2015 MAVT Convention Session titles and descriptions
2015 MAVT Convention Session titles and descriptions
Acid base disorders in calves - Acid-base disorders in calves are a common problem. This lecture will
give an overview of the presenting signs, best diagnostics to use and the recommended therapy options.
Addison's Disease - We often see this on differential lists, but what is it and how do we recognize,
diagnose and treat it? Go through the electrolyte changes that occur with Addison’s disease, the test
procedures used for diagnosis and treatment options for both acute and chronic presentations.
Analgesia for “Blockheads”— Dental Nerve Blocks for Technicians - This presentation provides
attendees with detailed instruction (including video demonstrations) on how to perform various dental
nerve blocks in dogs and cats using nerve-friendly techniques. Discussion includes maxillary, middle
mental, infraorbital and mandibular nerve blocks, as well as potential complications and precautions
necessary to successfully perform the blocks.
Anesthesia Ventilators 101 - Many practices may at some point find it necessary to provide temporary
or short-term ventilatory support for their patients. Learn the basic principles behind ventilatory support
during this 1-hour presentation utilizing mechanical ventilation with the Hallowell® 2000 Anesthesia
Ventilator as a demonstration model. Capnogram interpretation and troubleshooting tips will also be
discussed.
Avian Pharmacology Review for Technicians – An overview of medications used in avian medicine and
the reasons for their use. Discussion will include common avian diseases and reasons for drug choices.
Avian Wound Management – Begins with a discussion of wound classification and wound healing
theory. Examples and discussion of avian specific wound challenges and techniques. Ends with a
discussion of wound healing materials and medications.
Backyard Chickens: A technicians guide to pet fowl - Urban chickens are becoming more and more
popular in many communities across the country. Because these birds are viewed as pets and not food,
their owners often seek out veterinary care when they are sick or injured. Are you prepared to work
with chickens? Learn what is essential when handling and treating these backyard fowl.
Beating the ‘Bugs’—Sterilization is Instrumental - The responsibility of surgical instrument care is often
thrust upon veterinary technicians. During this 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.
Being a Patient Advocate for Research Animals - This lecture focuses on the importance of animal
health technicians in the research field. We will discuss proper patient care and animal welfare. We will
also discuss laws pertaining to appropriate use of research animals and discuss compassion fatigue in
the research setting.
Blood Collection in Lab Animal Species - From fish and birds to tiny rodents and cows, working in
research can throw a technician a curve ball when biological sample are necessary. This lecture will
discuss various and specialized methods for collecting blood in a variety of species.
Blood work - what the test tests for and how to begin to fix the abnormal - What do the blood work
results tell us, what is relevant to our patient and how do we begin to fix what they indicate is wrong.
Canine Lyme borreliosis (aka Lyme Disease): Biology, Disease, Diagnostics and Prevention - The last 20
years has seen an explosion in tick populations across the US with a subsequent increase in tick
transmitted disease in dogs. In many states, black-legged ‘deer’ tick populations have increased and
these ticks can infect dogs, humans and other mammals with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial agent of
Lyme disease. Multiple diagnostic testing companies/facilities can assist you in detecting whether a dog
has made antibodies to B. burgdorferi. Similarly, Lyme disease in dogs is the only tick-transmitted
disease in the US where prevention is available by means of vaccination. Tick control is known to be
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2015 MAVT Convention Session titles and descriptions
important but how fast is “fast enough” when it comes to tick-killing speed? In growing numbers, petowners have either had Lyme disease or know someone who has had Lyme disease and increasingly
“challenge” veterinarians and staff about diagnostic, treatment and prevention options for their dogs.
This talk will review the foundational aspects of what is known about canine Lyme borreliosis with the
goal of providing the veterinarian a framework from which to build his or her overall management plan.
Cytology Slides: Putting your best smear forward – This is a refresher course on how to make the
different cytology smears to get the best diagnostic results.
Decision Making at End of Life - When companion animals with life limiting disease enter their end of
life (EoL) stage, there is a need to reach out and remove communication barriers between doctors and
pet owners to improve decision making. Clients may experience insensitivity from reception staff on the
telephone; get put on hold for too long; wait as records get located; or trouble booking appointments.
The brisk attitude of a receptionist or an officious office manager can extinguish a client’s return. If they
are rushed or get only a 10-minute office visit, it is impossible to think of everything they need to say.
Clients often leave with unsaid details that might impact patient care. Clients often fail to receive
compassion and valuable practical wisdom and personalized advice that they so desperately need to
make informed decisions for their EoL pets. They often feel alone with little guidance for their problem
so they ask Dr. Google to help make decisions.
Demystifying Lab Animal Medicine: What we do and why. - One of the least understood specialties in
veterinary medicine is laboratory animal medicine. This lecture will focus on the “what” and “why” we
do commonly asked questions by the public and non-research orientated veterinary professional. A
focus on careers in lab animal medicine will also be discussed. A good portion of the lecture will be
dedicated to Q &A.
Diabetes Mellitus - One of the most difficult things to teach clients is how to manage a diabetic at
home. They are usually unprepared for the changes this can make to their and their pets lives. Learn
how to effectively teach clients how best to manage this new phase of both of their lives.
Diagnostic Techniques for Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Dogs and Cats - Intestinal parasites take
advantage of the veterinary patient, causing a variety of unpleasant symptoms (diarrhea, flatulence,
vomiting, anemia, coughing, even sometimes death), symptoms for which the pet owner presents the
pet to the veterinary practice for diagnosis and care. This presentation reviews and updates the
audience’s knowledge on some of the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs and cats,
including protists and helminths. This presentation provides details on diagnosis, life cycle, treatment
options, and evaluates the strengths and limitations of diagnostic techniques currently employed to
identify gastro-intestinal infections.
EHV-1 Myeloencephalopathy: What Do Veterinary Professionals, Horse Owners, and Event Organizers
Need to Know? - In the spring of 2014, a small outbreak of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy resulted in the
serious illness and death of several horses in the Twin Cities area, and also affected training, travel, and
show plans for horse owners throughout the region. This presentation will review important aspects of
disease biology, typical clinical signs of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy, isolation and medical management
of affected horses, and biosecurity measures that event organizers and horse owners can use to reduce
the risk of EHV-1 transmission at home and at horse events.
Emergency equine anesthesia - This lecture will discuss the pre- peri- and post operative considerations
necessary for anesthetizing the emergent equine patient and ways to insure a safe and positive
outcome.
Emergency Triaging: Back to the basics - Discussion of basic tips for triaging emergent patients followed
by some case examples.
Feeding Tube Management and Complications - We’ve finally gotten a feeding tube in that anorexic
patient. What challenges are yet in store for you? We’ll cover typical management issues as well as
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2015 MAVT Convention Session titles and descriptions
common complications. Learn how to treat and more importantly how to avoid many of these issues
encountered in feeding tube use.
Four On-The-Spot Steps for Helping Clients Facing Euthanasia - Are you ever at a loss for what to say or
how to help a grieving client? Individuals often experience a range of intense emotions when faced with
the news that their beloved pet is nearing the end of their life, and it can be hard to know how to help.
Lisa Havelin MA, MFA, LAMFT has supported thousands of clients facing euthanasia and she will share 4
fundamental steps for how to connect with clients - what to say and how to avoid making some typical
mistakes when talking with clients who are in distress.
Hepatic Lipidosis - Hepatic lipidosis is the most common form of liver disease seen in cats. Just because
it’s common doesn’t mean it isn’t serious or that it can’t be treated. Learn what changes occur in the
liver to cause lipidosis, common complications and what treatments provide the best outcome for our
patients.
How to Set Up a Hospice Service in Your Clinic: Creating Your Own Hospice/Pawspice Team - Every
practitioner who cares about the human-animal bond should consider building a team for
Hospice/Pawspice care services in their own veterinary clinic. Pawspice clients often express emotions
of worry, disappointment, fear, sadness, anxiety, and anticipatory grief. Many v-team members find it
difficult to engage in an area of practice that would encounter a high rate of communications skills
needed to deal with clients who are struggling with their pet's end of life care issues. The Pawspice care
team must be ready and comfortable helping to provide supportive emotional care for the people and
supportive end of life palliative care for the patients. Therefore, is important to first of all help dispel
some old myths and refute the reasons why many members of the v-team feel reluctant to work with
dying patients. We must also dispel the notions that we should avoid discussing the poor prognosis. We
must be able to compassionately communicate how the end of life journey will unfold with family
members of terminal patients as we support their quality of life with palliative medicine.
Joint Taps and Sample Evaluation - A review of techniques for joint fluid collection, laboratory
assessment, and result interpretation. This lecture will also review novel biomarkers available, beyond
traditional cytology, which can help aide in the diagnosis of septic joints in the horse.
Keep current amidst the controversies of nutritional myths and misconceptions - Description Clients
have so many questions about choosing the best foods for their pets. They bring myths and
misconceptions, information from their favorite website or magazine filled with raking systems praising
pet food products and trashing others. This discussion will offer resources and an approach to sort
through information and talk with clients about choosing a great food for their pet.
LA Field anesthesia – Discussion of the special considerations necessary for equine anesthesia in the
field. This will include discussion of protocols, blocks and other pertinent concerns.
Learn to lead in your clinic - I will be covering requirements, advantages and disadvantages of the job.
I will be discussing how to gain a position in leadership. We will be discussing individual situations faced
by those in leadership in the audience. I will be covering appropriate behavior of a leader. We will
discuss job descriptions of a lead technician. We will discuss creation and implementation of a job
description. I will cover working with difficult personalities and influencing team culture.
Management of the critical Camelid neonate - An overview of the common presentations of the
camelid neonate to a referral hospital. The possible differential diagnosis, diagnostic recommendations
and treatment recommendations for the most common conditions.
Massage Therapy - Massage Therapy is a systematic, scientific based, hands on therapy that can help
the majority of the animals that you deal with on a daily basis. Tracey will discuss the fundamentals of
animal massage including the therapeutic benefits, indications and contraindications. You will be able
to leave the seminar with the necessary skills to start incorporating it into your day to day experiences
as a veterinary technician. This will not only allow you to help your patients that much more, but to also
grow your skills and be more marketable in this profession.
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2015 MAVT Convention Session titles and descriptions
Oh the places you will go - I will be covering professionalism, resume creation, career advancement and
social media in the workplace. I will detail career opportunities in veterinary medicine. We will be
discussing common difficult situations in veterinary employment and their resolutions. I will attempt to
impart good rules of conduct in the very small world of veterinary medicine.
Oh, Sew Easy - Understanding Suture Materials - Suture selection is a crucial and integral factor to
ensuring successful surgical outcomes. Suture materials are considered surgical implants because they
remain inside in the patient’s body upon discharge. Suture material choices must be based on the
anticipated wound healing times and tissue types as well as considerations unique to each patient.
Using the wrong suture material may lead to unintended consequences such as wound dehiscence,
abscess formation or tissue reaction. This session will enable veterinary technicians to understand the
basis for suture material selection and usage.
Ostrich Syndrome: Conflict Management vs. Conflict avoidance - Part 1 and 2 - Healthcare team
members must learn to confront conflict pragmatically and with integrity. Conflict is inevitable,
although often avoided, ignored or mishandled. Oftentimes the avoidance of a volatile situation is
considered conflict management. When ignored or handled poorly, conflict is divisive, erosive and
destructive. When managed effectively, conflict can lead to problem solving, better solutions and
stronger relationships. Effective conflict management centers around understanding and addressing
conflict. This presentation will engage the participants in a journey toward effective conflict
management.
Pain Management in the Research Setting - This lecture will focus on the ever-evolving topic of pain
management in a variety of common research species. This will be an interactive lecture with case
scenarios based on protocol limitations of certain types of pain medications such as NSAIDS.
Persuasion and Over Treatment - Pet owners feel committed to care for their pets with loyalty at the
end of life. The diagnosis of cancer, its treatment and its recurrences and relapses will become a more
common clinical dilemma. We will interact with specialists and advanced technology more often in
every day practice. What can generalists do to prevent the over-treatment of their patients at
emergency clinics and veterinary cancer referral center? The family veterinarian is obligated to refer
cancer patients for overnight care at the local emergency facility and for specialty oncology
consultations. Clients will find their own way to a specialist or expert even if they are not given a direct
referral by their family veterinarian. So what can be done to prevent over-treatment at a VCRC? How
can the family practice veterinarian communicate concern without appearing selfish or over protective
or backward? There is no perfect path and no perfect choice. This paper offers suggestions for decision
making and weighing probabilities to prevent overtreatment when the odds are contradictory.
(Villalobos, AVMA Ethics 2007)
Platelet Rich Plasma in Equines - An overview of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), a novel therapeutic
frequently used in equine lameness for tendon and ligament disorders. Learn more about the cellular
mechanism of action, methods of in-house processing, and various PRP research available evaluating the
efficacy of PRP.
Practical ways to maintain a supportive relationship after euthanasia - Do you sometimes feel
awkward when you are faced with talking to a client in the days or weeks following a euthanasia? Do
you ever have a hard time knowing what to say or how to help? In this session you will learn skills and
techniques that are helpful for when you next see a client following the death of their pet. We’ll prepare
you with helpful words and also discuss the language to avoid. We will present ways your clinic can set
up supportive practices so clients are bonded to your clinic even more after this experience.
Professional Updates at the State and National Level - Find out what's happening with your veterinary
technician profession! The latest information regarding the Practice Act, certification guidelines, and
MAVT will be discussed at the State level. Nationally in the past year a number of major events have
occurred to bring more education, services and prominence to the Veterinary Technician profession.
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2015 MAVT Convention Session titles and descriptions
During this session we will cover: what's been happening in our profession over the last couple years,
what's predicted for the near future and beyond, an exciting behind-the-scenes look at what NAVTA's
been doing and planning for its members, your input: vote on the key items we should be focusing on in
the coming months, and a Q&A open forum to ask your burning questions about the profession
Rabies, Pt 1 - An overview of everything you need to know about rabies to understand the why behind
recommendations such as confining and observing a dog for 10 days after they bite and for 45 days after
something bites them. Rabies myths will be busted!
Rabies, Pt 2 – It will cover new Minnesota Rabies Rules that became effective in April 2013; what factors
to consider when assessing rabies risk in animals and people; how to handle bat exposures and animal
bites; and how to keep yourself safe.
Small ruminant anesthesia - Anesthesia of goats, sheep and camelids will be the topic of this lecture. It
will include discussion of protocol decisions based on sensitivity of the patient, monitoring and
positioning necessary for these patients.
Snort, Grunt, Oink - What to feed the Pot Bellied Pig - Potbellied pigs living as pets in a family home are
on the rise. Subsequently, it is paramount that healthcare team members understand proper nutrition
for potbellied pigs and communicate this effectively to the pet owner. This session will look at the key
nutritional factors for potbellied pigs and how nutrition plays a role in decreasing some of the more
common nutrition related disease conditions in pigs.
Talking with clients, helping your patients. Tackle the common client questions about nutrition. Technicians often field the ‘first line’ of nutrition questions which can be challenging to answer. Explore
some of the top tools and resources to make talking to clients about nutrition easier and fun. This will be
an interactive session.
Technicians Take Charge! Seize Opportunities to be a Nutritional Advocate - Description Explore the
unique ways and roles the technician plays as a nutrition advocate. Apply practical tips and tools to
leverage what already occurs in wellness exams and enhance the nutritional care of your patients. Take
a look at some strategies for the whole team to make nutrition a success, and avoid commonly missed
opportunities. It’s easy to become discouraged when you encounter some of the predictable challenges.
Improve patient care when everyone plays an important role to send the same message to clients.
The Aquatic Lab Animal Model Anesthetic Patient - Amphibians have always been a staple animal
model, but their importance and use is now increased along with fish. Anesthetizing these species is
tricky and an important skill to know. This lecture will focus on best practice methods on premedicating, inducing, monitoring and recovering these water-loving animals.
The Blood Parasites: Another Reason to Look at Blood Smears – This session will help you improve
your ability to recognize blood parasites that can be seen on a blood smear.
The Fine Art of Art(erial) Lines - This presentation provides all the necessary information for technicians
to become proficient using arterial catheters. Discussion includes step-by-step instructions on how to
place, maintain, and use arterial catheters for blood gas draws and direct blood pressure monitoring, as
well as precautions and potential complications associated with their use.
The Pain Stops Here: Loco-regional Anesthetic Techniques - This informative presentation covers
numerous loco-regional anesthetic techniques and includes detailed instructions (via video
demonstrations) on how to perform each technique. Some of the techniques discussed include brachial
plexus, BIER, RUM (ring), intercostal, intra-articular and intratesticular blocks, epidural analgesia, pain
catheters, use of lidocaine patches and much more!
Toxoplasmosis: Cats, Rats, and Latent Infections in Humans - Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent
of toxoplasmosis. While only cats serve as a definitive host for the sexual cycle of T. gondii, a wide
variety of mammals and birds serve as facultative intermediate hosts. Zoonotic infections in pregnant
women and immunocompromised people can cause serious consequences, but recent research has
shown that even latent tissue infections in humans with normally functioning immune systems are not
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2015 MAVT Convention Session titles and descriptions
as innocuous as previously thought. This presentation reviews the life cycle, epidemiology, diagnosis and
recently published research regarding related to Toxoplasma gondii infections in animals and humans.
Transfusion Medicine - When preparing for a transfusion, what is most important for you to know?
Learn about blood typing and cross matching, component therapy and common complications
associated with transfusions.
Understanding Capnography—It’s Breathtaking! - Measuring end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) utilizing
infrared technology was first introduced by Luft in 1943. Since that time, it has evolved into an essential
component for monitoring patients in a variety of clinical settings such as throughout the perianesthetic episode, during long-term ventilation, or in an emergency room setting. Learn about various
methods used to measure ETCO2 as well as the pros and cons associated with each method.
Troubleshooting capnograms will also be discussed.
Universal Human-Animal Bond Scale: Explained from A-Z - There is a need to help veterinary students,
DVM’s and all animal caregivers to understand the reality of how animals are regarded globally. It can
be shocking when one encounters the realities of localities as they exist for animals in various societies.
While writing my contribution to the CE Course for the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, I created a
much needed Universal Human-Animal Bond Scale. It shows levels of attachment from 0-10. Then on
those levels, the scale asks readers to score from 0-10 their perceived levels of devotion, concern, value
and responsibility for all animals, including, insects, pests, predators and invasive species. It provides an
arbitrary score of 0 to 50 at each level of attachment and asks people to assign their own scores on how
animals of all species are regarded by society on a global basis. The U-HAB Scale is an expanded look at
the human-animal bond…all on one page on a worldwide basis. It reminds one to be mindful of our
shared environment in the One Health model
Veterinary Forensics: a fledgling discipline - where you like it or not! - Hard data regarding animal
abuse are impossible to come by but anecdotal evidence suggests that the incidence and reporting (or
both) of animal abuse have steadily increased. We as veterinarians (clinicians or pathologists) are
obliged by the veterinary oath to protect animals from abuse. There is a lack of training opportunities
for veterinarians to engage in forensic medicine and pathology. For this presentation, we searched the
databank of the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for animal abuse cases and select cases will
be reviewed.
Walking through a client-present euthanasia: Helping pet owners have a peaceful experience - Are
you finding that some of the most difficult appointments in your clinic are euthanasia appointments? Do
these experiences sometimes leave you feeling drained and with the feeling that you weren’t able to
support the client as much as you wanted? If so, join us for this session where we’ll “walk through” the
euthanasia experience through the eyes and experiences of the client, to see where you and your clinic
can improve processes to help support your clients better.
What is the Role of Veterinarians in Animal Cruelty Investigations?- Panel Presentation - To highlight
key aspects of animal cruelty investigations that requires willing participation by veterinarians. Although
veterinarians bring expertise in animal behavior, minimum standards of care for specific species, and
pathology, most lack training in forensics specific to these investigations and the link to human abuse.
This discussion will increase awareness of this issue. Veterinarians attending the presentation will
recognize the value in seeking training to strengthen their roles in these investigations, and serving as
advocates for animal welfare for law enforcement.
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