Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs: Targeted Therapeutics and Practical Management

Brought to you by Ceva

Acute onset pancreatitis is common in dogs and presents diagnostic as well as management challenges. Patients are uncomfortable, their owners uncertain, and even veterinarians can be unsure of the best way to proceed with these cases. This presentation will review the latest updates in diagnosis and examine the current recommendations for managing this illness, including the research behind traditional supportive care and the newest targeted therapeutics. Presentation of a case study will illustrate how all of the current research can come together in daily veterinary practice. 

Strengthening the Barrier: The Impact of Ophytrium on Your Dermatology Patients

This presentation will review the skin’s physical, microbiological, and immunological barriers, especially as they relate to common allergic skin diseases in the dog and cat. The scientific evidence supporting the action of Ophytrium, a natural ingredient derived from Ophiopogon japonicus, on the skin barriers will be presented.

Purrfect under Pressure: Feline Hypertension Diagnosis and Management

Feline hypertension is a common condition and can lead to serious target organ damage if left untreated. This session will explore best practices for diagnosing and managing this disease, including best practices for successful blood pressure measurement and introducing the newest treatment option, formulated specifically for cats.

Speaker: Klarissa Ligon, DVM

Dr. Klarissa Ligon is a Technical Veterinary Consultant with extensive experience spanning clinical practice, practice ownership, industry, and strategic veterinary engagement. A proud alumna of the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, she has dedicated her career to advancing high-quality veterinary care while fostering strong, trusted relationships within the veterinary community.

Prior to her current consulting role, Dr. Ligon successfully owned and operated a small animal hospital in coastal Virginia, which she sold in 2019. She has since held roles with respected organizations including NVA, Western Veterinary Partners, The Farmer’s
Dog, and Ceva Animal Health, where she contributed to both clinical innovation and practice-focused business solutions across the companion animal space.

A native Floridian, Dr. Ligon now resides in coastal Florida with her husband and two Chinese Shar Pei. Outside of her consulting work, she enjoys boating, spending time at the beach, and picking up shifts in a veterinary emergency practice.

Thur PM Session ( 1-4 pm)

Brought to you by IDEXX

Fever of Unknown Origin: What Should I do Next?

Review of how to approach FUO and some interesting case examples that make you go hmmmm…

Exposed! Why Exposure to Infected Ticks Is Just the Beginning 

Review when to screen dogs for tick-borne diseases (TBD), what to do with the results when you get them, and what to do differently with exposed/infected dogs for subsequent yearly exams.  

How to Improve Your Diagnostic Skills 

Things I wish they would have taught me in vet school! Understanding how our brains work, mistakes we love to make, and how to avoid them! 

Speaker: Dr. Adam Birkenheuer,  Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine)