Stacey Melick is an RVT with more than 20 years of experience in small animal, exotic and emergency medicine. Feeling drained of energy and struggling to sleep after long shifts, she turned to yoga. Stacey credits the longevity of her career and her overall physical and mental health to yoga. She's dedicated the last six years gaining knowledge and certifications in varying styles, with her main focus on the areas of relaxation and mindfulness in hopes of supporting others like her that are at risk of chronic fatigue and burn out. 

During COVID, she began offering some live online classes specifically geared towards veterinary staff members in a calming style, accessible to all levels of practice. All postures are low to the ground with a lot of focus on areas of the body that we often neglected and over utilized in the profession, leading to potential injuries. She’s done additional training in meditation and has hosted sold out workshops on "Yoga for Chronic Fatigue and Burnout" which are areas of training that she has incorporated into her classes. 

To try Stacey's classes, visit www.youtube.com/@yoga_with_stacey 

Zen Zone Yoga is located in the Regatta room.

Keynote Plenary Session and Breakfast

We must prepare for the shifting realities of our dynamic times, including the three rising global trends of burnout, disconnection and disruption. The solution is to rethink mindsets and methods of the past and develop the three key future-ready skills: resilience, connection and innovation.

In this timely and interactive presentation, Dr. Shimi Kang — a leading neuroscientist, psychiatrist and bestselling author — draws on the latest science to provide practical solutions and proven tools to mitigate society’s most pressing issues. The best part? These tools are based on brain science, thus applicable and accessible to all. Audiences will learn how to optimize their innate human intelligence system through three powerful, yet simple daily activities of:

• Downtime for better daily habits for mental health, wellbeing and resilience
• Connection with others for better sense of belonging, community and social skills.
• A play mindset for better adaptability, creativity, performance and innovation.

The Keynote is located in the Frontenac Ballroom.

All Dermatology lectures are located in the Frontenac Ballroom.

9:15am-10:15am

Three Types of Itch in Veterinary Dermatology 

The most common presenting clinical sign associated with allergies is pruritus. Mixed, and misleading messages have been communicated within the veterinary community about how some of the newer effective anti-pruritic therapeutic tools should be used. This seminar will cover a “from the trenches” frank discussion of what works for environmental allergies and how to maximize the benefits symptomatic anti-inflammatory (steroid options, cyclosporine, pentoxifylline, antihistamines), anti-pruritic (including monoclonal antibodies, Janus Kinase inhibitors [new and old], and other neurogenic modifiers), and anti-anxiety medications in your allergic patients using a multimodal approach to treating allergies.

10:45am-11:45am

Here's to the Ears

Because of their location at the distal extremities and as they're one of our pets’ main heat-dissipating mechanisms, it stands to reason that ears and pinnae encounter more exogenous and endogenous insults than any other part of the body. Hence the ears and pinnae are often the first area affected and the last area to resolve during any dermatopathy. In fact, at times, they may be the only area of involvement on the skin. A thorough history and physical evaluation will help guide a successful dermatologic workup through the multitude of differentials and therapeutic options.

1:15pm-2:15pm

Bald Can Be Beautiful

Canine alopecia is a common presenting complaint in veterinary dermatology. Hair loss is commonly associated with trauma secondary to allergies, ectoparasites, a behavioural condition, inflammation of the hair follicle secondary to folliculitis (Demodex, dermatophyte, bacteria) or an immune-mediated attack of a follicular component (alopecia areata, pemphigus).  Less commonly, hair loss may be attributable to clinically non-inflammatory, non-pruritic, breed-related alopecia of the dog. This seminar will provide clinical clues to direct you toward a diagnosis of breed specific non-inflammatory/non-pruritic alopecia along with reviewing the latest treatment options for each condition.

2:30pm-3:30pm

When Not to Reach for Steroids in a Cat

Miliary dermatitis (MD), self-inflicted alopecia/hypotrichosis (SIAH), head and neck pruritus (HNP), and eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC) are the four reaction patterns associated with feline atopic skin syndrome. It's important to be able to differentiate other infectious and non-allergic feline skin diseases that present in the same way before reaching for steroids as this can result in a lack of response or worsening of clinical signs.

4:00pm-5:00pm

Yeasty Beasties

Malassezia dermatitis is a common secondary infection in dogs and often doesn't respond to steroids alone. Acquiring and identifying Malassezia in the skin is key to successful treatment and quality of life for your patients. Learn the three-pronged approach that will give your patient with yeast infections relief, including the use of anti-inflammatory options, and the benefits of topical, systemic and immunotherapy therapeutic options.

All Neurology lectures are located in Harbour A/B. 

9:15am-10:15am

The Gait Exam: Underutilized but Critically Important

Gait evaluation is the most important part of the neurological exam, although it's frequently neglected by small animal practitioners. In this session, we'll discuss different gait abnormalities and how they allow rapid allocation of patients into different disease categories, making use of extensive video examples.

10:45am-11:45am

Is It Orthopaedic or Neurologic? Sorting Out Lameness, Paresis and Dogs That Won't Get Up

Lameness and weakness are common problems in dogs and typically indicate dysfunction of either the orthopaedic or neurologic systems. However, identifying the responsible system is often challenging. This talk will address this clinical challenge using video case examples.

1:15pm-2:15pm

Seize the Day I: Etiologies and Developing a Diagnostic Plan

Idiopathic epilepsy is frequently seen in canine patients. However, seizures can be caused by a multitude of etiologies, which can be diagnosed with a variety of tests. This talk will focus on the development of an effective diagnostic plan, including when to consider referral for advanced neurologic testing.

2:30pm-3:30pm

Seize the Day II: Management of Routine and Difficult to Control Small Animal Epileptics

Veterinarians frequently treat seizures in small animal patients. Although first-line drug choices are often effective, a substantial proportion of patients remain refractory to traditional therapeutic options. This session will focus on optimizing therapeutic plans in both routine and refractory patients.

4:00pm-5:00pm

Seize the Day III: Emergent Management - Treatment of Cluster Seizures and Status Epilepticus

Cluster seizures and status epilepticus are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate, effective therapy. This session will highlight the different therapeutic options available for the management of these patients.

All Feline lectures are located in Harbour C.

9:15am-10:15am

It Hurts: Make It Stop

Over the recent two decades, there has been increased awareness of pain and attention to the alleviation of pain in cats. Not all types of pain look the same or are treated in the same manner. Methods to detect pain and to assess the success of treatment will be discussed. Investigation has focused primarily on chronic musculoskeletal pain. The purpose of this presentation is to address not only musculoskeletal but also neuropathic and other types of pain.

10:45am-11:45am

Blood Pressure: A Critical Factor

Over half of our feline patients with chronic kidney diseases, as well as many with hyperthyroidism are hypertensive. Hypertension is called the silent killer. HyPOtension is a common occurrence in patients in our clinics and needs to be recognized to be treated. How to measure, monitor and treat hyPER and hyPOtension will be discussed.

1:15pm-2:15pm

Update in Feline Chronic Enteropathies

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used as a catch-all diagnosis which leads to less-than-optimal therapeutic results in some patients. If we understand more specifically what it IS that we're treating, we can be more effective in helping our patients. Small cell lymphoma often overlaps with “IBD”. In this session, we will look at chronic enteropathies and feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF).

2:30pm-3:30pm

Obesity: Winning the Battle of the Bulge Takes More than a Bag of Food

During COVID, many people found their habits changed and some of us gained weight. In cats, obesity has been an epidemic for many years. Despite knowing that carrying excess weight can be detrimental to health, it can be frustrating to help our clients help their cats lose weight. But even 15 per cent loss can help with energy, mobility and reduce the chance for the development of diabetes in cats. This lecture discusses aspects of weight loss and management that go beyond the diet fed, and examines some thoughts about neuroendocrine implications of obesity. The keys to a successful program are providing education, support and follow-up, not just a weight loss diet.

4:00pm-5:00pm

Why are Comorbidities the (New) Norm for Cats?

The observation that comorbidities are seen frequently in cats is not, unto itself, surprising. Cats are living longer than ever, and things “wear out” over time. But is this a new problem? Perhaps we're simply recognizing comorbidities because we're screening/looking for problems before they become clinically evident. Yet, some conditions, for example hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and CKD, are actually becoming more common. In this presentation, we will look at what mechanisms may be contributing to this and how we might approach managing these cases.

All Focus on Infection lectures are located in Pier 2/3.

9:15am-10:15am

FIP Part I: An Update on Diagnostic Tools

This session will focus on the state-of-the-art diagnostic testing for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), including both currently used algorithms and novel/upcoming diagnostic strategies. We'll discuss the pros and cons of traditional clinicopathologic testing versus virus-specific testing and highlight the potential for machine learning to aid in the diagnosis of FIP.

10:45am-11:45am

FIP Part II: Current Use of Antiviral Therapy

The use of antiviral therapy for FIP is a transformative and rapidly evolving phenomenon in feline medicine. This session will update participants on the current use and best practices, including the indications, protocols, and expected outcomes. We'll particularly emphasize the transition from the black market to legally available products.

1:15pm-2:15pm

How to Diagnose Feline Retroviral Disease in 2025

What was once considered a relatively straightforward point-of-care diagnosis for feline retroviral disease has been confounded in recent years by newer studies. This session aims to demystify the diagnosis of FeLV and FIV by analyzing research on discrepant test results and providing an overview of consensus statements and best practices.

2:30pm-3:30pm

Identifying Infectious Agents on Aspirate Cytology

Calling all microscopy enthusiasts! There's so much information to be gained about infectious disease (or ruling out infection) by viewing aspirate cytology samples yourself. This session will review some of the most common infectious organisms and associated cytologic patterns that can help practitioners make rapid, point-of-care and inexpensive decisions.

4:00pm-5:00pm

Identifying Infectious Agents on a Blood Smear

Calling all microscopy enthusiasts! There's so much information to be gained about infectious disease (or ruling out infection) by viewing aspirate cytology samples yourself. This session will review some of the most common infectious organisms and associated cytologic patterns that can help practitioners make rapid, point-of-care and inexpensive decisions.

All Practice Management lectures are located in Pier 4/5

9:15am-10:30am

Graduation into Debt and a New Job

After veterinary school, our graduate starts their first job and faces new challenges including managing debt, taxes, and employment contracts. When they're presented with their first employment contract, they see a paragraph stating they can’t work for another practice within a 25 km radius for two years. There's another paragraph with an offer to work for commission. Their anxiety peaks during the interview, the practice owner offers to pay them as a locum so they can save money on taxes. In this session, Greg Toner and Darren Osborne will use current OVMA research alongside real life stories to explore different ways our graduate can best navigate their debt, minimize their tax and negotiate a competitive salary with a method of payment that meets their lifestyle needs.

11:00am-12:00pm

Starting Up a Practice

After ten years of working as an associate, our veterinarian goes out on their own and opens a practice from scratch.  They go to Greg and Darren for a business plan and secure 100 per cent financing from the bank to build the practice, purchase the equipment and carry them through the first year. In this session, Greg Toner and Darren Osborne will walk you through the first three years of the startup practice demonstrating what the banks are looking for to provide financing and what a new practice owner can expect in terms of clients, revenue, expenses and income. Find out what can go wrong and how the wrong management decision can affect the bottom line.

1:30pm-2:30pm

Expanding the Practice and Bringing on a Partner

The new practice exceeds expectations, and our practice owner starts looking toward expansion. They struggle with the decision of when to bring on a new associate and whether to offer partnership. They have the practice valued and explore the possibility of buying their own building and relocating the practice. The valuation for the practice comes in higher than expected and the bank makes an offer to finance their new building with no money down. In this session, Greg Toner and Darren Osborne show tipping points for practice expansion and walk through the advantages of a partner versus a staff veterinarian. They'll also show how new tax considerations for our expanding practice require a more elaborate ownership structure.

2:45pm-3:45pm

Selling the Practice

Success abounds and our practice owner looks to sell the practice. The practice has grown to three veterinarians, and they are surprised that the value isn't three times higher than the first valuation. They consider selling to corporate, selling privately and, after a lot of soul searching, decide to sell the practice to the employees to take advantage of the new Employee Ownership Trust. Greg Toner and Darren Osborne will go through the short history of practice values in Ontario, how corporations have affected value and forecast how much a practice in Ontario will be worth in the coming years. They'll also show the tax considerations regarding selling a practice and whether the new Employee Ownership Trust is for you.

4:15pm-5:00pm

Retiring with Money

After starting a practice, expanding into partnership, buying a building and selling a practice, the tax structure for our retiring veterinarian looks like a crime drama murder board. In this session, Greg Toner will walk through different scenarios for our retiring veterinarian so they can minimize their tax burden, maximize their annual income in retirement and leave money to their successors.

CASCMA lectures are located in the Marine room (at the bottom of the spiral staircase in the hotel lobby).

Pre-registration is required, no additional fees apply.

1:15pm-2:15pm

Empowering General Practitioners: Paws-itive Outcomes by Performing Complex Surgeries In-House

Pets experience emergencies which require quick surgical intervention every day. Many of these surgeries are routinely referred to specialists, largely due to the practitioner considering these procedures beyond their capabilities. However, transfer to referral escalates the cost of the procedure, delays the time until treatment, and often results in owners making the impossible decision of euthanizing or relinquishing  finances. These emergencies are an opportunity for challenge, job satisfaction and success for the general practitioner. Additionally, keeping these procedures in house can improve patient outcomes when financial euthanasia or relinquishment are being considered, or time is of the essence. Feline perineal urethrostomy, canine scrotal urethrostomy and GI foreign bodies are all frequently referred procedures. But are also all realistically performed in a general practice setting. This session will offer practical advice for the general practitioner and review techniques for performing these procedures.

2:30pm-3:30pm

To Stitch or Not to Stitch: Purr-fecting Wound Care Decisions in General Practice

It's common for pets to experience some sort of wound within their lifetime. Wounds can be the result of trauma or surgery. They can be infected or clean. They can be acute or chronic. And they can happen anywhere on the body. Each wound will have a different response to primary closure. While some may respond well to primary closure, others may have a more favorable outcome when left to heal by second intention. This session will help clinicians determine which wounds may respond well to primary closure, as well as techniques to improve the outcome of second intention healing.

4:00-5:00pm

Needs a Plate, Right? Or Does It?

Fractures come in all different bones, in patients of different ages & breeds, with varying degrees of associated soft tissue trauma & comorbidities and in a myriad of forms & configurations - all of which influence their prognosis and treatment options. This session will highlight the salient differences between a selection of more common fractures and presentations. It will discuss management options with particular emphasis on approaches to these cases in situations where referral to a surgical specialist may not be available or may not be an option for the client.

The trade show is located in the Metropolitan Ballroom.

The tabletops displays are located in the Harbour Ballroom Foyer.

You must be present to win the draw. 

The draw is located at the OVMA Booth in the exhibit hall, in the Metropolitan Ballroom. 

Stacey Melick is an RVT with more than 20 years of experience in small animal, exotic and emergency medicine. Feeling drained of energy and struggling to sleep after long shifts, she turned to yoga. Stacey credits the longevity of her career and her overall physical and mental health to yoga. She's dedicated the last six years gaining knowledge and certifications in varying styles, with her main focus on the areas of relaxation and mindfulness in hopes of supporting others like her that are at risk of chronic fatigue and burn out. 

During COVID, she began offering some live online classes specifically geared towards veterinary staff members in a calming style, accessible to all levels of practice. All postures are low to the ground with a lot of focus on areas of the body that we often neglected and over utilized in the profession, leading to potential injuries. She’s done additional training in meditation and has hosted sold out workshops on "Yoga for Chronic Fatigue and Burnout" which are areas of training that she has incorporated into her classes. 

To try Stacey's classes, visit www.youtube.com/@yoga_with_stacey 

Zen Zone Yoga is located in the Regatta room.

The OVMA AGM located in the Marine room. 

This event is open to members of the association and invited guests only.

Keynote Plenary Session and Breakfast

Human interactions determine how consumers feel about the service they receive. Empathy, understanding and authenticity are essential for an excellent customer experience. Your clients value actual intelligence, not artificial – emotional connection trumps apps and algorithms every time. This session will explore the theory and evidence supporting an unplugged client experience.

The Keynote is located in the Frontenac Ballroom.

All Dentistry lectures are located in Harbour A/B.

9:15am-10:15am

Periodontal Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment

This lecture will review the pathophysiology of periodontal disease, as well as how to diagnosis and treat based on stage. While highlighting how to communicate all of this to your clients and discussing home care.

10:45am-11:45am

Oral Tumours: Always Biopsy... the Right Way

Epulis is NOT a diagnosis! Biopsy with histopathologic evaluation of all oral masses is recommended as benign, local aggressive and malignant oral masses can all look VERY similar. This lecture will give you all the tips and tricks you need to get great oral biopsies.

1:15pm-2:15pm

Dentoalveolar Trauma: How Not to Miss These

This lecture we review all dental trauma you may see in your patients. This review will include oral examination findings, treatment recommendations, consequences of no treatment and how to communicate this to your clients.

2:30pm-3:30pm

Dental Radiology: The Good, the Bad and the Inconclusive

This lecture will review the GOOD radiographs: both diagnostic and healthy. The BAD: none diagnostic and diseased. And the Inconclusive: the limitations of radiographs.

4:00pm-5:00pm

Tooth Extraction 101: How to Improve Your Technique

This session will review the dos and don’ts of dental extractions. Small adjustments in your technique can make huge improvements in your speed and efficiency.

All Internal Medicine lectures are located in the Frontenac Ballroom.

9:15am-11:45am

Update on the Management of Common Infectious Causes of Diarrhea

In this lecture, Dr. Lappin will review the most common causes of infectious GI diseases in dogs and cats. Emphasis will be placed on diagnostic testing, treatments and prevention. A case-based approach will be used.

1:15pm-3:30pm

Update on Select Flea and Tick-Borne Diseases Common to Canada

In this lecture, Dr. Lappin will review the most common flea and tick-borne diseases in dogs and cats in Canada. Emphasis will be placed on diagnostic testing, treatments and prevention. A case-based approach will be used.

4:00pm-5:00pm

Management of Acute Upper Respiratory Disease in Cats

In this lecture, Dr. Lappin will provide an update on the infectious causes of infectious upper respiratory diseases in cats. Emphasis will be placed on management of the cases.

All Practice Pearls are located in Harbour C.

9:15am-9:45am

Down Dogs: NSAIDS, Steroids, Surgery?

Chris Mariani

The management of dogs that are non-ambulatory can be challenging. Sorting out the responsible body system and coming to a working diagnosis are key steps. Intervertebral disk disease is a common diagnosis in this setting. In this talk, we'll discuss options for medical and surgical treatment for these conditions.

9:45am-10:15am

Dogs on the Move: A Need-to-Know on Canine Import/Export

Maureen Anderson

Help your patients and clients to avoid getting stuck at the border! Get the scoop on current rules for getting various dogs from different countries into Canada, for what dogs need another rabies vaccines after arrival, and for getting dogs from Canada into the U.S. (and back).

10:45am-11:15am

Central vs Peripheral Vestibular Disease - Telling the Difference and Why Does it Matter?

Andrew Barker

Differentiating central and peripheral vestibular disease appears easy in textbooks, however it's often challenging in the real world. Examination techniques for telling them apart, and why it matters for prognosis, therapies, and diagnostics will be discussed.

11:15am-11:45am

Labwork Abnormalities - Breed Does Matter

Jinelle Webb and Stipe Vicente Jelovcic

A cornerstone of the diagnostic process is assessing abnormalities in lab work. However, cats and dogs of certain breeds have parameters that differ from those published. This talk will review common breed-specific anomalies, and how this factors into lab work evaluation.

1:15pm-1:45pm

INS - Getting Calories In: Feeding the Inappetant or Anorectic Cat

Margie Scherk

Ensuring that a patient receives adequate nutrition may require intervention. This session will help you determine which patients need support, how to provide it (oral vs. feeding tube), how to calculate and ensure appropriate nutrition and when support can be discontinued.

1:45pm-2:15pm

Welcoming a New Era of Veterinary Medicine

Brandi Deimling

Over the last 11 years, OVMA has spearheaded crucial legislative reforms, leading to the development of the Veterinary Professionals Act. This session, we’ll delve into the new act and discuss pivotal regulatory framework changes that will help enhance team dynamics within veterinary practices. We’ll explore how these changes aim to elevate standards of care and professional collaboration, ultimately improving the well-being of veterinary professionals, clients and animals. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving veterinary regulatory environment and practical insights into effectively navigating these changes within their practices and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic landscape shaped by the Veterinary Professionals Act.

2:30pm-3:00pm

Is Your Patient a Suitable Candidate for Dialysis, Plasma Exchange or Toxin Removal?

Xiu Ting Yiew

This presentation provides an overview of available extracorporeal treatment modalities in Ontario, and reviews indicating disease processes, patient suitability criteria, and associated costs to guide practitioners and owners in making informed timely patient referrals for these potentially life-saving advanced interventions.

3:00pm-3:30pm

Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) - How Veterinarians Can Help Ontario's At-Risk Turtle Population

Sue Carstairs

OTCC’s CVO-accredited hospital treats 2,000 injured or ill wild turtles a year, with the help of ‘First Responder’ veterinarians across the province. This session will highlight OTCC’s multi-pronged approach to conservation, some “pearls” for treatments and how vet clinics can get involved.

4:00-4:30pm

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF BRACHYCEPHALIC SYNDROME

Howard B Seim III

This session will discuss the management of upper airway obstruction in brachycephalic breeds. Emphasis will be placed on nasoplasty and soft palate resection. A novel technique for nasal planum resection will be discussed. There is compelling evidence suggesting that not all everted laryngeal saccules need to be resected! Videos of clinical cases will be used to illustrate surgical techniques.

4:30pm-5:00pm

Which Eyes Need Pressure Taken?

David Maggs

Although it sounds trite, the answer to the question “Which eye needs its pressure taken?” is "every eye that may have altered intraocular pressure (IOP)! So, those which may have conjunctivitis (IOP is always normal), uveitis (IOP tends to be low) or glaucoma (IOP is elevated). Therefore, tonometry should be performed on any eye that's reddened, has discharge, is painful, has corneal opacity, vision loss, anisocoria or altered PLRs. Having diagnosed uveitis or glaucoma, tonometry is perhaps the most important thing to recheck for adjustments in therapy.

All Equine lectures are located in Pier 7/8.

9:15am-10:30am

Lameness Exam of Today - What do Blocks Really Mean?

This session will be a literature review of recent articles on interpreting the response of diagnostic analgesia.

11:00am-12:00pm

Orthobiologics - What are They, What do we Know?

This session will review the current available products and the scientific literature supporting their use and indications.

1:30pm-2:30pm

Topline Dysfunction - The New Definition of "Back Pain"

We'll discuss how to definitively describe motion, pain and weakness of the core. Advanced palpation skills, treatments, and therapeutic exercises for return to work will also be included.

2:45pm-3:45pm

Neurologic Rehab - Retraining and Rebuilding

In this session, we'll discuss specific neurologic exam findings for rehabilitation considerations, as well as specific exercises geared toward improving strength, mobility, proprioception, ataxia and gait pattering, with a focus on returning to safe ridden work.

4:15pm-5:00pm

Flexor Tendon Injury - Rehab to Save a Career

This session will focus on specific and aggressive techniques for flexor tendon injury recovery with the focus on returning to full athletic function.

Friday's Practice Management lectures are located in Pier 4/5. 

9:15am-10:30am

Tough Talks with the Team: I'd Rather Play with Poop

Communication is key and doesn’t always work to keep the peace. Learn the importance of communication styles through how YOU communicate and want to be communicated to, and how that may not work in sticky situations. Recognizing how others want to be heard will go further when dishing out heard-to-hear feedback.

11:00am-12:00pm

How to Improve Your Practice Culture in the "New Normal" Chaos 

Learn to cultivate a healthy culture in the “New Normal” post-COVID-19 veterinary practice. Assess the damage of the chaotic busy practice life, what damage control needs to be done in the aftermath and find creative ways towards a healthy and efficient team-focused work environment that boosts employee engagement and employee motivation.

1:30pm-2:30pm

Work ON Your Practice Not Just In Your Practice

We go through the process of developing a healthy team with a unified focus. Daily obstacles and distractions are identified, and tools are provided on how to tackle them, including coaching up or coaching out the unhealthy aspects of the practice, and discussing the importance of developing the team and engaging employees.

2:45pm-3:45pm

Put Me in Coach! Developing Your Leadership Team

Identifying capable team members to coach, teach and train to develop the practice. Learn proper delegation techniques and training strategies to equip newly promoted leads, supervisors and managers, setting them up for success in new roles. Discover ways to better leverage staff through leadership development causing a shift in tasks and assignments.

4:15pm-5:00pm

Rehire vs. Retention

Retention is the key focus to be able to retain top talent and decrease turnover. We'll look at four major areas that are the pillars of employee retention including culture and engagement, comprehensive training and development, compensation and financial planning, and total team utilization. Our goal is to keep the team intact!

Interactive Cases to Stimulate Your Thinking

A selection of cases is presented to raise important practical points for patient management. You get to choose from a selection of cases to learn about topics relevant to you.

*Pre-registration is required and additional fees apply.

Masterclass located in Pier 2/3.

The trade show is located in the Metropolitan Ballroom.

The tabletops displays are located in the Harbour Ballroom Foyer.

Join American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) CEO Garth Jordan and President Dr. Scott Driever to learn about the latest research from AAHA that was developed to support the improvement of retention within veterinary practices and simplify your journey toward excellence.  This event is open to registered conference attendees only.

The Luncheon is located in Dockside II. 

Lunch services will be provided in the session room. 

*Pre-registration is required and additional fees apply.

Sponsored by: OVC Health Sciences Centre

Sessions are located in the Marine room. 

Feline Chronic Enteropathy: Do We Need a Diagnosis?

Matthew Kornya

Feline chronic enteropathy encompasses a spectrum of disease ranging from inflammatory bowel disease and food allergies to small cell lymphoma. Differentiating these conditions can be difficult, but do we need to? This session will discuss the role of confirmatory diagnostic testing in feline gastrointestinal disease.

Using Pain Assessment Tools Effectively in Small Animal General Practice

Tiffany Durzi

Chronic pain is a common disease recognized in small animal general practice. How are you and your team assessing and reassessing pain? What tools can you use to help objectively determine whether the pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic therapy you have implemented is making a real difference? This dynamic lunch session will focus on practical tips for assessing chronic pain in dogs and cats. 

Everybody Wins – Expanding Spectrum of Care in General Practice

Sara Ritzie

Nobody wins when clients can’t afford the care their pets need. Join Dr Sara Ritzie to explore how expanding the spectrum of care can uncover solutions which benefit pets, clients, and veterinary teams alike.

Evaluating AI in Veterinary Diagnostics: A Critical Analysis

Ryan Appleby

Delve into the scientific evaluation of AI systems in veterinary diagnostics. Discuss methodologies for assessing AI performance, understanding inherent limitations and mitigating potential risks. Ideal for practitioners interested in the rigorous application of AI in veterinary medicine.

Tipping the Scales: The RVT's Role in Weight Management

Shoshana Verton-Shaw & Adronie Verbrugghe

It's no secret, obesity is the leading cause of malnutrition for our small animal companions. Even a few extra pounds can contribute to a myriad of medical conditions and an overall decreased life expectancy. So, what can we do, as Registered Veterinary Technicians, to help? Nutrition is a team sport, and obesity is no exception. This session will focus on the RVT's role in pet weight management, from the busy RVT wondering how to fit nutrition into an overflowing schedule, to the passionate nutrition nerd wanting to do more with your existing weight loss programs. Join Shoshana as she shares how a team-based approach to weight management can help your patients and clients in even the busiest of practices. 

Current Parasite Issues in Dogs and Cats

Andrew Peregrine

This discussion will focus on the topics I currently receive the most phone calls; management of drug-resistant hookworm infections and “non-responsive Giardia infections”, and appropriate prevention for Echinococcus multilocularis. However, I'm more than willing to discuss any parasite issue!

Practical Approaches to Cancer Surgery in Primary Care Practice

Michelle Oblak

Many cancer surgeries can be performed in primary care practice with the right preparation and knowledge of local anatomy. This session will explore some common approaches to masses, lymph node removal and other procedures of interest to participants including tips and tricks for how to successfully achieve good outcomes with limited resources.

Update on Stem Cells for the Treatment of Early OA as well as Infections in Horses and Dogs

Thomas Koch

Several studies have been conducted at OVC in collaboration with local and international equine and canine practitioners over the past few years. An update on the cells ability to treat synovitis/early OA, as well as bacterial infections including multi-drug resistant infections, will be provided. 

You must be present to win the draw. 

The draw is located at the OVMA Booth in the Exhibit Hall, in the Metropolitan Ballroom.

Interactive Discussions to Stimulate Your Thinking

We often see education geared at the treatment of pain in our patients. One common theme arises however... if we can’t properly diagnose chronic and acute pain, how can we properly treat it?

Join Dr. Danielle Anderson and Dr. Conny Mosley for a fun filled and interactive session of brief to the point sessions discussing the diagnosis of pain, why its important to treat it, and both pharmaceutical and non-traditional treatment options.  We will end the afternoon with a question and answer period to help you feel more confident in diagnosing and treating pain in your patients.

*Pre-registration is required and additional fees apply.

Masterclass located in Pier 2/3.

The cocktail reception is located in the Metropolitan Ballroom. 

Breakfast Bites

Back for another round-up! Join us once again for a rapid-fire look at the good, the bad and the ugly of infectious disease topics from the past year for Ontario veterinarians. Drs. Anderson and Weese will discuss selected studies, outbreaks and guidelines, highlighting some of the latest developments and challenges in infectious diseases.

Breakfast Bites is located in the Frontenac Ballroom.

All Behaviour lectures are located in Harbour A/B.

9:15am-10:15am

Psychopharmacology: Drugs, Natural Supplements and Pheromones. Which One, Where, When and Why?

Take advantage of this lecture, where Dr. Wilson will show you when, where, and why you could choose anti-anxiety medications, natural supplements and/or pheromones. Real-life situations, including success stories and failures, will be used. This information will empower you to implement some tried-and-true scenarios your very next day at work.

10:45am-11:45am

Feline Enrichment: Treating Feline Inappropriate Elimination and Interact Aggression – Yes You Can!

Feline inappropriate elimination is the most common undesirable feline behaviour complaint, the number one reason for relinquishment. Inter-cat aggression can be scary and painful for both the owner and the pet. You will learn the most effective strategies to help these kitties and promote harmony in the client's home. Who knew these feline behaviour complaints had so much in common?

1:15pm-2:15pm

Five Common Behaviour Complaints Masquerading as Medical Issues

Animal behaviour complaints are one of the most common reasons why owners relinquish their pets. Often, these issues can be traced back to an underlying medical condition. Dr. Wilson will discuss the latest research on this topic and present five common behaviour complaints that have medical issues needing diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian.

2:30pm-3:30pm

Distress, Stress, Untidiness – Help! My Clients Are Losing Their Levelheadedness with All This Separation Anxiety Mess!

This excellent overview of canine separation anxiety in dogs will guide the practitioner to understand this common and sometimes overwhelming behaviour concern completely. You will leave with the ability to compile an excellent treatment plan. That’s not all! Separation anxiety can be tricky, so Dr. Wilson will give you some secrets to success that have helped her treat some of the most challenging dogs suffering from this disease.

3:45pm-4:45pm

Canine Aggression: What Never to Do When Dealing with an Aggressive Dog

In this personalized lecture, Dr. Wilson will discuss what to never do when interacting with, treating and discussing canine aggression. This includes addressing the challenging situations involving someone you know. The presentation will cover the most current science-based evidence, leaving you with the confidence needed to address canine aggression effectively and safely for everyone involved.

All Surgery lectures are located in Harbour C. 

9:15am-10:15am

Surgical Management of GDV

This seminar will focus primarily on the surgical management of GDV patients. Video of clinical cases during intraoperative decision making will be presented. We will focus on the authors’ preferred method for gastric derotation and the technical aspects of performing a 15-minute incisional gastropexy. Extensive use of video of clinical cases will give participants a real-life experience.

10:45am-11:15am

The 15-Minute Gastropexy

This session will focus primarily on the authors’ preferred method for gastric derotation and technique for performing an incisional gastropexy in 10-15 minutes. This gastropexy technique can also be used when performing a prophylactic gastropexy. Video of clinical GDV cases will be used to illustrate the technical aspects of derotation and the gastropexy procedure.

11:15am-11:45am

Splenectomy

Years ago, the anatomist suggested that in order to safely remove the spleen the left gastroepiploic artery and vein must be preserved, or the gastric blood supply would be put at risk. We now know this isn't true! I will suggest a way to use this new anatomic information to safely remove the spleen in a non-GDV patient with four (maybe five) ligations. We'll then utilize this new knowledge of anatomy to develop a ‘plan’ to rapidly and safely remove the spleen in a dog that is bleeding to death!

1:15pm-2:15pm

Surgical Management of Canine Calculi

A ‘never fail’ technique for retropulsion of calculi lodged in the urethra of male dogs will be presented. What is your worst cystic calculi nightmare... leaving a stone behind after your cystotomy! This lecture will describe a unique protocol that will eliminate the possibility of leaving a stone behind. Video of clinical cases will be used to illustrate this protocol.

2:30pm-3:30pm

Intestinal Anastomosis

When performing an intestinal resection and anastomosis by yourself (i.e., no assistant to help!), I have several tips that may make the procedure easier for you. I'll suggest several alternative techniques that you can consider incorporating that will likely make this common procedure easier and more predictably successful. Video of clinical cases will be used to illustrate these techniques.

3:45pm-4:15pm

Canine Urethrotomy Surgery

Occasionally calculi completely obstruct the urethra and cannot be retro pulsed into the bladder. A urethrotomy or urethrostomy procedure may be necessary. This session will illustrate the technique used for removal of urethral calculi from male dogs via urethrotomy. The authors’ preferred technique for permanent urethrostomy will also be illustrated. Video of clinical cases will be used to illustrate all surgical techniques.

4:15pm-4:45pm

Anal Sacculectomy: A Novel Approach 

Anal sacculectomy is frequently performed in veterinary practice. It can be tricky to get all the anal sac epithelium and preserve the external anal sphincter muscle and caudal rectal nerve. I'll suggest a ‘novel’ technique that allows the surgeon full control of the perianal anatomy and thus preservation of all vital structures during complete anal sac resection. Video showing this technique in a clinical case will illustrate its potential usefulness in your practice.

All Ophthalmology lectures are located in Pier 2/3.

9:15am-10:15am

Pearls of the Ophthalmic Exam (Top 10 Tips for a Complete Exam)

It is undoubtedly important to know how to treat disease but without a diagnosis, treatment is often ineffective or worse. Fortunately, reaching an ophthalmic diagnosis relies almost completely on performing a thorough ophthalmic examination, which can be done with the simplest of instrumentation. Although historical data may provide essential clues to the diagnosis, ready visualization of almost all parts of the eye means nothing can replace a complete examination. Indeed, never were the famous words “more is missed through not seeing than not knowing” more apt. Fortunately, a thorough and revealing ophthalmic examination in all species is readily performed with just 4 guidelines, 4 skills, and equipment that is almost certainly already in your clinic.

10:45am-11:45am

Doing a Great Retinal Exam – As Easy As “Fundic Mathematics”

The ocular fundus represents a group of tissues that's sometimes challenging to examine and whose lesions are often difficult to interpret. In this session, we'll demonstrate, two potentially novel means for examining the fundus of all animals. The first approach acknowledges that the fundus is a compound structure that can be best understood by “constructing” it and that the fundic exam findings might best be interpreted by “deconstructing” them and considering them in light of those basic elements from which the fundus is composed. Secondly, we'll approach the fundic exam by asking five questions designed to systematically interpret what you're seeing “back there” in a clinically applied and relevant manner.

1:15pm-2:15pm

What's New in Ocular Pharmacology (One Drop or Two)

Should I apply one drop or two? Should I use an ointment or a drop? Do systemically administered drugs reach the eye? Do topically administered drugs reach inside the eye? We'll cover all of these critical principles of ocular pharmacology and run through some of the more commonly used ophthalmic drugs with practical tips on their use in dogs and cats.

2:30pm-3:30pm

My Approach to Non-Healing Corneal Ulcers in Dogs and Cats

When an ulcer hasn’t healed at the first recheck, there's a tendency to throw up our arms and become frustrated. A few golden rules can help us to see that ulcers within this group have actually helped us out in some ways by identifying themselves as “complicated ulcers” with only one of only two to three causes still possible. This discussion will provide a logical approach to turning these potentially frustrating cases into medical success stories in dogs and cats.

3:45pm-4:45pm

Uveitis – It’s Just Intraocular Lymphadenopathy

The uvea contains familiar tissues and cell types (e.g., lymphocytes, smooth muscle and blood vessels), is inflamed by familiar antigens (infectious agents, neoplasia, auto-antigens) and reacts with the five cardinal signs of inflammation seen elsewhere (heat, pain, swelling, etc.). And yet it can be a very confusing disease. This lecture aims to provide aids to diagnosis and therapy of uveitis in dogs and cats by likening it to inflammation elsewhere (because it is more similar than different) while highlighting differences (because these are helpful).

All Equine lectures are located in Pier 7/8.

9:15am-11:45am

The Abnormal Radiographic Findings in Yearling Repository Images and Their Significance for Racing

Survey radiographs are commonly taken of yearlings before or after a sale. As equine veterinarians, it's important to guide our clients in deciding whether these lesions are significant, require surgical intervention or have potential long-term consequences. This presentation will review some common lesions found on these radiographs, their significance, and their potential long-term consequences.

1:15pm-2:15pm

The Outcome of Osteomyelitis Lesion with Joint Involvement in Older Foals – Case Series

The diagnosis and successful treatment of osteomyelitis of hematogenous origin in older foals can be quite challenging, particularly when it's associated with septic arthritis. This presentation will cover the clinical findings of affected foals, the location of the lesions, the treatments administered and the resulting outcomes.

2:30-4:45pm

Review of Various Pathology of the Equine Upper Respiratory Tract and Their Significance and Prognosis

Upper respiratory tract issues in horses can significantly impact their athletic performance. It's crucial to accurately diagnose and understand these conditions to choose the right treatment and determine an accurate prognosis. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the anatomy, common and less common pathologies, as well as their treatment and prognosis.

All Practice Management lectures are located in Pier 4/5.

9:15am-10:15am

Building Emotional Connections

In this session, we’ll go back to basics and look at the bond between clients and their pets. Remembering why people have pets, and appreciating the role they play in the family dynamic, helps us build genuine and strong connections with our clients and reframe ‘difficult’ clients as worried owners.

10:45am-11:45am

Without Trust, There's Nothing

In this session, we’ll look at the fundamental elements of trust: credibility, reliability and intimacy. Personal interactions can’t be outsourced, and they're essential for establishing trust. We’ll explore the roles of ‘social proof’, human instinct and reciprocity in shaping the client experience, driving recommendations and boosting reputations.

1:15pm-2:15pm

Moments of Truth

Several touchpoints on the customer journey happen before an owner speaks to you. It’s crucial that your web and socials amplify your ethos, beginning emotional connection. Potential clients want to see your team and feel that you ‘get it’, they don’t need photos of equipment and reams of sterile copy.

2:30pm-3:30pm

Technology is Transactional, but Humans Need Relational

First contacts and calls with your team need to be warm and supportive, setting the tone for a relationship based on trust. In this session you’ll discover practical ways to ensure messages and calls are managed efficiently and empathically. Operationalizing what you learn today, so you can do well tomorrow.

3:45pm-4:45pm

Listen, Empathize, Personalize

In this session you’ll learn the principles of effective consult communication – helping you find common ground with the client, so the patient receives the best care. The words you use and the way they're delivered affect what the client hears. Trust is only earned when genuine connections are forged.

The trade show is located in the Metropolitan Ballroom.

The tabletops displays are located in the Harbour Ballroom Foyer.

You must be present to win the draw. 

The draw is located at the OVMA Booth in the Exhibit Hall, in the Metropolitan Ballroom.