Veterinary emergency, critical care groups hold symposium
Event: 23rd International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium, Sept. 13-17, Nashville, Tennessee
Program: This year's symposium, conducted jointly by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society, American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians, American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia, and International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, focused on fluid therapy in veterinary emergency and critical care. The symposium served as the venue for the annual meetings of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation, and, for the first time, the Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine. Dr. Jean Luis Vincent, Brussels, presented the Knowles Memorial Keynote Lecture, "IV Fluids: How Much is Too Much??"
Awards: Ira M. Zaslow VECCS Distinguished Service Award: Dr. F.A. "Tony" Mann, Columbia, Missouri. A 1982 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Mann is a professor of small animal surgery and small animal emergency and critical care in the Veterinary Health Center at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and ACVECC. Hill's Dr. Jack Mara ACVECC Achievement Award: Dr. William W. Muir III, Columbus, Ohio, for his work related to anesthesia and analgesia. A 1970 graduate of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Muir owns Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Consulting Services in Columbus. He is a diplomate of the ACVAA and ACVECC. T. Douglas Byars Equine Emergency & Critical Care Educator of the Year, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim: Dr. Kevin Corley, Curragh, Ireland. A 1993 graduate of the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Dr. Corley is an independent consultant in critical care and equine medicine in Ireland. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, ACVECC, and European College of Equine Internal Medicine, and a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. VECCS Practice Manager of the Year, sponsored by Nationwide Insurance: Jessica Towley, St. Paul, Minnesota. Towley is a certified veterinary technician and works at Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Service in St. Paul. ACVECC Research Grant Award ($9,931): Drs. Galina Hayes, Robert Goggs, Karol Mathews, and Alexa Bersenas, University of Guelph, for "Associations between adverse care outcomes, staff resources, and workload in the ICU: A multi-center observational study." VECCF Research Grant Award ($9,920): Dr. Corrin Boyd, Murdoch University, for "The effects of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 versus Hartmann's solution on biomarkers of acute kidney injury in dogs: A randomized clinical trial." Small Animal Resident Abstract Award, sponsored by Pathway: A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Tiffany Jagodich, University of Guelph, for "Comparison of high flow nasal cannula oxygen administration to traditional nasal cannula oxygen therapy in healthy dogs." Large Animal Resident Abstract Award, sponsored by Mila International: A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Ilana Glasberg, University of Illinois, for "Preliminary investigation of urinary l-lactate in clinically normal adult horses." ACVAA Resident Abstract Award, sponsored by Smiths Medical and Surgivet: First place, small animal—Dr. Melissa Smith, University of Georgia, for "The effect of propofol and ketamine-diazepam on intraocular pressure in healthy pre-medicated dogs"; large animal—Dr. Keely Wilson, Murdoch University, for "Agreement between invasive blood pressure measured in three peripheral arteries in anesthetized horses under clinical conditions." Case Report Award: A stipend of $300 was awarded to Dr. Kristen Zersen, Colorado State University, for "Pneumomediastinum!" Technician Case Report Award, sponsored by Animal Blood Resources International: A stipend of $300 was awarded to Liz Fratea, Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, Clearwater, Florida, for "Baby got Baclofen." Poster Abstract Award, sponsored by Abaxis: A stipend of $500 was awarded to Dr. Jennifer Martinez, University of Florida, for "Acute kidney injury in dogs with pit viper envenomation: 50 cases (2008-2017)."
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
Business: It was announced that membership numbers have increased, and finances have been strong. The impact factor of the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care has gone up. The society now certifies 38 level 1, 24 level 2, and seven level 3 facilities, with several beginning the recertification phase. Online continuing education offerings to membership have risen and will continue to expand. Participation in social media has increased visibility and exposure for the society. The board of directors will form a task force with the ACVECC to address issues relating to the shortage of emergency room veterinarians and technicians.
Officials: Dr. Robert Messenger, Charlotte, North Carolina, president; Dr. Linda Martin, Pullman, Washington, president-elect; Dr. Chris Gray, East Lansing, Michigan, treasurer; Kenichiro Yagi, Los Altos, California, recording secretary; Dr. Scott Johnson, Austin, Texas, immediate past president; Dr. Gary Stamp, San Antonio, executive director; and members-at-large—Drs. Julie Dechant, Davis, California, and Steven Epstein, Davis, California
American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
Program: The ACVECC conducted its certification examination and held its annual business meeting.
New diplomates: Forty-nine individuals passed the certification examination. They are as follows:
Ron Achiel, New York
Vibha Asokan, Austin, Texas
Michael D. Becker, Redondo Beach, California
Alexia B. Berg, St. Paul, Minnesota
Luis Bosch Lozano, Barcelona, Spain
Corrin J. Boyd, Murdoch, Australia
Amy Brida, Massapequa, New York
Jesseca M. Bullock, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Simon Cook, London
Rachel B. Davy-Moyle, Austin, Texas
Rebecca S. Flores, Jersey City, New Jersey
Christine M. Fox, Naperville, Illinois
Alison K. Gardner, Columbus, Ohio
Anthony L. Gonzalez, Brentwood, New York
Vicente J. Herreria-Bustillo, Hatfield, England
Sabrina Hoehne, Davis, California
Talli Hogen, Culver City, California
Zaheda Khan, Los Angeles
Roxanna Khorzad, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Meredith L. Leary, Milford, Ohio
Amanda E. Lee, San Francisco
Sara H. Lefman, San Francisco
Jo-Annie Letendre, Montreal
Erin Long Mays, Apex, North Carolina
Christina Maglaras, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
Jennifer R. Mayer, Newcastle, California
Lisa Murphy, Galway, Ireland
Katherine J. Nash, Phoenix
Liron Oron, Mevasseret Zion, Israel
Danielle M. Pollio, Lake Forest Park, Washington
Saya A. Press, Melbourne, Australia
Kathryn Rhue, Houston
Patricia Rosenstein, Brisbane, Australia
Samuel D. Stewart, Medford, Massachusetts
Scott Taylor, Raleigh, North Carolina
Amanda Thomer, Cohoes, New York
Erica Tinson, Melbourne, Australia
Tricia M. Tovar, Chicago
Matthew Turner, Middletown, Connecticut
Meghan E. Vaught, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Sarah J. Vuolo, Orland Park, Illinois
Andrea M. Walters, Calgary, Alberta
Karie Walton, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
Trevor P.E. Williams, Centerville, Virginia
Amanda Witsil, Chesterfield, Virginia
Christine Wong, San Francisco
Elizabeth Yi, Manhattan Beach, California
Ivayla Yozova, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Ann Marie Zollo, New York
Officials: Drs. Elisa Mazzaferro, Stamford, Connecticut, president; Daniel Fletcher, Ithaca, New York, president-elect; Deborah Silverstein, Philadelphia, vice president; Scott Shaw, Oxford, Massachusetts, treasurer; Armelle de Laforcade, North Grafton, Massachusetts, executive secretary; Elizabeth Rozanski, North Grafton, Massachusetts, immediate past president; and regents—Drs. Daniela Bedenice, North Grafton, Massachusetts; James Barr, College Station, Texas; Marie Kerl, Columbia, Missouri; Karl E. Jandrey, Davis, California; Garret Pachtinger, Levittown, Pennsylvania; and Justine Lee, St. Paul, Minnesota
Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians
Program: The academy conducted its 20th certification examination, and held a pinning ceremony and reception for the class of 2016. The immediate past president of the AVECCT, Trish Farry, Brisbane, Australia, was honored as Technician of the Year.
Business: Committee reports were presented and ratified.
Officials: Amy Newfield, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, president; Louise O'Dwyer, Manchester, England, president-elect; Kenichiro Yagi, Los Altos, California, treasurer; Andrea Steele, Guelph, Ontario, executive secretary; Trish Farry, Brisbane, Australia, immediate past president; and members-at-large—Leslie Carter, Fort Collins, Colorado; Jess Kerr, Clifton, New Jersey; and Katy Waddell, College Station, Texas
American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia
Program: Thirty-six abstracts were presented. Dr. Tom Woodcock, Stockbridge, England, presented "Endothelial glycocalyx," "Plasma volume and tissue edema," and "Paradigm for rational fluid prescribing." Tony Yakash, PhD, University of California, delivered "Pain anatomy," "Pain, secondary to tissue injury and inflammation," and "Post nerve injury pain." Dr. Edward Mariano, Stanford University, lectured on "Regional analgesia," "Adjuncts to local anesthetics," and "Ultrasound guided regional analgesia." Dr. William Muir, Columbus, Ohio, lectured on "Esophageal Doppler monitoring for fluid responsiveness"; Dr. Bruno Pypendop, University of California-Davis, presented "MK-467, a novel alpha 2 agonist"; and Dr. Peter Pascoe, University of California-Davis, presented "Jet ventilation." The 2017 ACVAA Career Achievement Award was given to Dr. Eugene Steffey, Fort Collins, Colorado. A 1967 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Steffey is professor emeritus of anesthesiology in the Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a charter diplomate of the ACVAA, a founding diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, and an honorary member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Lydia Donaldson, Middleburg, Virginia, was the first recipient of the ACVAA Award for Meritorious Service. A 1975 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Donaldson worked at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Virginia, from 1984-2004, later working part time for Iams Pet Imaging/Animal Scan. She served as executive secretary for the ACVAA from 2007-16. Dr. Kathryn Zatroch, Cornell University, was awarded the ACVAA Foundation Research Grant for "Evaluation of atipamezole as treatment for dexmedetomidine-induced cardiovascular depression in anesthetized cats." Memorial tributes were given to the late Dr. John C. Thurmon (see JAVMA obituary, July 1, 2017, page 25), Dr. Peter Gray, and Edmund Eger, MD.
New diplomates: Seventeen new diplomates were welcomed into the ACVAA. They are as follows:
Isla Arcaro, Pittsburgh
Ryan S. Bailey, Chicago
Ciara Barr, Elkton, Maryland
Carrie Davis, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Stephanie Dooley, Columbus, Ohio
Stephanie Fissekas, Manhattan, Kansas
Elizabeth Goudie-DeAngelis, White Plains, New York
Rachel Hector, La Port, Colorado
Melanie Jarrett, Raleigh, North Carolina
Kerrie Lewis, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Penting Liao, Guelph, Ontario
Heidi Lehmann, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Marta Romano, Gainesville, Florida
Andrea Sanchez, West View, Pennsylvania
Allan Williamson, Madison, Wisconsin
Gareth Zeiler, Pretoria, South Africa
Aurora Zoff, London
Business: Discussions were held on changes to the 2018 certifying examination and bylaw amendments that needed to be voted on by the membership. Also discussed was the financial status of the college and the newly incorporated North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society. Nominees for the 2018 president-elect, at-large, and Region 4 director positions were announced, with additional nominations welcomed.
Officials: Drs. Lesley Smith, Madison, Wisconsin, president; Chris Egger, Knoxville, Tennessee, president-elect; Lynne Kushner, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, executive secretary; and Khursheed Mama, Fort Collins, Colorado, immediate past president
Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia
Program: The certification examination was conducted.
Business: The academy discussed issues facing the AVTAA and presented ideas and plans for changes in the coming year. Also discussed was the launch of the NAVAS.
Officials: Kim Spelts, Colorado Springs, Colorado, president; Katy Waddell, College Station, Texas, president-elect; Lynette DeGouff, Cortland, New York, treasurer; Darci Palmer, Auburn, Alabama, executive secretary; Kristin Cooley, Madison, Wisconsin, immediate past president; and members-at-large—Brenda Feller, Fort Myers, Florida; Jody Nugent-Deal, Davis, California; and Brynn Schmidt, Los Angeles
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation
Program: The foundation partnered with The Street Dog Coalition (www.thestreetdogcoalition.org) and Southern Alliance for People and Animal Welfare (www.safpaw.org) to provide basic veterinary care to the pets of homeless people in downtown Nashville. A team of more than 15 volunteers conducted physical examinations and heartworm testing, administered vaccines, provided treatment for minor skin conditions and parasites, and distributed parasite preventives and vouchers for free spay-neuter services at a local hospital. The foundation hosted its fourth annual K9 ER Care and CPR Course. More than 60 first responders attended the all-day course, which included hands-on instruction and lectures on anatomy, bandaging and wound management, CPR in the field, exposure to toxins, and common traumas. The foundation raised almost $35,000, most of which will be directed toward the Dougie Fund for Disaster Relief, to help veterinary practices and animal caregivers impacted by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Some of the funds will go to SAFPAW, future Street Dog events, and training for first responders.
Officials: Alyce D'Amato, Appleton, Wisconsin, president; Dr. Deborah Silverstein, Philadelphia, secretary; Dr. Gary Stamp, San Antonio, treasurer-administrator; and Dr. Bill Smith, Seale, Alabama, immediate past president
International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management
Program: The academy coordinated several pain management sessions. Dr. Peter Pascoe, Davis, California, presented "Opioids: Things They Don't Teach You in Vet School"; Dr. Bonnie Wright, Fort Collins, Colorado, presented "Natural ‘Drugs' for Your Pain Management Toolbox"; and Dr. Bernie Hansen, Raleigh, North Carolina, presented "Sick of Pain: Options for Pain Management in Hospitalized Patients."
Business: The academy reviewed current initiatives, provided progress updates, and identified future projects and goals.
Officials: Nancy Shaffran, Erwinna, Pennsylvania, president; Dr. James Berry, Fredericton, New Brunswick, president-elect; Dr. Douglas Stramel, Carrollton, Texas, treasurer; Mary Ellen Goldberg, Boynton Beach, Florida, executive secretary; and Dr. Bonnie Wright, Fort Collins, Colorado, immediate past president
Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
Program: Two three-hour sessions were held on blood banking and transfusion medicine. The AVHTM president, Dr. Sarah Musulin, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, presented "Red Blood Cell Storage Lesion" and "Controversies in Blood Banking." These lectures were followed by a panel discussion on "Controversies in Blood Banking," led by Drs. Musulin; Kenichiro Yagi, Los Altos, California; Stephanie Istvan, San Diego; and Ann Hale, Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Alex Lynch, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, lectured on "Alternatives to Allogenic Transfusion." Dr. Karen Humm, Royal Veterinary College, England, presented "Autotransfusion and Red Blood Cell Salvage." Drs. Marie Holowaychuk, Critical Care Vet Consulting, Calgary, Alberta, and Julie Walker, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, led an interactive lecture on "Controversies in Plasma Use: Case Based Discussion."
Officials: Dr. Sarah Musulin, Raleigh, North Carolina, president; Dr. Dana LeVine, Ames, Iowa, vice president; Dr. Claire Sharp, Murdoch, Australia, secretary; Rebecca Nusbaum, Colorado Springs, Colorado, treasurer; and Rick Johnson, Sahuarita, Arizona, executive director