Presenter: Sandra Wiltshire, AAS, BS, RMT, LVT, CVPM

This presentation is appropriate for all members of the veterinary team.

This presentation will be an overview of the necessary components and training
required to be in complete compliance with federal OSHA regulations.  Also the
new International OSHA regulations, their implementation as well as the impact
on your practice’s current overall plan will be addressed.

This course WILL discuss the planned implementations for 2016 and beyond.

This will satisfy the New York State 2 hour requirement for licensure renewal.

Presenter: NYSAVT Board

Presenter: Jennifer Grady-Holmes

Alternative Options: The principles of hospice and palliative care will be identified and outlined.  Practical application of hospice services will be discussed as well as evaluation of the patient's quality of life, client involvement, and anticipatory grief.  Caring for the caregiver and identifying signs of compassion fatigue will also be reviewed. 

1- Attendees will learn the philosophy and practice of veterinary hospice

2-Attendees will learn components of setting up a hospice service

3- Attendees will learn to ways to assess comfort and quality of life  

4- Attendees will learn to identify and potentially prevent compassion fatigue

Presenter: Laura H. Javsicas, V.M.D, Diplomate ACVIM

"Assessment of Equine Abdominal Diseases"

Diagnostic tests used to assess equine abdominal diseases will be described. Case examples will be used to demonstrate applications of these tests. 

Objectives:

- To gain a better understanding of what diagnostic tests are available and when they should be used. 

Assessment of Equine Thoracic Diseases

Diagnostic tests used to assess equine thoracic diseases will be described. Case examples will be used to demonstrate applications of these tests. 

Objectives:

- To gain a better understanding of what diagnostic tests are available and when they should be used. 

Dr. Javsicas grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA, where she enjoyed riding hunters and jumpers. She received a BA in Biology from Cornell University, where she was co-captain of the equestrian team. Dr. Javsicas then returned to Philadelphia to attend veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a classmate of Dr. Jim Nutt. After receiving her VMD in 2004, she did a one-year internship at the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, KY, which furthered her interest in critical care medicine and neonatology.  Dr. Javsicas then completed a three-year residency in equine internal medicine at the University of Florida.  Following her residency, she stayed on at the University of Florida as a member of the faculty. In 2009, she moved to Saratoga Springs, where she worked at an equine clinic providing in-hospital internal medicine services and general ambulatory care until joining Rhinebeck Equine in 2013.

Dr. Javsicas is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Large Animal Medicine and has special interests in neonatology, ultrasonography, cardiology, gastrointestinal diseases and emergency/critical care medicine.

Dr. Javsicas enjoys riding, hiking, kayaking, cooking, and traveling. She lives in Red Hook with her husband, David, the special education coordinator at Troy Prep Charter School, and their young son.

Presenter: Heidi Reuss-Lamky, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia, Surgery)

This 3 hour session will include 3 topics

Canine Elbow Dysplasia

Canine elbow dysplasia (CED) is a common cause of forelimb lameness in young, large breed dogs.  Learn the clinical signs, best diagnostic tests, current surgical treatments and prognosis for the various causes of CED during this 1-hour presentation.  Other potential causes of forelimb lameness in dogs will also be discussed

Upper Airway Disease

Managing the care of patients with upper airway disease can be challenging for the veterinary technician. Some of the most common manifestations of upper airway disease include brachycephalic airway syndrome and laryngeal paralysis.  Diagnosis and surgical treatment options as well as patient management tips for these difficult cases will be discussed during this 1-hour presentation.

Beating the Bugs, Sterilization is Instrumental

The responsibility of surgical instrument care is often thrust upon veterinary technicians.  During this 1-hour presentation, learn the science behind and importance of proper surgical instrument processing, including the role of ultrasonic cleaning devices and appropriate use of steam sterilization.  Various methods to assure quality control during the sterilization process are also discussed in detail. This information is beneficial for those wanting to ensure they are following industry standards regarding proper sterilization practices, or interested in pursuing a surgical specialty through the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians.  Lecture content identical to AVST Advanced Surgical Skills: Surgical Instrument Care and Sterilization. 

Presenter: Jennifer Grady-Holmes

Global Assessment: This lecture outlines the principles of triage with a main focus on the ABC's of assessment.  Evaluation of the respiratory, cardiac, and neurologic patient is discussed in detail, including methods for treatment and emergency stabilization.

1- Attendees will learn principles of triage

2-Attendees will learn techniques to evaluate the ABC's in emergency assessment

3-Attendees will be able to identify signs of respiratory failure, cardiac failure and neurologic emergencies

4-Attendees will be able to prepare and assist with life-saving treatment interventions

Be sure to hang around after session Saturday, visit with our vendors and supporters and have a chance to win great raffle and auction prizes!

Spring Seminar wouldn't be possible without the support of our industry sponsors and participants. Please be sure to visit each of them to find out how they are making a difference.

Presenter: Garnetta Santiago, MA, LVT

Increased diversity and demographic shifts in the United States impact all aspects of life, including veterinary medicine. How we adapt to those changes and integrate new cross-cultural approaches to a significantly more diverse client base has a direct impact on the quality of medicine for patients, quality of service for clients and the community; and professional performance of veterinary technicians.

Cultural competency is defined as “knowledge about specific groups (e.g., history, values, and beliefs) that fosters positive attitudes toward an increasingly diverse client base and the development of meaningful policies and practices that assist in providing high quality veterinary services.” (Tom Kendall, Diversity in Veterinary Medicine: A Professional Imperative: Diversity and Changing Demographics: How They Will Affect Veterinary Medicine, JVME, 2004)

This presentation will explore the impact of trends in demographic shifts, and through case scenarios, explore some of the hurdles to overcome as we progress towards operating in a more culturally sensitive environment. We’ll discuss issues surrounding assumptions, nuances of cultural differences, lack of experience, the influence of geography, and other key topics, all with the goal of empowering veterinary technicians to cultivate engagement aptitudes that reflect greater appreciation for the increasingly diverse communities we serve. 

Outcomes:

1. Evaluate the integrated relationship between diversity, inclusion, the practice of veterinary medicine and the role of the veterinary technician;
2. Discuss the importance of possessing and applying emotional intelligence;
3. Discuss the significance of cultivating an attitude of willingness in order to grow cultural competency

Presenter: Julie Squires

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)  or Tapping has been around for over two decades but most recently has gained appeal as research with PTSD sufferers such as veterans, Rwandan genocide survivors and Sandy Hook children and parents has come to light. Chronic stress is at the root of many disorders including compassion fatigue and is no stranger to veterinary medicine. EFT is a method whereby tapping on certain acupressure points on the skin is coupled with focusing on a specific stressful or negative situation in your life. The result? A balances between the sympathetic and parasympathetic regions of your brain, producing “a neutral emotional state,” the gold standard of health and wellness. This session will expose you to the science and research behind EFT as well as practicing the method yourself in a safe and non-threatening environment. 

Objectives

1. Understand the impact that chronic stress has on our physical health and why incorporating practices to reduce stress is critical to our wellbeing and career sustainability.  

2. Learn how to administer this easy-to-do technique  that has been used to reduce anxiety, depression, PTSD, physical pain, trauma-related stress and even aid in weight loss.  

3. Apply tapping to real-life situations and experience shifts in stress levels. 

Presenter: Lorelei Tibbetts

This 3 hour session will offer 2 topics

Spaying and Neutering of Small Mammals

This presentation will cover all aspects of why and how we spay and neuter small exotic mammals.  It will discuss common reasons for spaying and neutering as well as the differences in how technicians should handle this common procedure.  It will review the options for analgesia and anesthesia and peri-operative nursing techniques.

Nursing Care Down Below

Veterinary Technicians spend a huge amount of their time caring for and and managing problems of the urogenital tracts and the undersides of exotic animals. Part one of this presentation will focus on urogenital issues of exotic mammals.  It will include commonly treated problems such as urine scalding, dystocia, diarrhea, papillomatosis, trauma, parasite infestation, syphilis, and more.  It will cover the etiology of these problems and how to address the nursing concerns technicians are faced with.   Nursing Care Down Below part 2 Part 2 will focus on birds and reptiles and the unique problems they face with their urogenital problems.  Topics will include egg binding, tumors, prolapses (oviductal, cloacal, and colon), hemipene issues, impactions, abscesses, and more.  The etiology of these problems and how technicians can best address their nursing concerns will all be covered.