January 30, 2025 at 8:15 a.m. — January 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
The Future-Ready Mind: Three Ways to Rethink the World for Resilience, Belonging, and Innovation
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
January 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m
Networking Break
January 30, 2025 at 9:15 a.m
Breakout Sessions
January 30, 2025 at 9:15 a.m
Small Animal Program: Dermatology
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.
Speaker:
Anthony YuBSc, DVM, MS, DACVD
January 30, 2025 at 9:15 a.m
Small Animal Program: Neurology
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.
Speaker:
Chris Mariani DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Neurology)
January 30, 2025 at 9:15 a.m
Small Animal Program: Feline
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.
10:45 am-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. Hypertension 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.
Speaker:
Margie Scherk DVM, DABVP (Feline Practice)
January 31, 2025 at 8:00 a.m
OVMA Awards Ceremony
The OVMA Golden Lifetime Membership Award will be presented to Dr. Stephen Ball.
The award presentation is located in the Frontenac Ballroom.
January 31, 2025 at 8:00 a.m
The Client Experience, Unplugged
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.
Speaker:
Alison Lambert BVSc, CMRS
January 31, 2025 at 9:15 a.m
Breakout Sessions
January 31, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. — January 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Small Animal Program: Dentistry
All Dentistry lectures are located in Harbour A/B.
9:15 am-10:15 am
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.
Speaker:
Amy Thomson DVM, DAVDCert BVSc, CMRS
January 31, 2025 at 9:15 a.m
Small Animal Program: Internal Medicine
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.
Speaker:
Michael Lappin DVM, PhD, DACVIM
February 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m
OVMA Awards Ceremony
The OVMA Award of Merit will be presented to Dr. Macgregor Spinks.
The award presentation is located in the Frontenac Ballroom.
February 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m
Infectious Disease Round Up 2025
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.
February 1, 2025 at 9:00 a.m
Networking Break
February 1, 2025 at 9:15am-10:15am
Small Animal Program: Behaviour
All Behaviour lectures are located in Harbour A/B.
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.
Speaker:
Colleen Wilson BSc., DVM, Diplomate, ACVB