Live CE for Veterinarians & Veterinary Technicians

This session covers the essential practical skills needed to confidently manage rabbit patients in general practice. We will go through when and how to safely use sedation, tips for venipuncture and catheter placement, and how to build a minimal database without overhandling. Attendees will receive a clear overview of radiographic positioning that produces diagnostic images, quick interpretation tips for common lab patterns and errors, and a real-world discussion of medication routes and drug choices; focusing on what to use, what to avoid, and why. Designed as a foundational lecture, this session emphasizes efficient diagnostics, safe drug administration, and practical workflow to set the stage for successful case management.

Upper airway respiratory emergencies are some of the most intimidating cases that veterinary practitioners treat. The critical need for patent airway establishment and oxygen delivery, the very apparent distress these patients are in, and the need to move quickly through treatment contribute to stressors on the team. Complicating factors include limited ability to perform initial diagnostics safely, skilled surgical accessibility, and costs of care. Learn how a criticalist approaches these cases when time is of the essence, finances are a factor, and a skilled surgeon is difficult or impossible to come by. You’ll learn when to intubate, how to manage tricky intubations, controlled and slash tracheostomy techniques, nasotracheal oxygen administration, and how to perform a palatopexy. We’ll also discuss in-hospital care of these patients, such as when and how to extubate, when to re-intubate, and tracheostomy tube care and management.

Controlled substance recordkeeping isn’t just a regulatory requirement – it’s a critical safeguard for your veterinary practice. In Part 2 of the controlled substance series, we dive into the essential “what, why, and how” of controlled drug documentation. From understanding the DEA inspection process to identifying common recordkeeping violations, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to stay compliant and confident. We’ll walk through where to find federal requirements, review the full range of required records – from DEA Forms 222 and 41 to waste logs and client pickup logs – and discuss how to tailor your recordkeeping system to your practice’s needs. You’ll also explore the pros and cons of electronic versus paper logs, get practical template suggestions, and learn how to audit your records to ensure accuracy and completeness. Whether you’re new to controlled substance compliance or looking to tighten up your current system, this session will help you take control of your controlled drug records.

Equine toxicoses can present with a wide range of clinical signs, making prompt recognition and appropriate intervention essential for successful outcomes. The lecture also reviews practical principles of patient stabilization, gastrointestinal decontamination, and supportive care, providing attendees with an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of horses with suspected toxic exposures. This lecture reviews 15 of the most clinically important toxic exposures encountered in North American equine practice, including feed-related toxins, poisonous plants, environmental hazards, and common chemical toxicants. Participants will review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of exposures involving cantharidin, ionophores, botulinum neurotoxin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, selenium, fumonisins, black walnut, red maple, yew, oleander, locoweed, yellow star-thistle, slaframine, poison hemlock, organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, and anticoagulant rodenticides.

Drug diversion doesn’t just happen “somewhere else” it can happen in your own hospital. In Part 3 of the controlled substance series, we tackle one of the most difficult and sensitive topics in veterinary medicine, in-hospital drug diversion. This session will help you recognize the warning signs, understand your responsibilities, and respond with clarity and compassion. We’ll begin by identifying general red flags and monitoring strategies, illustrated through a case involving two veterinary technicians. From there, we’ll explore the role of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment programs, how they intersect with licensing boards, and how to navigate referrals when a team member needs help. Finally, we’ll walk through the critical steps to take when diversion is discovered, including reporting to law enforcement, the DEA, and state boards, while also addressing the impact on team morale and how to move forward constructively.