The WVAC 2020 - Veterinary Professionals of the World Unite festival is split between live and recorded webinars across 3 weeks, starting Saturday 25th April 2020!

Current status and veterinary aspects of ornamental (pet) fish ownership and industry in Australasia

The ornamental fish industry is growing quickly globally. Asia represents 51% of the export market for this industry and in Singapore alone it has a value market of $USD66 million. Despite the economic importance of this industry for Australasia, the aquatic veterinary system available to support the ornamental fish sector is scarce. In many cases, ornamental fish owners do not seek advice from veterinarians. While the reasons behind this are difficult to be elucidated completely, a few factors may contribute to it – the low perceived value of fish and limited knowledge about the availability of veterinary services for aquatic animals. Considering the growing importance of the ornamental fish industry, more education and data is needed about the services offered by veterinarians within the aquatic sector. We provide the first baseline dataset on the current status of aquatic veterinary services for ornamental fishes in the Australasian region based on the literature and questionnaire.

Facilities, equipment and financial considerations for aquatic veterinary practice

Knowledge, experience, financial and practical challenges befall those running businesses. What does it take to start a fish practice? This presentation will cover some novel ways to utilise available tools, some pitfalls to avoid, and creative solutions.

Diagnosis and treatment of common bacterial and parasitic disease in ornamental (pet) fish

The aqueous environment poses a different set of problems to our patients, with fish having to contend with osmoregulatory challenges, lack of thermal control, lower oxygen levels, and more. When it comes to diagnosing and treating fish diseases, speed is critical. The practitioner will essentially need to bring the laboratory and pharmacy to the pond side. There are a range of diagnostic and therapeutic options we can borrow from traditional veterinary medicine, but these do not necessarily translate directly without some modifications.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: an old friend with some new tricks

This presentation will review recent changes in our understanding of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, its diagnosis and treatment. The presentation will emphasise the differences between this disease in dogs vs cats, and discuss recently recognised selective enzyme deficienciency that can mimic this disease. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Pancreatitis: controversies in diagnosis and treatment

The last 10-15 years have seen an explosion in new diagnostic techniques, treatment methods, and controversies in our approaches to pancreatitis in dogs and cats. This presentation will overview these recent advances. The presentation will focus particularly on recent innovations in diagnosis, our new understanding of chronic pancreatitis in cats, and therapeutics techniques such as multi-modal antiemetic therapy and early enteral nutrition. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Canine otitis: getting the best results

What do we do when its impossible to examine ears due to pain or aggression? What clues can we gain from cytology to help best direct our treatment of ear disease? What should we be thinking about with a first time ear infection? and recurrent ear infections? Is is necessary to culture ears to guide treatment? Tips and tricks to increase your success rate with treating ear disease in dogs. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Canine pyoderma: best-practice anti-microbial therapy

As practitioners how do we achieve the best results for our clients and patients while being responsible custodians of anti-microbials? It is always critical to consider why a dog has a pyoderma and treat the underlying cause, thereby reducing the rate of recurrence and the ongoing use of antibiotics. When a dog has a superficial or deep pyoderma which are the best treatments to use? How long should we treat for? This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Cranial cruciate ligament disease

There have been numerous developments in the field of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease. This lecture will summarize the current knowledge and benefits, both short-term and long term, of extracapsular, intracapsular, and TPLO repairs. The question of meniscal disease will also be discussed. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Elbow dysplasia in small animals

Elbow dysplasia is a group of diseases made up of several conditions including ununited anconeal process, osteochondritis dissecans humerus, fragmented coronoid process, and incomplete humeral ossification. Osteoarthritis can develop following these diseases and after fracture or infection. Current techniques, methods of treatment, pathophysiology and prognosis will be discussed. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia (HD) in dogs is a disease of the coxofemoral joint in which laxity of the joint leads to degeneration of articular cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Current knowledge of the genetic and environmental factors on the development of the disease as well as diagnosis, treatment and medical management will be summarised. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Introduction to rehabilitation therapy in small animals

Rehabilitation and physical therapy can improve recovery in small animals following an illness, injury or trauma, and following surgery. Many modalities and therapies exist including cryotherapy, neuromuscular stimulation, therapeutic exercise, massage and passive range of motion, hydrotherapy, and others which may be incorporated into the treatment of such conditions as fractures, osteoarthritis, cranial cruciate surgery, tendon and ligament strains, spinal injuries including fibrocartilaginous embolism and femoral head and neck ostectomy. In addition, some common complications of rehabilitation will be discussed. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Shoulder lameness and injuries

Shoulder injuries are one of the most common serious injuries sustained by dogs that go undiagnosed.1Strain and sprain of the biceps, lateral and medial glenohumeral ligament tears and instability, supraspinatus tendonopathy, infraspinatus contracture and teres minor myopathies are just some of the few injuries that occur in the shoulder and will be summarized in this lecture with a focus on physical exam findings, treatment and prognosis. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Human behaviour change and equine welfare – what’s the link?

Human behaviour change is integral to improving animal welfare. By working with equine owners around the world we are better understanding their current behaviours and the barriers preventing them from carrying out best practices in areas such as biosecurity, colic, end of life decisions and working equid management. This knowledge can inform educational and community initiatives increasing desired behaviours and ultimately impact. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Equine rescues: what does the vet need to know and do?

Equine rescues can be challenging and as an attending veterinary surgeon, it is important to be prepared for many different situations. In addition to needing to attend to the equine casualty (or casualties), the vet needs to be able to effectively communicate with other emergency services and members of the general public. This webinar will provide an overview of the key factors that are important in equine rescues, including effective sedation and when general anaesthesia is required and assessment and management of the patient during and following rescue.

Equine emergencies: management of disorders of the female and male reproductive tract

In this lecture, an overview of the assessment and management of emergencies related to the male and female urogenital tracts will be given. This will include management of mares that develop dystocia and the options for resolution, together with identification and management of life-threatening disorders that may develop in the mare following parturition. Life threatening complications that can develop following castration will then be covered, including horses that are at increased risk of these. The identification and management of these complications will also be covered. Finally, management of acute conditions of the scrotum, prepuce and penis will be covered.

Colic: identifying the surgical case early

by Debbie Archer

Equine emergencies

This lecture will cover four key emergency situations: colic, wounds, acute lameness and rescue situations and will be aimed at both equine vets and those in mixed practice. Debbie will provide an overview of the key aspects of management of each including what to do and what to avoid. Equine emergencies can sometimes provide some interesting scenarios so being prepared is key. The lecture will include some case examples demonstrating the challenges that our equine patients can throw at us.

Mild equine asthma management

Mild equine asthma, previously known as inflammatory airway disease is a common cause of poor performance in equine athletes. Although most clinicians treat this disease in a similar manner there is some variability. This presentation is one clinician’s thoughts on maximising treatment efficacy.

How donkeys differ – NOT small horses with big ears!

They may share ancestral origins but have evolved differently over millions of years. For the donkey add ‘dullness’ to the list of emergency conditions you keep for horses - continuous rolling, significant haemorrhage, dystocia etc. The listless ‘stoic’ donkey may have an intestinal impaction, is at significant risk of hyperlipaemia, may already have a terminal illness. There are significant differences in behaviour, physiological parameters, haematological/biochemical markers of disease, the drug metabolism and surgical anatomy. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Assessment and treatment of the sick neonatal foal in the farm setting

Dealing with a sick neonatal foal can be a very stressful task. This webinar is aimed at providing practical advice about assessment and treatment of the neonatal foal in the farm setting. This content is RACE approved – program number 1448-39395

Foal sepsis

Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of foal mortality. This webinar will focus on the identification of risk factors and early clinical signs that allow the early identification of sepsis. We will discuss the pathophysiology of how sepsis occurs and then focus on the practical approach to treatment and prevention. This webinar is aimed at giving solid practical advice to the equine vet.

The cost of caring - tools and techniques to mitigate the effects

Professions involving animals attract people with diverse backgrounds and skills. Work is often under intense conditions with animal mortality and euthanasia a reality. A natural consequence is that experienced professionals could encounter burnout or compassion fatigue. Multidisciplinary techniques can be used to enhance resilience for animal care professionals or practitioners. P

The welfare of dairy cows in large herds

Increasing herd size has been associated with a number of potential risks to animal welfare, but also with a number of practices that can mitigate those risks. This presentation will focus on what veterinarians need to keep in mind when advising clients of large herds, to ensure good animal welfare.

Engaging with deer farmers, linking environment, welfare and animal health

Deer Industry NZ has been implementing a programme to help every deer farm have an environment plan. The programme brings small groups of 8-10 farmers together to meet regularly. They complete their farm environment plan over the course of 6-12 months. This involves visiting each other’s farms, building awareness and trust, using a mix of peer to peer learning and support, and a skilled facilitator. Most deer farms also run cattle and or sheep in addition to their deer, and the need for an active environment plan across their whole business is a common need. As trust builds a wide range of discussions including on welfare, animal health and wintering become possible. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Profit and staff wellness – can we have both?

Worldwide, the well-being of veterinarians is repeatedly reported as being lower than is acceptable and while the literature is currently limited, anecdotal evidence suggests it is the same for allied veterinary professionals. This research is developing case studies showing veterinary practices in New Zealand that are successful in achieving high levels of staff wellness while still meeting their financial business goals. Using these, it is possible to identify common key factors that make them successful.

What does my client really need?

Identifying your client’s underlying needs is at the core of a consultative approach to client engagement. In this session, we briefly explore some techniques you can use to more successfully discover and prioritise opportunities. Using structured questioning, you’ll work to understand the jobs the client is trying to get done within their overall goals. You’ll consider how to determine the pains and gains attached to these, and your client’s motivations, as a means to identify and then offer the best solutions. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Helping them to make real change: the art of consulting

The nature of advisory relationships with rural stakeholders has evolved in recent decades. Successful engagement with clientele to add value to their business depends on how well you understand a client’s holistic situation: their goals, opportunities, challenges, capabilities and fears. It is a consultative process. Uncovering these insights is a means to identify and offer the best solutions.

Lameness and orthopedic examination

This lecture will review the most common signs of lameness with videos of dogs and cats for discussion. The orthopedic exam will also be summarized with an emphasis not only on joint or skeletal abnormalities, but also on how to detect tendon, muscle and ligament injuries in working and sporting dogs. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Thoracic case studies

Periodontal disease

There are two broad sub-groups of juvenile periodontal disease and three sub-groups of adult periodontal disease. Juvenile diseases include (i) juvenile gingivitis and (ii) juvenile onset periodontitis. Adult diseases include (i) slowly progressing periodontal disease (also termed ‘adult’), (ii) rapidly progressive periodontitis and (III) refractory periodontitis. This presentation will discuss each of these. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Overview of dental disease in horses

An overview of common diseases and disorders related to clinical findings during an oral examination, which can be grouped into developmental, acquired, periodontal, endodontic, infundibular or other miscellaneous pathologies

Animal Welfare at Slaughter – the Scottish approach

Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (PATOK) Regulations came into force in UK on 01 January 2013, replacing Welfare of Animals (Slaughter and Killing) Regs 1995 (WASK). This webinar will provide an overview of the main changes it brought, particularly referenced in Annex II, and also the Scottish process for slaughter and animal handling Certificates of Competence.

How to worry less and sleep more

The itchy dog

A logical work up and effective treatment: What are the most common causes of canine pruritus? History (seasonality, age of onset, breed) and physical exam (what areas are affected, is there evidence of barrier dysfunction) can tell you a lot. Helpful tests that can be performed in the consultation are cytology and skin scrapings. Tests that can be performed at home by the client include flea trials, food trials and grass contact avoidance trials. Response to medication is also helpful to narrow down a diagnosis. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

A global perspective on small ruminant farming: how does it apply to NZ?

Small ruminants are adaptable to meet global needs for food security in a range of integrated agricultural systems; but production efficiency is inadequate to meet global food security needs. Genetic improvement is needed to redress this failure, but steps must first taken by individual producers or keepers to keep animals alive and productive by sustainable husbandry and development of pragmatic, problem-focused approaches to diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Posters: Animal Welfare, Academic & Education, Veterinary Public Health

Quickfire round of five poster presentations showing recent research in the fields of academia and education, animal welfare and veterinary public health. Including: Conversations with Manny: Can an artificial horse mannequin relieve psychosocial anxiety In horses admitted to a veterinary hospital? Rat Bite Fever Collagen type-1 differences in farmed Chinook salmon in New Zealand. Rescuing the rescuers: How do emergency animal rescue and disaster responses affect the mental and physical well-being of the rescuers? Using complaints by clients against clinical veterinary practitioners in New Zealand to inform the teaching of essential professionalism attributes in an undergraduate veterinary curriculum

What is up and coming in oncology

Oncology is a rapidly developing field in veterinary medicine. Due to the fact that naturally tumour-bearing dogs and cats are more frequently used in translational research, a lot of newer approaches will be or are available. In this presentation, we will review the hallmark of cancers and what new treatment we can expect in the future. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Welcome

Welcome

Utilising a ‘One Welfare’ approach for advancing animal welfare

Animal welfare means different things in different countries, languages and contexts, with a variety of opinions about why it matters and what constitutes good animal welfare. If we are to achieve higher standards of animal welfare globally, there is a need to develop approaches that enable constructive evidence based discussions to take place where there are significant competing public, political and commercial agendas. Developing effective methodologies for bridging the gap and overcoming barriers is now recognized as essential for engaging communities and governments in productive discussions about why animal welfare matters and the need for positive change. In these situations, animal welfare improvement initiatives need to be multi-faceted, taking into account not just scientific, ethical, and economic evidence, but also the religious and cultural context, and other factors such as international trade policy considerations. Although human welfare, social welfare, and animal welfare have traditionally been distinct disciplines, the integrating concept of ‘One Welfare’, offers us a way forward for highlighting the inter-connectedness of human and animal welfare, an approach that is particularly relevant when addressing animal welfare across borders. This highlights the importance of understanding human attitudes and behaviour and consequently methods for effective change management to ensure animal welfare objectives can be achieved. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

One welfare – the welfare of working equids and its contribution to the UN SDGs

by Daniela Battaglia

Assessing the impact of a welfare project

Good planning, monitoring and evaluation enable an organisation to extract relevant information from past and ongoing activities used as the basis for pragmatic fine-tuning, reorientation and future project planning. The recording of specific data sets prior to and then periodically during a projects lifetime is ideal in demonstrating change. However, an evaluation of baseline data should also indicate impact or verifiable differences to the lives of animals and people including welfare, economic, environmental and/or social effects of a programme. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Donkey welfare assessment: hearing their voice

Equid welfare is at the core of each activity carried out by The Donkey Sanctuary. This presentation focuses on the approach to welfare assessment we use, including why and how, introducing the EARS Tool we use to collect field-data. Examples will include working equids in brick kilns, donkeys in meat/skins production farms and those in sanctuary care with an emphasis on the benefits to all when welfare assessment is embedded in our approach. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

How NGO-funded research improves equine well-being

The Horse Trust is the world’s oldest equine charity and has four key purposes: providing sanctuary to retired working horses and equine welfare cases; funding scientific research; developing skills and knowledge in the horse industry; and informing Government policy. For the last 20 years the Horse Trust has been the major funder of welfare-related equine scientific research. This talk will provide the research highlights from the wide range of research supported by the charity including advances in understanding the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis and management of strangles; the molecular epidemiology of anthelmintic resistance in cyathostomins, development of targeted working strategies and development of new diagnostic tests, including a test for encysted cyathostomin larvae; development of a diagnostic test for hypoglycin-A, the cause of atypical myopathy; attitudes to biosecurity in the leisure horse sector including understanding of disease risk and barriers to implementation of biosecurity measures; attitudes to the care of geriatric horses; and development of practical measures of quality of life in the horse. The Horse Trust has recently announced the launch of a large scale, long term cohort study in horses in the UK, the first of its type, that is expected to generate and new insights into the interactions between equine disease, equine behaviour and decision making by horse-owners. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

The donkey hide crisis in East Africa: impact of the trade on donkeys and the people who rely on them

Growing demand for ejiao (gelatin produced from donkey skin and used in traditional Chinese Medicine) is putting global donkey populations at risk and threatening the livelihoods of millions of people, especially poor rural women who depend on them for income and service. With the Donkey hide trade spreading across the globe, Africa remains the primary source of both legally and illegally sourced donkey hides to China. A recent Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organizations study indicate that donkeys will be extinct in Kenya by 2023. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Responsible ownership – to the end

Making the decision to end an equine’s life is the ultimate responsibility for an owner. This often highly emotional decision must not be clouded by the belief that the quantity of life is more important than its quality. All end-of-life decisions must be based on what is best for the equine. Euthanasia is preferred in many countries, but in others it is not available or is unaffordable. So what are the best options and what role should the equine practitioner play in supporting owners? This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Promoting social license: what role for the veterinarian?

Against a backdrop of a vocal animal rights movement, society is increasingly questioning the ethics of the horse-human partnership. To have a future, equestrian sport and racing need to maintain their social license to operate, meaning they must have the support of their stakeholders and the public. This requires everyone involved to act with transparency and accountability, and put the welfare of the chief stakeholder – the horse – first. Here the veterinary profession plays an important role. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Development of thoroughbred welfare assessment guidelines: the New Zealand experience

The presentation will outline the development process and practical application of the 5 Domains Model of animal welfare as a basis for the welfare guidelines for thoroughbreds in the New Zealand Racing and breeding sector. The topic will include the utility of the model’s framework of provisions and affects in indicating minimum and optimal standards. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Panel discussion

This session will focus on quality-of-life and end-of-life decision making equines in a variety of situations – retirement, rescue and rehoming, sanctuary care, slaughter for meat and by-products, euthanasia etc. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Not just small horses: foal anaesthesia

Foal anesthesia is challenging and requires anesthesia staff to view them different than adult horses. From induction, including mare management, monitoring and troubleshooting during the anesthetic period, through recovery and reuniting with the mare, all aspects will be discussed.

Feline transfusions, making them safe and what alternatives do we have

Feline transfusion is increasingly common in general practice and is achievable with forethought. This lecture will outline how and when to perform in-house feline transfusions, what is required and how to ensure that everything is done in the safest possible way for donor and recipient.

Managing the risk related to antimicrobial in livestock – Danish experience

In Denmark, the combat against development of antimicrobial (AM) resistance began two decades ago. Lessons learnt regarding use of AM in livestock will be presented during the presentation. These among others include the necessity to monitor the consumption in detail, the need to have on-farm permit levels as well as having restrictions on use of selected AM. The current program is a result of collaboration between academia, industry and authorities. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Modernisation of meat inspection using risk assessments

Modernisation of meat inspection is on the agenda in EU and elsewhere in the world. For each of the palpation and incisions made as part of the traditional inspection of swine, a risk assessment was made in Denmark, illustrating what the effect would be of omitting the action. This enabled a gradual change from traditional to visual-only inspection in line with the acceptance of equivalence of important international, trade partners. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

One Health and the babel fish

One Health is a unifying concept yet its disciplines often speak different languages and a Babel fish for interdisciplinary translation does not exist. For group B streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae, nomenclature differences are such that veterinarians and medics do not even realize it is a single species. In this presentation, transmission of GBS within and between species is discussed, as well as the need for transmission of ideas between disciplines involved in understanding and control of GBS in people, cattle, fishes and wildlife. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Developing disaster management plans for veterinary practice

Disasters can strike anywhere, at any time, and without warning. Recent events have highlighted how devastating disasters can be on communities, businesses and how local resources can become quickly overwhelmed. Additionally, climate change makes extreme weather events more likely than before with increased frequency and intensity. Albeit with this evidence people are still complacent about personal emergency preparedness which is then reflected equally inadequately in business. The stark reality of disasters is that it is not a matter of if it will happen; it is a matter of when. The number of people affected by disasters and the costs associated with these events is increasing. Hence there is a requirement to have practice and personal emergency plans in place to mitigate the effects of such disasters, particularly to veterinary business. There are consultants who can help businesses develop emergency and business continuity plans but the aim of this presentation is to give a basic outline of how veterinary businesses can prepare for disasters. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

One welfare in disaster management

Consideration of animal welfare is a critical component of modern emergency management due to the complex bond between humans and animals. This bond has been attributed to evacuation non-compliance of pet owners and return to cordoned areas to rescue or tend to their animals in recent disasters. Put simply the human animal bond is considered a safety-risk factor with negative influences on owners’ planning for and responding to emergency events. It is ultimately a human issue due to a strong link between animal welfare and human wellbeing. Hurricane Katrina has served as a reminder for the necessity of including the considerations of animals in disaster planning to avoid compounding the emotional and economic toll on individuals and communities impacted by devastating loss or injury. Many refused to evacuate from an area because they were made to leave their pets behind or they ignored cordoned off areas to go back into unsafe zones to rescue their pets. Therefore, animal welfare, human welfare and the environment in disasters cannot be addressed separately due to the interwoven dependencies of each. Hence, the One Welfare framework should be considered throughout all phases of disaster management. This presentation will discuss how the One Welfare framework can be implemented in disaster management. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Key aspects of abdominal ultrasound in the workup of the vomiting patient

Abdominal ultrasound offers greatly superior soft tissue assessment of the abdomen as compared to abdominal radiography. Sonography is a dynamic modality that has a good sensitivity and specificity for disease especially in the hands of an experienced operator. We will discuss key sonographic findings that assist in determining causes of vomiting in the acute abdomen. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Endodontics: direct pulp capping

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions and injuries of the dental pulp and surrounding periapical tissues. Endodontic treatment, when compared with extraction, may be the quickest, easiest and least traumatic method of treating a tooth with pulpal disease. It enables the patient to maintain a full, healthy dentition, is more personally satisfying for the veterinarian and increases the number of services a practice may offer. Recent fractures may be treated by direct pulp capping, which this lecture will focus on. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Feline dentistry

Cats have their own distinct dental problems. This presentation will discuss them, including: periodontal disease, tooth resorption, ulcers and inflammation, and faucitis and stomatitis. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Oronasal fistula

Increase the success rate of oro-nasal fistula surgery by ensuring flap is large - it is better to cut a too large flap than a too small flap, ensuring donor flap has adequate periosteum for strength, ensuring flap is sutured without tension and acknowledging analgesic homecare is paramount. This presentation will discuss ONF and techniques to increase success the first time you do surgery. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Canine glaucoma: three questions to answer for every case

Glaucoma is not a single disease but a group of diseases sharing, as one of their common features, an elevated intraocular pressure. At its most basic level, glaucoma pathophysiology is relatively easily summarised but the multiple causes of glaucoma and the huge range of drugs available for its treatment can be daunting. We will break this topic down by answering the three basic glaucoma questions used to guide the therapeutic approach to each case. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Feline uveitis: just intraocular lymphadenopathy

The uvea contains familiar tissues and cells (lymphocytes, smooth muscle, blood vessels), is inflamed by familiar antigens (infectious agents, neoplasia, auto-antigens), and reacts with the 5 cardinal signs of inflammation seen elsewhere (heat, pain, swelling, etc.). And yet uveitis can be very confusing. This session will help you to diagnose and treat uveitis by likening it to inflammation elsewhere (because it is more similar than it is different) while highlighting differences (because these are helpful). This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Making ophthalmic diagnoses based on corneal colours

Clinically important ophthalmic diseases often are associated with decreased corneal transparency and usually a distinctive colour change. Learning to recognize and interpret these colour changes and the mechanisms responsible for them provides a simple and logical approach to diagnosis of all corneal and many intraocular diseases. It also facilitates selection of appropriate diagnostic tests. This session will introduce this concept using many examples. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Rational approach to the red eye

A “red-eye” is one of the most common ophthalmic presenting complaints – and potentially one of the most critical. The goal of this lecture is to heighten awareness of the differential diagnoses that may cause ocular hyperaemia and to define methods to differentiate these. We will look at eyes with conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis, glaucoma, and orbital disease. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

The golden rules of corneal ulcer management

When an ulcer has not healed at the first recheck, we tend to throw up our arms and become frustrated. A few golden rules can help us to see that ulcers within this group have actually helped us out in some ways by identifying themselves as “complicated ulcers” with one of only 2-3 causes still possible. This discussion will provide a logical approach to turning these potentially frustrating cases into medical success stories. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

What’s new in ocular pharmacology?

Should I apply one drop or two? Should I use an ointment or a drop? Do systemically administered drugs reach the eye? Do topically administered drugs reach inside the eye? In this session, we will cover all of these critical principles of ocular pharmacology and run through some of the more commonly used ophthalmic drugs with practical tips on their use. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Bacterial pneunomia

Dogs and cats with bacterial pneumonia can present with vague signs of illness and respiratory abnormalities may be subtle. Clues to the presence of bacterial pneumonia will be discussed along with various diagnostic tests that help determine the severity of illness and the appropriate therapy will be presented. Antimicrobial and adjunct respiratory therapy will be discussed. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Pulmonary hypertension

Definitive diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is obtained when a mean pulmonary artery pressure exceeding 25mm Hg is detected during cardiac catheterization. However, with the advancement, techniques in Doppler echocardiography increased pressure with the pulmonary arterial system can be demonstrated with less invasive means. In veterinary medicine, PH can complicate a variety of commonly encountered cardiopulmonary conditions, and early recognition will aid in management of disease. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Rational approach to canine nasal disease

Nasal discharge and sneezing are common signs of upper respiratory disease associated with infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases in dogs. The most common causes of clinical signs will be reviewed including nasal aspergillosis, lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis, and neoplasia. Efficient diagnostic methods and treatment options will be discussed. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Managing respiratory emergencies

There is no patient that is more fragile than one that is in respiratory distress. We will cover initial examination and management guidelines for dyspnoeic patients that will help to maximise our chances of a positive outcome in these critical patients. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Monitoring the critical patient

Managing a critical patient can be stressful and time consuming. Having a logical, systemic approach to monitoring these patients is essential. We’ll focus on providing practical guidelines to monitoring complex cases. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

It is cancer, where to go from there

In the most recent years, owner of pets with cancer have been more interested in persuing therapy. In this presentation, we will review the steps that are required to give the owner the scope of the disease and the range of treatment options that are available. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Phantom cows: reproductive and economic outcomes of intervention

Phantom cows can significantly reduce the success of seasonal mating periods on dairy farms. This paper reports the results of a randomised controlled trial conducted on 14 dairy farms. Non-returning dairy cows were pregnancy tested to identify phantom cows, which were then treated with a progesterone-based synchrony program or left untreated. We will describe the effect of treatment on reproductive performance and explore the economics of phantom cow intervention. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Birth to weaning - feeding for the future while avoiding the hazards

Over recent years there has been a paradigm shift in thinking regarding the feeding of calves from birth to weaning. This has seen an increased focus on pre-weaning growth and its association with future productivity and longevity. This presentation will review different feeding strategies, problems that may be encountered and strategies that may be applied to avoid these problems to achieve good growth and health outcomes.

Salmonella - risks and management strategies

Salmonella are ubiquitous in livestock populations to a greater or lesser extent. Salmonellosis reflects one possible host, pathogen, environment interaction outcome. Herd and or flock management may either contribute to or reduce the risk of pathogen exposure resulting in disease. This presentation will examine risk factors for disease and how stock management can mitigate these risks. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Bovine fetopathy - a veterinary practice investigation SOP

Investigation of bovine abortion and stillbirth is a challenge. This paper addresses this issue with a view to practitioner-led improvements in diagnostic rates. The focus is on clear case definitions, (under-) reporting of losses and problem herd investigations. Specifically, emphasis is placed on a simple 3-step investigative standard operating procedure (SOP) involving herd anamnesis, examination of the aborted/stillbirth animals and cohorts and examination of the conceptus. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Claw conformation – a lameness risk in pasture systems

Understanding a lameness problem begins with identifying the lesions causing the lameness and their risk factors. These risks include physical factors of walkway and milking parlour design that might damage the claw or cause poor cow-flow and result in impatient handling - people factors. Another possible risk is poor claw conformation, a cow factor. This paper looks at data from New Zealand studies, new individual cow data and records from over 70 herd investigations. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

The donkey hide threat

Donkeys are estimated to provide huge economic and social importance to up to 500 million people in developmental countries. The largely Asian led demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine, extracted from the hides of donkeys, has led to significant reductions in global donkey populations, major welfare compromises and profound effects on animal owners and families. Additional links to illegal wildlife and drug trafficking, spread of contagious disease and as well as zoonotic disease are recorded. Multiple global actions have been undertaken but further unified actions are necessary. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Harness wounds: cause, cost and cure

There are around 50 million working donkeys in the world, each donkey keeping a family alive. Poor harnessing and lack of knowledge on the subject mean that most of these animals suffer needlessly. Simple, improved systems of harness are possible, made from locally available materials and often using local skills means that they, and the families who depend on them could produce more, live longer and have better welfare. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Dental pathology

A summary of the commonly encountered equine dental pathologies, with particular reference to development and presentation, expected clinical signs and diagnosis. Progression of pathologies will be discussed and why ‘end stage’ pathologies are common in equine practice, and therefore how they may be diagnosed at an earlier stage. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

A response to the equine influenza outbreak in the West Africa region

The recent outbreak of equine influenza across West Africa highlighted the potentially devastating consequence of this preventable disease. The naïve donkey population saw high levels of morbidity and mortality with the disease spreading rapidly across the region due to the lack of available healthcare and diagnostics. With the donkey population already in decline owing to the demand for skins for export in the donkey hide trade, many people have been left without the working livestock critical to their livelihoods. A coordinated response between an international NGO and government organisations is developing the healthcare systems in the region for disease surveillance and containment in the event of future occurrences. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Looking on the bright side of life - developing indicators of positive emotions in horses

Until recently animal welfare assessment traditionally relied on measures of physical health, and changes in behaviour and physiology related to negative emotional states such as pain and stress. However, it is now widely accepted that good welfare is not simply the absence of disease or negative experiences, but also the presence of positive experiences such as comfort and pleasure. It is becoming recognised that the horse’s state of mind, beside the rider’s emotional state and ability, affects performance regardless of equestrian discipline. If the horse’s mood is positive, then there is a higher probability of positive reactions to human interventions and improved performance outcomes. To ensure horses experience optimal performance and good welfare it is necessary to understand what ‘good’ is from the horse’s perspective, how good welfare can be assessed across a range of environments and equine uses, and what needs to be done to achieve positive emotional states. The development of a universally agreed, validated Equine Quality of Life assessment tool incorporating evidence based indicators of positive and negative emotional states, will provide a means of assessing lifelong well-being, in addition to identifying emotional responses to specific situations. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

One Welfare - reducing equine stress and safeguarding veterinary safety

Horse-human interactions undoubtedly influence both the subjective emotional experience and the behavioural expression of the horse. Methods of training and handling which provoke negative emotions and state. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.s such as fear, or where the individual experiences pain, may lead to short term success in relation to behavioural change, but will also produce fearful horses which are not desirable for the horse or human safety, nor successful for performance in the longer term. When frightened or anxious, horses will show escape responses ranging from agitation involving a raised head and neck to extreme reactions including bolting. A report looking at horse related injuries, found that 70% of the reported accidents involving horses, were attributed to the horse’s behaviour and training. There is therefore a need to understand how to avoid provoking negative emotions in horses during handling and training to reduce fear, improve welfare and enhance human safety. Equine veterinarians carry a particularly high risk of sustaining an occupational injury, with the behavioural responses of the horse to handling and treatment being the main cause. In a survey of UK based equine veterinarians, many report regularly treating horses who perform unwanted and at times, dangerous behaviour. Equine veterinarians are at significantly more risk of personal injury because the animals they are trying to help are experiencing negative emotions such as pain, fear and stress as well the fact that they are often reliant on the handling ability of the owner and the previous training and learned associations of the horse. Horse behavioural indicators, equine learning and motivation and the skills for managing difficult/fearful horses are not usually taught in most veterinary schools, and yet they could be argued to be essential tools for ensuring a safe and effective working environment. In this paper we will discuss research results demonstrating how understanding learning theory and implementation of ‘equine-centred’ handling approaches serve to reduce equine stress responses in a hospital setting, and improve the efficacy and safety of veterinary intervention.

A better life: making positive welfare improvements in handling, harnessing and farriery

For many working equids their interactions with vets may be fairly infrequent but interactions with their owners are daily occurrences. Brooke’s Compassionate Handling for Life project aims to improve the lifetime experience for animals that interact with humans and promote positive connections as well as reducing the negative. Good farriery and comfortable harnesses also make a daily impact on working equids. Brooke’s Global Farriery Project and Brooke’s harnessing project, alongside Compassionate Handling, form part of an overall approach towards cumulative positive welfare over the lifetime of a working equid. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Maintaining social licence to farm

Public trust that farmers will produce their food humanely is important. When people find out that their expectations are not being met, they react in various ways. Social media is an easy, no cost, way to react and can result in much bigger implications for farmers than the simple decision not to eat a product. Veterinary practices can help maintain social licence to farm by helping farmers with their health, biosecurity and welfare plans.

Survive to 5 - keeping more newborn calves alive

The perinatal period (0-48h) is the most hazardous in the life of all eutherians due to the dystocia-perinatal mortality dyad. If a calf survives the first 5 minutes of its life (Survive to 5) it has a very good chance of surviving long-term. Critical to managing this milestone is rapid triage, appropriate resuscitation, and aftercare, as necessary. This paper presents a review of current best practice in bovine perinatal care internationally. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Improving the quality of live-weight and body condition score data

Body condition scoring subjectively assess the degree of fatness or condition. There are positive relationships for most production measures and farmers are increasingly aware of these. However uptake of the tool is poor due to it being perceived as labour intensive. This presentation discusses the advantages of body condition scoring and approaches being developed to allow live weight to be used as an accurate predictor of body condition score. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Improving triplet lamb survival on Australasian farms

Farmers are driven to increase the total weight of lamb available for sale per ewe to improve productivity and one means of doing this is through increased lambing percentages. Higher lambing percentages however are associated with a greater proportion of triplet lambs. Triplet ewes and their lambs are compromised and have specific management needs. This presentation identifies current optimal management strategies based on research and identifies areas needing further investigation. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Pain management and wound healing strategies after velvet removal in deer

This research investigated the pharmacology of articaine hydrochloride for antler removal in deer and a novel solution for post operative pain and wound management after the antler removal in deer. A ring block of 4% articaine at 1ml/cm around the pedicle provided effective analgesia for velvet antler removal in deer. The post operative pain and wound could be managed by novel collagen patch containing local anaesthetics. A proper pharmacokinetic study is required after application of these patches especially to know the systemic absorption. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

What does a champion team culture look like and how do you build it?

Champion teams comprise people who utilise a high degree of trust to tackle issues in such a way that leaves every team member committed and accountable towards achieving the collective result – even if as individuals, they don’t agree every time on the direction the team is taking. You’ll leave the workshop understanding how to build a culture of high performance in any team. This does not mean that every team has what it takes to be high performing - but you’ll know what you need to address that.

Individual accountability – when everyone does what’s expected of them, your world changes

Individual or personal accountability is like the lubricant in a high performing engine. Without it, even the best laid plans will fall at the feet of team members who can’t or won’t take responsibility for their contribution to the collective result. This leads to frustration in the team and underperformance – often in spite of a perfectly well thought through practice strategy. The most junior team member who says ‘yes’ to everything is as guilty as the procrastinating practice owner when it comes to poor personal accountability. You’ll leave this workshop understanding what personal accountability looks like, what it doesn’t look like (and how to recognise this early) and how to develop it as a part of your team’s culture. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Surveillance and control of Salmonella in swine – Danish experience

In many parts of the world, Salmonella in swine is ascribed to a non-negligible number of human cases. In this presentation, the experience related to the development of the Danish surveillance-and-control programme will be presented. In the first phase of the program, focus was on pre-harvest interventions. However, detailed studies showed that it was more cost-effective to focus on hygiene during slaughter. Therefore, today focus is on the postharvest side.

Do cows think grass tastes good?

Pictures of pretty scenes with cows eating grass are often associated with good animal welfare. However, beautiful scenery can be misleading, and there are animal welfare challenges associated with pasture-based farming. Humans make sacrifices to achieve outcomes that make them feel good. Whilst it may seem obvious that cows like the taste of grass, it is important that we also look at the animal welfare “sacrifices” they make in order to do so. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Posters: Companion animal

Quickfire round of five poster presentations showing recent research in the field of companion animals.

An update on anthelmintic resistance research

The investigation of possible associations between the resistance phenotype and polymorphisms in candidate genes was successful in identifying mutations conferring benzimidazole resistance; but has yet to unequivocally identify loci responsible for resistance to other drug classes. We have adopted alternative genetic crossing approaches to identify resistance loci, using Haemonchus contortus as our model gastrointestinal nematode, exploiting the availability of a high quality genome assembly and transcriptome. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Be the patient’s voice: patient advocacy

Patient advocacy can be defined as ensuring that our patients receive the best and most appropriate care (medical, physiological, environmental) to optimise a positive outcome. There are many areas regarding patient advocacy that can be considered as part of a professional health team. As a veterinary nurse we are often the patients’ advocate whilst they are in our care. It is the actions that we perform every day that can enhance the individual patient care and in turn move towards a more positive outcome. Our patients rely on us to ‘speak up’ for them. We need to not only understand the patient, its condition and its treatment required but also implement through nursing plans to achieve ultimate care. Our key focus areas will cover: (1) planning; (2) implementation; (3) evaluation; and (4) communication.

Pearls of the ophthalmic exam

Ready visualization of almost all parts of the eye means nothing can replace a complete examination, and never were the famous words “more is missed through not seeing than not knowing” more apt. In this session, we will cover how to perform a thorough and revealing ophthalmic examination using just four broad guidelines, four skills, and equipment that is almost certainly already in your clinic. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Anaesthetising the diaphragmatic hernia cat

Management: good, bad, it's down to you - time to change?

Managing people isn't the same as leading - teams deliver when they share the values of their organisation and managers, and are motivated to achieve excellence. Management style has a huge impact on business success, positively or negatively. If your team aren't delivering, it's time to take a good look at what you're doing and how it affects their productivity and passion. This session will help you get the basics of managing and leading right. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Posters: Equine

Quickfire round of five poster presentations showing recent research in the field of equids.

Diagnostic approach to the respiratory patient

This session will focus on physical examination findings that provide localization of the source of respiratory dysfunction. The appropriate implementation of tracheal wash, thoracic ultrasound, and needle aspiration will be illustrated in a case-based discussion. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Rational management of chronic GI disease: it’s not just steroids

This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of the art approaches to the diagnosis and management of chronic enteropathies in dogs and cats. There is a particular focus on rational therapeutic trials based on dietary modifications, and our increasing knowledge of the interplay between the gastrointestinal microbiome and intestinal disease. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Bed babies: nursing the recumbent foal

Managing the recumbent foal is intense and requires additional equipment, staff and time. We will discuss the different types of recumbent foals, necessary equipment for their management, educating staff and how to manage the intense time requirements.

Foal radiology

Foal radiology, whether in the field or at the clinic, can present different challenges than an adult horse. Tips and tricks to managing the mare, sedation protocols, equipment needs, staffing requirements and overall best practice will be discussed.

Managing the dystocia foal

Obtaining feline blood for transfusion can be challenging. Recent media attention has highlighted the successful use of xenotransfusion in some cases. This lecture will talk about how to manage cats with anaemia when feline blood isn't immediately available including the evidence base surrounding xenotransfusion and what is necessary to ensure that whatever is done it is done in the safest possible way.

Improving compliance of medication

There is little published data on client compliance in veterinary medicine. Some guidelines exist from human studies and unpublished work. Studies have shown that a substantial proportion of human patients comply poorly with drug therapies prescribed by physicians. In two canine studies, only 27% of owners gave the prescribed number of doses at the correct time each day during short-term antibiotic treatment. This talk will focus on how to improve compliance of medication and the role the vet nurse can play.

Managing patients with sepsis: what has changed recently?

Sepsis is a rapidly evolving field in human medicine. recent research has highlighted that pre-thought strategies for management may not be the best for patients. This lecture will discuss how we manage and monitor dogs and cats with sepsis. We will talk about the recent evidence base in both veterinary and human medicine and use a practical approach to allow you to fitness you treatment.

Understanding the nutritional needs of patients with pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a common presentation in first opinion practice and can be very challenging to manage. This talk will focus on dogs with pancreatitis, where the evidence base is better developed. Dogs with pancreatitis have abdominal pain, nausea and may be unwilling to eat. Previous guidelines recommended prolonged starvation, however it is thought that this may not be the best way to manage these patients. This lecture will discuss strategies that can be applied practically to assist with the management of animals with pancreatitis.

Food systems as amplifiers of zoonotic disease risk

As a consequence of the interconnected effects of globalization, economic development, environmental change and modern society’s changing lifestyle expectations, we are now experiencing very rapid change in eco-social systems at a global scale. This has also led to the emergence of highly complex risk environments. Food production is an example of this development, which has resulted in the global emergence of infectious diseases with major societal impact, such as avian influenza and more recently African swine fever. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Attributing food and waterborne infections to their source in the genomics era

This presentation will describe how recent developments in whole genome sequencing, combined with new models and a One Health approach, is revolutionising our approach to pathogen source attribution. Understanding the sources and pathways of infection with food and waterborne pathogens is essential for guiding policy and decision making in the face of outbreaks and for reducing high rates of sporadic disease. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Engagement - we know it's important, but how do we do it?

We know it’s important but how do we create an engaged workplace. No one ever joined a company disengaged, but over time that passion and drive erodes into feelings of disenchantment and apathy. What went wrong? In this workshop we will look at ways to create an engaged workplace and keep it that way. By building an engaging culture you will improve staff retention, increase sales and enhance productivity and all that goes straight to the bottom line. This highly interactive session will look at the five key drivers of engagement and strategies to deal with disengagement and develop a high performing team. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Respiratory disease: diagnosis

Equine athletes are frequently affected by lower respiratory disease and it is a major cause of poor performance. This presentation will be a discussion of infectious and non-infectious lower respiratory diseases that are commonly seen in equine practice and how they are diagnosed.

Respiratory disease: management

Equine athletes are frequently affected by lower respiratory disease and it is a major cause of poor performance. This presentation will be a discussion of infectious and non-infectious lower respiratory diseases that are commonly seen in equine practice and how they are managed.

Superbugs and veterinary drugs: drug-resistant bacteria in Australasian animals

The WHO has identified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the most significant current and future threats to global human health. The use of antimicrobials in veterinary science presents some risk for development of resistance in human pathogens, but until recently, it has been difficult to quantify this risk. Data will be presented confirming rates of AMR in animals in Australasia are among the lowest in the world and the reasons for these comparatively low rates will be explored. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Health, happiness and the livestock microbiome

The advent of next-generation sequencing is continuing to unlock the mysteries of the host’s autochthonous microbiota and its importance to healthy immune, brain and reproductive function. This presentation will focus on recent developments in the field of significance to livestock health, welfare and optimal production in, as well as crystal ball gazing into the livestock facilities of the future. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Is student selection the single most important veterinary school assessment?

In many countries, veterinary applicant numbers far exceed the number of places available, and there is usually a low attrition rates of selected students. Given these factors, student selection essentially becomes a proxy for practitioner selection, and as such may be the most important assessment in a veterinary programme. This presentation will consider veterinary student selection processes in light of this overarching concept of programme selection equalling profession selection. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Retention in the veterinary workplace

New Zealand and other countries are experiencing an apparent shortage of veterinarians. The authors will present figures documenting the supply and demand for veterinarians in New Zealand; results of a recent analysis of Massey veterinary graduates registering with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand and quantitative results from a survey of two Massey cohorts (10 and 20 years following graduation). Reasons for veterinarians leaving clinical practice and the profession in general will be discussed. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Biosecurity in aquaculture to meet national regulations and international (OIE) standards

This presentation will describe International Aquatic Veterinary Biosecurity Consortium (IAVBC) processes and roles of veterinarians to assist producers prevent, control and eradicate infectious diseases on any Epidemiological Unit (farm to a Nation) and, explain how these and other programs may meet National regulations and OIE Standards. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Developing the knowledge, skill and experience for aquatic veterinary practice

This presentation will identify day-1 and board specialised knowledge, skills and experience (KSEs) needed, where to obtain these KSEs and how to get recognized for competence. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Protein-losing enteropathies: managing these challenging cases

Protein-losing enteropathies may occur as a primary disease within the gastrointestinal tract, or as a consequence / complication of other primary gastrointestinal diseases. The presence of protein-losing enteropathy has a significant impact on the response of these patients to therapy, and is associated with a poorer outlook for response to therapy and recovery. This presentation will overview the mechanisms of protein loss in protein-losing enteropathies, the diagnostic approach to these cases, and management protocols for these difficult cases. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

How I treat apocrine gland anal sac carcinomas

This lecture will cover the findings of a study of over 1,300 dogs with surgically treated apocrine gland anal sac carcinomas and review previously published reports on dogs with this type of tumour. The discussion will include recommended clinical staging tests, a proposed clinical staging scheme, and treatment recommendations and prognosis for each of the stages of this common disease.

How I treat mast cell tumours

This lecture will cover the diagnosis and clinical staging tests for dogs with mast cell tumours, and when clinical staging tests are indicated, including sentinel lymph node mapping; surgical approaches for the resection of subcutaneous and cutaneous mast cell tumours; how to decipher mast cell tumour histopathology reports, including assessment of surgical margins and histologic grade; adjuvant treatment options following surgical resection and when these are indicated; and prognosis.

How I treat soft tissue sarcomas

This lecture will cover the management of dogs with cutaneous and subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas. We will also discuss some of the controversies regarding the diagnosis of these common tumours, wide versus marginal surgical approaches, and the role of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in the postoperative management of canine soft tissue sarcomas.

How I treat thyroid carcinomas

This lecture will cover my pragmatic approach to the management of thyroid carcinomas in dogs. We will also discuss some of the controversies in the management of thyroid carcinomas, including deciphering the clinical impact of reported poor prognostic factors such as bilateral thyroid carcinomas, large thyroid carcinomas, and the presence of macroscopic and/or microscopic vascular invasion. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Oral tumours

This lecture will cover diagnostic and clinical staging tests for cats and dogs with oral masses; surgical techniques for resection of oral tumours, including various mandibulectomy and maxillectomy procedures; alternative approaches to surgical resection; when adjuvant therapies are indicated; and the prognosis following curative-intent treatments. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Primary bone tumours

This lecture will cover the different primary bone tumors; biopsy principles and techniques, including whether biopsies should be performed or not; clinical staging tests; palliative- and curative-intent treatment options; and prognosis following each of these treatment options. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Principles of surgical oncology

This lecture will cover why animals with cancer should be treated; biopsy principles and techniques; clinical staging, including an introduction to sentinel lymph node mapping; surgical approaches to resection of tumours and cancers, including perioperative management considerations; preparation of resected tumours for histopathology; and adjuvant treatment options. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Does this cat have asthma or bronchitis?

Cats with chronic cough or acute onset of respiratory distress can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. The majority of cats may be ultimately be diagnosed with inflammatory airway disease, although the underlying cause of inflammation is often not determined. Ruling out other causes of cough is essential to provide proper management. Current issues regarding appropriate diagnosis and therapy of feline lower airway inflammatory disease will be discussed. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Management of tracheobronchomalacia in dogs

Cough is a common clinical complaint in dogs and in small breed dogs, it is often associated with tracheal or bronchial collapse. Some dogs have concurrent bronchitis while other do not, and failure to respond to steroids or worsening clinical signs in a dog placed on steroids suggest that bronchitis is absent. There is no cure for loss of structural integrity in airway cartilage, therefore management strategies rely on control of concurrent conditions and triggers of clinical signs. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Stertor and stridor in dogs and cats

Stridor is a high pitched inspiratory noise associated with obstruction of a large and rigid airway such as the larynx, trachea, or nasopharynx. With severe obstruction, expiratory stridor can also be detected. Stertor is an inspiratory or expiratory snoring noise caused by vibration of soft tissues such as the soft palate, pharynx, or laryngeal saccules. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Gastrointestinal complications of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

The population of brachycephalic breeds is exponentially increasing in multiple countries. Along with their cute-ugly squish-faces comes a plethora of upper respiratory tract conformation abnormalities that result in the well-known condition of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. What is less talked about are the concurrent gastrointestinal abnormalities these patients experience, and how treatment of both aspects of the condition influences their outcome. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Managing septic peritonitis patients

Septic peritonitis cases are critical patients that require intensive pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative management to minimize peri-operative morbidity and mortality. This lecture covers the identification, management, and prevention of complications associated with gastrointestinal surgery and septic peritonitis. This includes electrolyte management, protein management, blood pressure management, fluid balance, antibiotic selection, enterotomy and anastomosis techniques, omental and serosal patching, active drain placement, and nutritional support. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Chemotherapy 101

Everybody has an image of chemotherapy from the human medicine. It is important to differentiate the use of chemotherapy in our pets. We will review the indication of chemotherapy, the most common toxicity and the new requirement from a health and safety standpoint. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Standardised assessment of bull fertility

Vets making an individual judgment about whether a particular finding on bull examination should preclude its use takes on a degree of risk – particularly in circumstances where a client might seek an alternative opinion from a different veterinarian down the track, when things have not gone well. This risk can be reduced significantly by having a set of industry accepted standards. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Successful service with sex-sorted semen

The use of sex-sorted semen can increase the number of replacement heifers, improve genetics and reduce the number of unwanted male bobby calves in dairy herds but its uptake has been limited by lower conception rates and higher costs. Careful case selection and use of particular synchrony programs can be used to improve outcomes and economics. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Reversing dairy cow reproductive decline

The most recent secular trends in dairy cow reproductive performance internationally indicate that the decline apparent over the last four decades has halted and in some dairy industries performance has improved both genetically and phenotypically. Reversal of the decline has been/will be achieved by a blended response of short, medium and long-term management and genetic selection strategies. This paper deals with how best to implement these strategies globally, nationally and at farm-level. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Communication strategies to reduce antimicrobial usage on farm - part 1

The majority of treatment decisions on dairy farms are undertaken by herd owners and their staff. Hence to effectively reduce antimicrobial usage, engagement of herd owners and their staff is vital. This presentation will consider the impact and effectiveness of two different approaches to communicating reduction strategies to decision makers- from trained veterinarians and from facilitated farmers. It will also consider key strengths and weaknesses with each approach. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Through a glass darkly- the psycho-social impact of eradicating Mycoplasma

National eradication schemes often involve culling of animals or even herds. The impact of this on disease transmission and management is often closely monitored and modelled, but the impact on affected farmers, their families and the broader rural communities is rarely considered. This study considered the people aspect of disease eradication.

Communication strategies to reduce antimicrobial usage on farm - part 2

The majority of treatment decisions on dairy farms are undertaken by herd owners and their staff. Hence to effectively reduce antimicrobial usage, engagement of herd owners and their staff is vital. This presentation will consider the impact and effectiveness of two different approaches to communicating reduction strategies to decision makers- from trained veterinarians and from facilitated farmers. It will also consider key strengths and weaknesses with each approach.

Interdisciplinary examination of the evidence for AMR as a One Health problem

The WHO, FAO and OIE speak with one voice to minimize the emergence and spread of AMR yet quantification of the relative contribution of humans and animals to AMR problems is challenging. Moreover, many voices are not heard in AMR discussions, particularly in low and middle-income countries, and many complexities of the system are poorly understood from disciplinary perspectives. Based on AMR research in Tanzania, (limits to) the evidence of AMR as a One Health problem will be explored. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676'

Cheek tooth extraction

"Cheek tooth extraction is now a procedure that may be performed in the standing horse in almost all cases with all presentations of cheek teeth pathologies requiring exodontia. All techniques require a similar logical approach and the speaker will describe all the currently available techniques including how they may be adapted to challenging or extreme cases. When used appropriately, all techniques can have very low complication rates but procedure selection and sequential treatment plans are essential for success. An overview of the anatomy of the equine head and teeth relevant to modern equine dental practice. Descriptions of human and veterinary terminology, gross and ultrastructural anatomy will be presented with a particular focus on the relevance to pathologies of equine teeth and modern therapies A summary of the commonly encountered equine dental pathologies, with particular reference to development and presentation, expected clinical signs and diagnosis. Progression of pathologies will be discussed and why ‘end stage’ pathologies are common in equine practice, and therefore how they may be diagnosed at an earlier stage. Management of diastemata and periodontal disease is one of the most common procedures that equine dental practitioners will perform. Even severe cases can be treated very successfully due to the inherent potential of the periodontium to repair. Success depends on understanding the aetiology and progression of the disease, then following some guidelines on therapy. Remedial odontoplasty and equilibration techniques, food removal from diastemata and periodontal pockets, diastema widening, partial widening, bridging and onlay splinting will all be discussed. Preserving and restoring teeth has become the mainstay of human dentistry over the last 100 years. Longer life expectancies of domesticated horses and better routine dental care, including regular clinical dental examinations means that pathologies may be identified early and treatment options offered, including restorative therapies. This presentation summarises current advanced techniques and which appear promising for now and the future, and which do not. A guide to taking better equine dental radiographs with modern equipment. Principles of radiography, simple guidance for practice, common errors of positioning and exposure will be discussed. Methods for diagnostic radiographs of incisors, canines, cheek teeth and the sinuses will be described and explained along with a guide to interpretation of the common radiographic changes seen with dental and sinus disease. A presentation of the most effective and useful methods of sedation, anaesthesia and analgesia for equine dental procedures. Sedation protocols, regional nerve blocks, tips for use in practice and experiences in the use of the varying techniques will guide practitioners towards the safest and most effective methods for performing routine through to advanced dental procedures. " This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Dental anatomy

An overview of the anatomy of the equine head and teeth relevant to modern equine dental practice. Descriptions of human and veterinary terminology, gross and ultrastructural anatomy will be presented with a particular focus on the relevance to pathologies of equine teeth and modern therapies This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

How I treat periodontal disease

Management of diastemata and periodontal disease is one of the most common procedures that equine dental practitioners will perform. Even severe cases can be treated very successfully due to the inherent potential of the periodontium to repair. Success depends on understanding the aetiology and progression of the disease, then following some guidelines on therapy. Remedial odontoplasty and equilibration techniques, food removal from diastemata and periodontal pockets, diastema widening, partial widening, bridging and onlay splinting will all be discussed. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Introduction to endodontic and restorative dentistry

Preserving and restoring teeth has become the mainstay of human dentistry over the last 100 years. Longer life expectancies of domesticated horses and better routine dental care, including regular clinical dental examinations means that pathologies may be identified early and treatment options offered, including restorative therapies. This presentation summarises current advanced techniques and which appear promising for now and the future, and which do not. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Radiography of equine teeth

A guide to taking better equine dental radiographs with modern equipment. Principles of radiography, simple guidance for practice, common errors of positioning and exposure will be discussed. Methods for diagnostic radiographs of incisors, canines, cheek teeth and the sinuses will be described and explained along with a guide to interpretation of the common radiographic changes seen with dental and sinus disease. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Sedation and anaesthesia techniques for dentistry

A presentation of the most effective and useful methods of sedation, anaesthesia and analgesia for equine dental procedures. Sedation protocols, regional nerve blocks, tips for use in practice and experiences in the use of the varying techniques will guide practitioners towards the safest and most effective methods for performing routine through to advanced dental procedures. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Practical management of strangles outbreaks

Strangles is one of the most prevalence contagious diseases of horses worldwide and causes significant welfare and economic impact. It is a vilified disease surrounded by misconception and is often associated with blame, guilt and secrecy – all of which present significant challenges to the horse industry and veterinary profession. The last decade has seen significant advances in understanding of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of this disease and, in particular, in molecular diagnostic techniques. This interactive talk will work through a series of actual outbreak scenarios to illustrate logical approaches to outbreak control that can be taken in the field. The talk will review the appropriate selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests, formulation of management plans and how to work with horse farms to reduce risk of future outbreaks. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Pericalving management of cow and calf

Managing failure of passive transfer is very challenging to improve in systems where calves are left with their dam for 24 hours or more. In New Zealand, where 70% of farms pick up calves only once daily, it is likely that the biggest contributor to whether they have FPT or not is dependent on what has happened out in the paddock. This study aimed to look at what is happening out in the calving paddocks on New Zealand dairy farms and whether the success or failure of feeding from the dam is influenced by management factors that we can alter. This presentation summarises the results from half way through the study on four farms investigated in 2019. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676

Mycoplasma: perspectives on herd biosecurity

This presentation will provide a background to the Australian experience of managing mycoplasma infections in dairy cattle. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

One Health

One Health is the term given to a merging of scientific disciplines into a single discipline. Typically, it considers the linking of animal, human and environmental health, recognizing that often, these areas are deeply connected. The concept of One Health has become much more common over recent years, as the realization that these three critical ‘healths’ are better considered as one. From a veterinary perspective, although we may not always have considered it as such, we often work in a One Health capacity. Whether we are treating farm animals or pets, these animals always have owners- and often the impact of the owners’ management has a bearing – direct or indirect - on the animals’ health

Delivering knowledge to the deer industry

Red deer farming in New Zealand began in the 1970's. A pioneering spirit, coupled with a talented research team propelled the industry into mainstream farming. As the industry has grown, the transfer of knowledge to new entrants has been a key target to improve profitability and sustainability while ensuring continual improvement in best practice. This paper describes the journey through the technology transfer process. The current state of the industry and progress over its history are linked to the succession of adoption and practice change programmes. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Developments in velvet antler production in New Zealand

Velvet antler is a product known for ot medicinal benefits. These are derived from the many natural hormones and nutritional compounds in the harvested product. Development of new products and the extension of new genetic selection programmes have coupled with strong animal welfare research and animal nutrition practices to expand this traditional industry into 21st century markets. This paper describes the growth of the industry, building on a facts based platform of health and medicinal benefits, animal welfare research, genetics and nutrition, and food safety and traceability practices. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Changing epidemiology of trematode parasites

There have been dramatic changes in the global distribution of fluke parasites and severity of disease. As climate and management continue to change, so will their epidemiology. In this scenario, fluke control depends on the correct use of diagnostic tests, considering their sensitivity and specificity to detect different stages of infection at different levels of prevalence. Genomic resources and molecular methods are needed to understand the parasites’ population genetics. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Developing and delivering planned ruminant livestock health and production programs to farmers

There have been dramatic changes in the global distribution of fluke parasites and severity of disease. As climate and management continue to change, so will their epidemiology. In this scenario, fluke control depends on the correct use of diagnostic tests, considering their sensitivity and specificity to detect different stages of infection at different levels of prevalence. Genomic resources and molecular methods are needed to understand the parasites’ population genetics. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Performance of different sheep breeds in harsh hill environments

Hill sheep farming is important in the UK, providing breeding females for lowland systems, and contributing to meat production. We investigated genetic selection of the Scottish Blackface breed and introduction of the prolific Lleyn breed as potential solutions to maintain the viability and sustainability hill farming. Lleyn ewes had comparable litter sizes to improved Scottish Blackface ewes, but produced heavier lambs at lambing. This suggests adaptation to the harsh environment. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

TST’s: do they work and are they worth implementing?

"Rather than asking if targeted selective treatments (TSTs) work, should we be asking if our current control strategies do? There is good evidence that TSTs do slow the development of resistance. However, the implementation of any TST regime requires additional inputs in the form of either time, labour or capital expenditure that has to be balanced against the anticipated benefits. Refugia management involves administering anthelmintics to ensure that only a small proportion of the parasite population is exposed to the drug; thereby reducing the emergence and spread of resistance mutations. A major challenge is to decide which animals to treat, or leave untreated. We have evaluated conjunctival mucous membrane colour (FAMACHA scores) of peri-urban goats in Malawi as an index for targeted selective treatment, and means of engagement with smallholders." This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Connect with your customers' emotions to drive business success

People buy from people - if anyone on your team makes clients feel undervalued, ignored or patronised then those customers won't come back. They'll also tell their friends. An excellent customer experience isn't a 'nice to have', its essential if you want to attract and retain clients. Every other business sector understands the commercial significance of the customer experience, why don't we? This session will share research and case studies quantifying potential business opportunity. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Grow your own team: understanding what future colleagues want

Vets want fair pay for fair hours and they're increasingly looking to achieve a positive work - life balance through flexible working, to accommodate other interests, hobbies and family life. This session will share research with undergraduates and newly qualified vets to help you shape your employment and support provision to match the changing needs of your team. If you want to build a stable, strong team, it's time to connect with future colleagues today. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Listen up

Co-production is a hot topic in human healthcare, and for very good reason - optimal patient outcomes are produced when both parties work together. Patients are actively encouraged to question their clinician and understand treatment options - in his TEDTalk, Oslo neurosurgeon Christer Mjåset, vice president of the Norwegian Medical Association, recommends that patients ask doctors four key questions in the consult room: (1) Is this really necessary? (2) What are the risks? (3) Are there other options? (4) What happens if I don't do anything?

The marketing plan is dead, long live the customer plan

At the end of the day, almost all your clients live within fifteen minutes of your practice - understanding who they are and what they want is key to successful business. Marketing what you do is useless if it isn't what the local population needs. Client communication should be clearly and consistently values-based, with a plan that's able to flex as needed. Understand who your target market are, and tailor your services accordingly. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

The role of people and process in veterinary marketing

The bottom line is that if you have great people but they are not supported and enabled by effective processes, burn-out and demotivation is inevitable. Conversely, if you have great processes, you don’t need everyone to be amazing – when the practice functions normally and everyone is clear what they need to do, how and when they need to do it; average people can deliver good things. Ideally of course you’d have both, but when it comes down to it, focusing on ensuring your processes work should always be the priority.

Skills for success

Leaders aren’t born they are developed, what does it take to become a person of influence? There are many leadership styles and situational leadership allows you to adapt to each situation when dealing with people. Before we can lead we need to understand the Skills for success and the five drivers that will make an impact on your business and career. Today’s business world is full of disruptors and we must be ahead of the game of we are going to compete in this ever changing volatile world. We will explore the following areas that can enhance our performance or hold us back: Imposter syndrome, self confidence, agility, psychological safety and managing stress. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Banking colostrum, plasma and managing whole blood transfusion

It is possible for any practice to bank colostrum, utilize freshly frozen plasma and provide whole blood transfusions. The equipment and staff training required to collect and process whole blood, to collect and process colostrum and deliver of frozen plasma will be covered.

Pain assessment in small animals

The ability to objectively and consistently assess pain in animals is an important skill in veterinary practice. We will discuss acute and chronic pain assessment in dogs and cats as well as the use of pain scales in clinical practice. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Transfusion therapy

When should we administer blood products? How do we do it? What are the risks? All this and more will be discussed in this guide to transfusion therapy in dogs and cats. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Transition from friend to leader

You’ve just received a promotion, and you’re ecstatic. You can’t wait to start your new leadership position, and the wheels are already turning with exciting ideas to implement. But it comes to your attention that not everyone on your team is as excited about your promotion as you are. Some of your peers-turned-direct reports feel they are more qualified for your job because they have more experience and longer tenure. Others wonder what changes you will be making, and how these changes will affect them. Still others worry about what will happen to your close friendship. No need to panic! Remember, your organisation demonstrated confidence in your abilities by promoting you to be the leader of your team. We will focus on the following tips for success (1) understand the supervisory role you have accepted; (2) the need for support throughout your transition; (3) honest conversations with the team on how your working relationship will change; and (4) team discussion covering your expectations.

Parasitology methods to inform farm management

Parasites are important pathogens infecting humans and animals worldwide. They reduce the food conversion efficiency of their livestock hosts, either by evoking immune responses, or directly, resulting in production loss through reduced weight gains and deaths. Effective control strategies are therefore a global priority. This presentation will describe some of the conventional and next generation parasitology methods that we use to inform farm management, and in our empirical research.

Digital Summit

by TBC

Posters: Production animal

Quickfire round of five poster presentations showing recent research in the field of production animals.

New insights in seasonality of farmed red deer

Red deer are a seasonal species responding strongly to day length.this governs the breeding season and also modifies feed intake. These features have a significant influence on the fit of red deer to different geoclimatic regions. Matching the feed supply with animal demand remains the key tenet in the success of low-cost forage systems. This paper describes the latest genetic and animal nutrition research that this further developing red deer to fit a wider range of geoclimatic zones. This webinar is RACE approved. Program Number: 1405-38676.

Panel discussion: COVID-19

Speakers from around the world will share their experiences of working on COVID-19 projects wihtin their countries, and the knowledge they've gained.