Program - 2015 Spring Conference

Saturday, April 11, 2015
7:30-8:30am — Registration & Breakfast

  Session I — 8:30 am

Surgery of the Pinna (Pavletic)

Surgery of the pinna is not extensively covered in the veterinary literature despite the fact that trauma and tumors are often associated with this anatomic structure. Moreover, important concepts of the anatomy of the pinna are overlooked in surgery textbooks and articles. Using numerous cases examples, this lecture will discuss simple and advanced surgical techniques for managing traumatic wounds and neoplasms.

Ear Canal Surgery: Do's, Dont's, Complications (Pavletic)

There are 3 basic surgical options for managing ear canal disease: lateral ear canal resection, vertical ear canal resection, and total ear canal ablation. Which of the three techniques should be considered for a given clinical condition? This seminar will discuss case selection guidelines, the basic dos and don’ts and the potential complications associated with ear canal/bulla surgery will be discussed.

Wound Dehiscence: Causes and Management (Pavletic)

Wound dehiscence is one of the most common complications of wound closure. Dehiscence can greatly increase the cost of wound care for the owner and subsequent attempts at wound closure can be frustrating to the attending clinician. Numerous case examples will be used to illustrate key points in preventing and managing this challenging problem.

  Session II - Begins at 1:00 pm

Skin Stretching: A Different Method to Closing Challenging Wounds (Pavletic)

In veterinary medicine, skin stretching is a comparatively new concept in wound closure. There are several stretching technique options that can be used to increase the area of skin for closure of problematic wounds without the need for skin flaps or skin grafts. The physiology of skin deformation and methods that can be effectively used to close wounds, including the use of externally applied “Skin Stretchers” developed by the speaker will be discussed.

Facial Reconstructive Surgery (Pavletic)

Facial trauma and surgical defects secondary to tumor resection present the clinician with the challenge on how to close the wound and restore normal function to the area involved. Concerned pet owners are often worried over the cosmetic outcome to their dog or cat. A variety of closure and reconstructive surgical techniques that can be used to restore function and obtain a reasonable cosmetic outcome will be demonstrated through clinical case presentations.

Nasal Reconstructive Surgery (Pavletic)

Nasal reconstructive surgery is often required after tumor resection or extensive facial trauma to the nasal planum and supportive cartilaginous framework. Damage to the nostrils can have serious implications in the ability of the pet to breathe. We will focus on the techniques that are most useful in managing defects using a series of clinical cases.

Sunday, April 12, 2015
7:30-8:30am — Registration & Breakfast

   Session III — 8:30 am

Otitis Externa: Understanding Cause (Angus)

There are three types of Otitis Externa cases—simple, relapsing, and treatment failure. Our goals and recommendations change based on the clinical history, stage of disease, and response to therapy. Simply chasing the bacteria is rarely effective, does nothing to prevent relapse, and eventually results in treatment failure. This session focuses on common causes of relapsing otitis, the role of bacteria/yeast, and diagnostic/therapeutic goals in management.

Otic Cytology: Best Tool in the Box (Angus)

This session focuses on in clinic cytologic evaluation of otitis externa. Provides specific techniques and guidelines to maximize the value to your practice, patients, and clients. Find out why I perform ear cytology every day, but haven’t performed a bacterial culture of an ear since 2008.

Food Trials & Tribulations: Client Communication Essentials (Angus)

Food allergy is a major cause of otitis externa, but we still don’t have great methods to screen which dogs have food allergies and which dogs don’t. This session reviews key features of an 8-week elimination diet trial, specific recommendations for product selection, and most importantly, focuses on client communication to maximize successful completion.

   Session IV-Begins at 1:00 pm

Psuedomonas Otitis: What to do When Nothing Works (Angus)

This approach to Pseudomonas otitis goes well beyond antibiotic selection and choosing the right eardrops. Focuses on understanding why Pseudomona otitis is so difficult to manage and provides a step-by-step approach to resolving intractable otitis externa/media. Will include discussion of video-otoscopic techniques to improve outcome.

In Clinic Ear Flush and Owner Instructions for Home Care (Angus)

Do’s and Don’ts of awake ear flush procedures both in clinic and at home. Develop a system with your staff to get good results, provide medical benefit, and improve client satisfaction. Reviews product selection for home care and maintenance for chronic otitis externa.

When to Call it Quits and call a Surgeon (Angus) 

Questions and answers.