has more value than another? What happens when they compare paychecks, and you must answer to the discrepancies? I’ve been there. The solution is a performance-based compensation model with tier-based levels. We have used this model successfully in our practice for over a decade, attracting, retaining, and motivating high-performing team members.
Work alongside self-motivated team members who actively pursue improvement in hard skills, soft skills, and knowledge. You will leave this presentation understanding the benefits of a performance-based compensation model and be able to create, roll out, and maintain customized tiers for your practice.
Christine Staten, DVM, MBA, Adobe Veterinary Center, Veterinary MBA

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM

What the Heck is Culture & How do I improve mine?
If you don’t get this right, nothing else matters. Everybody’s talking about team culture in veterinary practices. People are attracted to “good” ones, and they are quick to leave “bad” ones. We all want a positive one, but what does that even mean? Purposeful, strategic decisions by the leaders in the practice create and maintain positive cultures. This presentation will discuss what culture is, why focusing on it is so important and the key elements necessary to create and maintain your own positive culture.
Christine Staten, DVM, MBA, Adobe Veterinary Center, Veterinary MBA

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Building Your Dream Team: Recruiting and Retaining Yours
Close your eyes and imagine your dream team. What does it look like? How does it function? Now recognize that that can be your reality. This presentation will go over what you need in place before assembling your dream team. We will discuss how to attract the right people and identify the team members you really want (and those you don’t) in the interview process. Effective onboarding and orientation are critical for establishing your new hire as a successful team member. And then, once you get them in the place, you need to be proactive about retention. You will leave this presentation with actionable steps to create and maintain your own dream team.
Christine Staten, DVM, MBA, Adobe Veterinary Center, Veterinary MBA

11:30 AM - 12:20 AM

2024 DVM Graduate Expectations for Salaries and Contracts
The most recent salary and employment data from the 2023 AVMA surveys and the 2024 K-State graduates will be presented.
Dr. James K. Roush, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Student Success, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine