January 15, 2020

Event

25th International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium, Sept. 6-10, 2019, Washington, D.C.

Program

This year’s symposium focused on the critical kidney in veterinary emergency and critical care. The symposium was 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 and Nurses, American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia, International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, and Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine. The symposium also served as the venue for the annual meeting of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation. Dr. Cynthia Otto, Philadelphia, presented the Knowles Memorial Keynote Lecture, discussing the vital role that dogs in the military and law enforcement play in saving lives.

Awards

Ira M. Zaslow VECCS Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Elizabeth Rozanski (Illinois ’92), Norwalk, Connecticut. Dr. Rozanski serves as an associate professor of respiratory disease, hematology, and emergency and critical care at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. She is a past president of the ACVECC and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Hill’s Dr. Jack Mara ACVECC Achievement Award
Drs. Daniel J. Fletcher, Ithaca, New York, and Manuel Boller, Werribee, Australia. A 2002 veterinary graduate of the University of California-Davis, Dr. Fletcher serves as an associate professor in the Section of Emergency and Critical Care and is associate chair for the Department of Clinical Sciences at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is president of the ACVECC and a co-chair of the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation initiative, a nonprofit, volunteer-based program within the ACVECC and VECCS dedicated to conducting high-quality education, evidence review, and guideline creation. A 1997 veterinary graduate of the University of Zurich in Switzerland, Dr. Boller is a senior lecturer in small animal emergency and critical care at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Veterinary School. He is a co-chair of the RECOVER initiative and the SnakeMap project in Australia. The project aims to better predict, prevent, diagnose, and treat snakebites in animals as well as people. Dr. Boller is a diplomate of the ACVECC.

T. Douglas Byars Boehringer Ingelheim Equine Emergency & Critical Care Educator of the Year
Dr. Pamela Wilkins (Cornell ’86), Urbana, Illinois. Dr. Wilkins is a professor of veterinary clinical medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Her clinical interests include cardiovascular and respiratory problems of critically ill foals and horses and bacterial blood cultures in foals and horses as indicators of disease severity and prognosis. Dr. Wilkins is a diplomate of the ACVIM and ACVECC.

Hill’s-VECCS Distinguished Award and VECCS Presidential Award
Dr. Gary L. Stamp (see obituary, Sept. 1, 2019, JAVMA), was posthumously honored for his years of commitment to advancing emergency medicine and critical care worldwide. Dr. Stamp was a founding member and a past president of the VECCS and ACVECC and a co-founder of the IVECCS. Dr. Stamp served as executive director of the VECCS from 1999 until his death.

Gary L. Stamp Award
Dr. Dennis Burkett (Pennsylvania ’84), Malvern, Pennsylvania, was honored for his years of commitment to advancing emergency medicine and critical care worldwide. Dr. Burkett is a veterinary cardiologist and an emergency and critical care specialist at Hope Veterinary Specialists in Malvern. He is a diplomate of the ACVIM and ACVECC.

VECCS Practice Manager of the Year, sponsored by Nationwide Insurance
Kate Parker, Arvada, Colorado. Parker is the hospital manager at Animal Urgent Care in Arvada.

ACVECC Research Grant Award ($9,990)
Dr. Galina Hayes, Cornell University, for “Before and after parallel group controlled trial investigating the effects of a bundled anti-burnout intervention measure on burnout severity in veterinary technicians”

ACVECC CPR Research Grant Award ($7,250)
Dr. Karin Unger, Washington State University, for “The effect of the use of an impedance threshold device on end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure and return of spontaneous circulation in dogs undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation after in-hospital cardiac arrest”

VECCF Research Grant Award ($6,700)
Dr. Michael Kato, North Carolina State University, for “Comparison of platelet function between canine fresh whole blood, cold whole blood, and platelet concentrate”

Small Animal Resident Abstract Award
A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Christiana Fischer, Philadelphia, for “Evaluation of subcutaneous versus intravenous apomorphine for emesis induction in dogs.”

Large Animal Resident Abstract Award
A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Jamie Kopper, Washington State University, for “The effect of proximal gastrointestinal conditions and storage on viability of fecal microbiota transfaunation.”

ACVAA Resident Abstract Award, sponsored by Smiths Medical/SurgiVet
First place, small animal—Dr. Marta Garbin, University of Florida, for “Injectate spread following ultrasound-guided lateral quadratus lumborum block in dogs: A cadaveric study;” first place, large animal: Dr. Nicole Trenholme, University of Georgia, for “Effects of a 5-degree head-up incline on arterial oxygenation in anesthetized horses”

Case Report Award 
A stipend of $300 was awarded to Dr. Kaila Rizzo, University of Pennsylvania, for “Trippin topiramate.“

Technician Case Report Award, sponsored by Animal Blood Resources International
A stipend of $300 was awarded to Bonnie Lockridge, University of Georgia, for “Spontaneous atrial fibrillation in an anesthetized patient for PDA ligation.”

IVAPM Case Report Award
Mylissa Fitzpatrick, Gansevoort, New York, for “Managing osteoarthritis and severe elbow dysplasia after an acute ITP event.”

Royal Canin Nutritional Case Report Award
Dr. Lisa Gretebeck, Alexandria, Virginia, for “But it is grain free!“

Poster Abstract Award, sponsored by Abaxis
A stipend of $500 was awarded to Dr. Marcelle Hon, Honolulu, for “Cryopreservation of feline red blood cells in liquid nitrogen using glycerol and hydroxyethyl starch.”

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

Business

It was announced that membership numbers are almost the same as the previous year, and finances are strong. The society has moved to a true accrual system. This year, $79,000 in additional scholarships were given to veterinary students and to certified facilities to provide pro bono services. The Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care has an additional copy editor to assist with journal backlog. 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. A task force with the ACVECC to address the shortage of veterinary emergency and critical care staff, announced last year, has resulted in a three-prong approach, with the task force working on new certification for veterinary technicians, separate from that of the AVECCTN; mentorship for young veterinarians with experienced emergency room doctors; and increased knowledge and career advancements.

Officials

Dr. Linda Martin, Pullman, Washington, president; Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro, Norwalk, Connecticut, president-elect; Dr. Chris Gray, East Lansing, Michigan, treasurer; Kenichiro Yagi, Ithaca, New York, recording secretary; Dr. Robert Messenger, Charlotte, North Carolina, immediate past president; P.J. Andrus, Chicago, chief executive officer; 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

Fifty-three individuals passed the certification examination. They are as follows:

Rachel Acciacca, U.S. armed forces
Maia Ramirez Aitken, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Daniel Avenick, Santa Barbara, California
Amy Bell, Redwood City, California
Steven Todd Berkowitz, Hamilton, New Jersey
Alexander “Alex” Bluntinger, Washington, D.C.
Heike Botha, San Diego
Laura A. Cagle, Davis, California
Dana J. Caldwell, Gilbert, Arizona
Laura Cole, London 
Emma Lindsey Deane, Rocklin, California
Samuel Avram Dicker, Great Neck, New York
Liam R. Donaldson, Newstead, Australia
Rebekah E. Donaldson, Aspley, Australia
Kerry Doolin, Paisley, Scotland
Emily T. Dozeman, Chicago
Brittany Enders, Cary, North Carolina
Katherine K. Gerken, Opelika, Alabama
Clayton David Greenway, Lewisville, Texas
Simon Paul Hagley, Manchester, England
Jeanette Hendricks, Woodland Hills, California
Aubrey Lynn Hnatusko, Edmond, Oklahoma
Marcelle Hon, Honolulu
Jennifer A. Hoose, Chino, California
Danielle M. Hundley, Omaha, Nebraska
Claudia Iannucci, Bern, Switzerland
Christopher R. Kennedy, Vancouver, British Columbia
Jessica Kielb, Cary, North Carolina
Terence Krentz, Los Gatos, California
William G. Lane, Boston
Hendrik Lehmann, Giessen, Germany
PenTing Liao, Ames, Iowa
Bridget M. Lyons, Columbia, Missouri
John Michael Mallard, Los Angeles
Ingrid O. Manhart, Deerfield, Illinois
Hannah Rose Marshall, Portland, Oregon
Pia Martiny, Salt Lake City
Rebecca McQuitty, San Jose, California
Emiliana Rose Meroni, Philadelphia
Jennifer Lynne Morris, Philadelphia
Michael R. Nystorm, Durham, North Carolina
Laura Osborne, Calgary, Alberta
Kirsty L. Royle, Vancouver, British Columbia
Jonathan Schaefer, Columbia, Missouri
Katherine Maria Scotti, Greenville, South Carolina
Susanna Solbak, Guildford, England
Stanley Sowy, Houston
Jessica L. Wallis, Calgary, Alberta
Jessica Marie Weeks, Brandon, Florida
Elodie Yam, Morley, Washington
Igor Yankin, College Station, Texas
Xiu Ting Yiew, Guelph, Ontario
Kristin Marie Zersen, Fort Collins, Colorado

Officials

Drs. Daniel Fletcher, Ithaca, New York, president; Ken Drobatz, Philadelphia, president-elect; Beth Davidow, Seattle, vice president; Scott Shaw, Oxford, Massachusetts, treasurer; Armelle de Laforcade, North Grafton, Massachusetts, executive secretary; Elisa Mazzaferro, Norwalk, Connecticut, immediate past president; and regents—Drs. Kira Epstein, Athens, Georgia; Erica Reineke, Devon, Pennsylvania; Lisa Powell, Golden Valley, Minnesota; Greg Lisciandro, Spicewood, Texas; Maurine Luschini, East Syracuse, New York; and Deborah Silverstein, Philadelphia

Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians

Program

The academy conducted its 22nd certification examination and held a pinning ceremony and reception for the class of 2018. Louise O’Dwyer was posthumously honored as Technician of the Year.

Business

Committee reports were presented and ratified.

Officials

Megan Brashear, Portland, Oregon, president; Trisha Farry, Brisbane, Australia, president-elect; Kenichiro Yagi, Ithaca, New York, treasurer; Andrea Steele, Guelph, Ontario, executive secretary; Amy Newfield, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, immediate past president; and members-at-large—Justin Chandler, Matawan, New Jersey; Jess Kerr, Clifton, New Jersey; and Katy Waddell, College Station, Texas 

American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia

Program 

Forty abstracts were presented. A review day was held for residents enrolled in ACVAA programs with a focus on respiratory physiology and pathophysiology. Lectures for the review day were presented by Drs. John Dodam, University of Missouri, and Peter Pascoe, University of California-Davis. Also on offer were two days of special-focus lectures, with Drs. Michael Walsh of McMaster University, Michael Seneff of The George Washington University Hospital, Carrie Palm of the University of California-Davis, and Pascoe speaking on perioperative management of the patient with renal insufficiency; Dr. Luis Campoy, Cornell University, lecturing on the use of perioperative maropitant and local anesthetic techniques; and Dr. Manuel Martin-Flores, Cornell University, speaking on recent information on the recovery from neuromuscular blocking agents. The 2019 ACVAA Career Achievement Award was given to Dr. Thomas J. Doherty, Knoxville, Tennessee. A 1974 veterinary graduate of the University College Dublin in Ireland, Dr. Doherty serves as a professor of large animal clinical sciences at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a diplomate of the ACVAA. Drs. Lawrence R. Soma (Pennsylvania ’57), Glenn Mills, Pennsylvania, and Robert Bruce Heath (Iowa State ’62), Fort Collins, Colorado, received the 2019 President’s Award for Meritorious Service. Dr. Soma is an emeritus professor of anesthesia and clinical pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He is charter president of the ACVAA. Dr. Heath is professor emeritus at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. He is a charter diplomate of the ACVAA.

New diplomates

Eighteen individuals passed the certification examination. They are as follows:

Sarah Bigby, Elanora, Australia
Katherine Bennett, Knoxville, Tennessee
Joana Chagas, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Renata Costa, North Grafton, Massachusetts
Graeme Doodnaught, Sainte Hyacinthe, Quebec
Kimberly Hassen, Raleigh, North Carolina
Teela Jones, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Krista Mitchell, Athens, Georgia
Ashley Mitek, Urbana, Illinois
Kirk Munoz, East Lansing, Michigan
Vaidehi Paranjape, Gainesville, Florida
Marco Ruffato, Boca Raton, Florida
Adrianna Sage, Urbana, Illinois
Stefania Scarabelli, Montecalvo Versiggia, Italy
Chia Tseng, Ames, Iowa
Raphaël Vézina-Audette, Philadelphia
Keely Wilson, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Kathryn Zatroch, Ithaca, New York

Business

Discussions were held on changes to the language of ACVAA bylaw amendments that need to be voted on by the end of 2019. Also discussed were updates on requirements for maintenance of certification and the North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society. Nominees for the 2020 Region 1 and at-large board of director positions were announced, with additional nominations welcomed.

Officials

Drs. Christine Egger, Knoxville, Tennessee, president; Colin Dunlop, Gladesville, Australia, president-elect; Lynne Kushner, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, executive secretary; and Lesley Smith, Madison, Wisconsin, immediate past president

Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia

Program

The academy celebrated its 20th anniversary at the symposium and conducted its certification examination.

Business

The academy met with the ACVAA and discussed issues facing both organizations. Katy Waddell, the president of the academy, outlined short- and long-term goals for the AVTAA.

Officials

Katy Waddell, College Station, Texas, president; Jennifer Sager, Gainesville, Florida, president-elect; Lynette DeGouff, Cortland, New York, treasurer; Darci Palmer, Auburn, Alabama, executive secretary; Brenda Feller, Fort Myers, Florida, immediate past president; and members-at-large—Jody Nugent-Deal, Davis, California; Brynn Schmidt, Los Angeles; and Amanda Shelby, Avon, Indiana

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation

Program

The foundation partnered with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals/Humane Society of Prince George’s County to provide preventive services and basic medical care for 150 pets in an underserved community. It also hosted its sixth annual K9 ER Care and CPR Course. More than 30 first responders attended the all-day course, which included hands-on instruction and lectures on anatomy, wound management, CPR in the field, exposure to toxins, and common traumas. The foundation raised more than $25,000, some of which was donated to the Prince George’s SPCA and a portion of which will be directed toward the Dougie Fund for Disaster Relief, to help veterinary practices and animal caregivers impacted by natural disasters.

Officials

Alyce D’Amato, Appleton, Wisconsin, president; Dr. Deborah Silverstein, Philadelphia, secretary; Dr. Robert Messenger, Charlotte, North Carolina, treasurer; Dr. Bill Smith, Seale, Alabama, immediate past president; and board members—Dr. Susan Barnes, Leesburg, Virginia; Chris Kotnaur, Crystal Lake, Illinois; Dr. Lorna Lanman, Sun City West, Arizona; and Deanne Pawlisch,