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Learn more about the 2025 Fall Conference lectures and labs! This page will be continuously updated as we receive additional session descriptions from the speakers.
 
 
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      | .png) | Suicide Prevention, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue: In this session we will confront
 these issues headon. We will talk about how to recognize the warning signs of burnout
 and suicidal ideation, how to start important conversations with our colleagues, and how to
 foster a culture of support rather than stigma. We will also introduce tools like the Ask
 Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool, explore suicide statistics in our field compared to
 others, and discuss practical ways to advocate for mental health resources and policy
 changes within our workplace.
 
 
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 Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine Inspection Program: During the presentation we
 will provide a general overview of the inspection process, frequently cited deficiencies and
 how to avoid them, and post inspection information. There will be time for questions at the
 end of the presentation.
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      | .png) | Numbers Behind the Needles: Matering Medical Math: Accurate calculations are the
 foundation for safe administration of veterinary medications. This session will explore the
 essential math skills every veterinary professional needs, including dosage calculations,
 fluid therapy rates, continuous rate infusions, and dilutions. Participants will gain
 confidence and strengthen their ability to think critically and calculate accurately.
 Smooth Operators: Anesthesia Case Considerations: In this interactive session, participants will work through real life anesthesia case considerations that highlight the
 challenges and critical thinking required to create a balanced, multi-modal anesthetic
 protocol tailored to the individual patient. Attendees will examine patient assessment,
 anesthetic risk, drug selection, and strategies for managing anticipated complications.
 
 
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      |  | Hot Topics in Large Animal Veterinary Medicine: From artificial intelligence to zebrarescue, we will cover the hot topics and notable cases affecting today's large animal
 veterinary technician.
 
 |  |  | Dental X-Ray Positioning Lab: We will spend the first part going over positioning and maintenance. We will then move onto the hands-on positioning portion where we will
 spend 35 minutes on a cat cadaver head then 35 minutes on a dog head. We will focus
 on the harder areas like the canines, upper 4PM, lateral technique and then move to
 molars, PM's and incisors.
 |  | .png) | Urinary Catheter Lab: During this lab you will be taught how to place male and female urinary catheters in the canine and feline patient. You will also be shown how to attach a
 closed urinary collection system.
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      | .png) 
 | Elevate the Euthanasia Experience: Part I: We will discuss what families need from vet
 teams as their pet approaches the end of its life. Focus will be placed on helping families
 determine when euthanasia is appropriate for their loved one, as well as optional verbiage
 to use to show empathy. We'll also examine the AVMA Companion Animal Aftercare Policy,
 and how to help families choose the best aftercare option for their pet.
 Elevate the Euthanasia Experience, Part II: In the second session, we will discuss how to prepare for the euthanasia appointment. We'll discuss optimal sedation protocols, and I'll
 share some of my favorite tips and tricks. We'll also talk about helping children go through the
 euthanasia of their pet and wrap up with information that you can share with your clients
 regarding responsible pet burial.
 
 
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      |  | ECG Interpretation: This session will give veterinary technicians a full overview of all things
 ECG. We will be discussing the heart's conduction system, proper positioning for obtaining
 ECGs, causes for arrhythmias, and various common arrhythmias that are seen. The purpose of
 this session is to have veterinary technicians comfortable with the various types of
 arrhythmias and what we generally use to treat them.
 Cardiac Therapies for Veterinary Technicians and Common Cardiac Medications: In thissession we will discuss clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and goals of cardiac therapy in
 patients with cardiac disease. The goal of this lecture is to give veterinary technicians a better
 understanding of cardiac disease management and cardiac medications. We will overview all
 common cardiac medications that we use and discuss their primary usage/mechanism of
 action. Having a better understanding of these things will help improve survival and quality of life to our patients.
 
 
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      |  | Sport Horse Showcase: The equine athlete discussions will surround soundness evaluations, imaging modalities, regenerative medications and more!
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      |  | The Sample's Journey through the Diagnostic Lab: Our goal in this session is to mimic going
 behind the scenes at the diagnostic lab, to show what happens to samples and what a lab
 technician's career is lile. We will highlight processes in each lab section, and what results look
 like. We will hand around props (noninfectious). The presentation will focus on images and
 videos, and include tips on proper submission.
 Diagnostics in the Clinic Lab: The goal of this lab is build on skills taught in LVT curriculum toinclude knowledge of less common submissions. Participants would move between several
 stations, spending 10 minutes per station, with 10 minutes for donning/doffing PPE and wrap
 up. Station one -- making and looking at blood smears from different species. Station two --
 fecal exams from different species. Station three -- reviewing cytology slides. Station four --
 poultry anatomy/lesion review station.
 
 
 |  |  |  CPR Refresh Lab: This lab offers veterinary professionals a hands-on opportunity to practice CPRtechniques in a supportive, team-focused environment. Participants will rotate through skill
 stations focused on chest compressions, ventilation, and ECG rhythm recognition, followed by case-
 based scenarios that integrate all aspects of basic and advanced life support. Designed for
 technicians, veterinarians, and students, the session encourages discussion and collaborative
 learning while reinforcing practical, evidence-based emergency response strategies.
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 Blood Products: Indications for Use and How to Administer: This course is designed to
 equip veterinary technicians with the essential knowledge and skills required to safely and
 effectively administer blood product transfusions in a clinical setting. The course will cover
 the principles of transfusion medicine, including blood typing and crossmatching, selection of
 appropriate blood products, administration protocols, and monitoring for adverse reactions.
 Participants will explore the indications and contradictions for, as well as best practices for
 handling and storingg blood products. This course emphasizes the critical role veterinary
 technicians play in the preparation, delivery, and post-transfusion care of patient recieving
 blood products.
 Common Toxins in Veterinary Medicine: This lecture provides an in-depth overview of themost frequently encountered toxins in veterinary medicine. Participants will learn about
 commonly ingested toxins in dogs and cats; such as human medications, foods, and
 environmental substances - along with their associated clinical signs and pathophysiology.
 The session will cover diagnostic approaches, evidence-based treatment protocols, and
 strategies for client education and toxin prevention. This lecture aims to strengthen
 confidence in treating toxicoses and improve patient outcomes through early intervention
 and informed decision-making.
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      |  | Redefining Pain Management: Empowering Technicians to Lead the Analgesia Evolution:
 This session will deliver practical, evidence-based strategies to advance pain management
 across all areas of veterinary practice. The attendees will build a comprehensive toolkit of
 pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic techniques using real-world case examples and
 interactive discussions to enhance patient comfort, reduce fear and stress, and improve
 clinical outcomes. Emphasizing the vital role of credentialed veterinary technicians, this
 session inspires a cultural shift - empowering the entire veterinary team to identify, treat, and
 advocate for pain control in every patient, at every stage of care more effectively.
 
 
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      |  | Complimentary Medicine and Rehab: This session will feature chiropractic, acupuncture, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine and multiple rehabilitation modalities. Get ready for
 interactive roles in rehab!
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      |  | Dental X-Ray Positioning Lab: We will spend the first part going over positioning and maintenance. We will then move onto the hands-on positioning portion where we will
 spend 35 minutes on a cat cadaver head then 35 minutes on a dog head. We will focus
 on the harder areas like the canines, upper 4PM, lateral technique and then move to
 molars, PM's and incisors.
 |  |  | Fear Free Handling Lecture and Lab: In this session, we will discuss fear free handling and approaches to dog and cat visits, sedation protocols, and restraint options. In addition to a
 comprehensive discussion on fear free in our hospitals, we will discuss how fear free helps the
 quality of life of our patients, and ourselves and advocate for healthier and happier mindsets
 and workplaces.
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 A/C Unit: The Technician's Manual for Addison's and Cushing's: This session will do a deep dive into Addison's and Cushing's. Attendees will learn about causes, clinical signs, diagnostics, treatments, monitoring and complications of both diseases, along with communicating with the owners of patients with these diseases.
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 Recognition and Assessment of Pain for Exotics, Large and Zoo Animals Alleviated
 with Physical Rehabilation Techniques: Description Coming Soon!
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      |  | Senior Horse Special: Our aging equine population deserves specialized care. This session will cover age related concerns including dental disease, nutrition, athletic
 abilities, metabolic disease and quality of life considerations.
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      | .png) | Dental Nerve Block Lecture and Lab: Description Coming Soon! |  
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