Internal Medicine Lectures 2018 by Tina Conway, DVM, MA, DACVIM:

Feline hyperthyroidism (1hr)

Hyperthyroidism has become the most common endocrinopathy of middle aged to older cats. This lecture will review the clinical symptoms, diagnostic tests including new test options, treatment for control vs. cure and prognosis. Nuclear medicine has come to play a larger role in the best practice management of feline hyperthyroidism. Therefore we will discuss the role of thyroid scintigraphy as a diagnostic tool and updated protocols for ultra low dose radio-iodine therapy for treatment of hyperthyroidism.  

Canine hypothyroidism (1hr)

Canine hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder however, the diagnosis can be challenging. Non-thyroidal illnesses and common medications may complicate proper interpretation of thyroid function test results. This lecture will focus largely on the proper diagnosis of this disorder but will also review treatment and monitoring of hypothyroidism. We will also discuss other an important, emerging thyroid disorder, dietary thyrotoxicosis, as well as review congenital hypothyroidism in cats. Case examples will be used to illustrate the lecture objectives and there will be time for questions and answers.

Feline diabetes mellitus (1hr)

Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder of cats.  This lecture will review the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats with special focus on achieving diabetic remission.  We will discuss insulin choices for cats, diet strategies, home glucose monitoring, concurrent disorders that may complicate diabetic control and quality of life concerns for the diabetic cat and their human families. Case examples will be used to illustrate the lecture objectives and there will be time for questions and answers.

Canine diabetes mellitus (1hr)

Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder of dogs. This lecture will review the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic dogs.  We will discuss insulin choices for dogs, diet strategies, home glucose monitoring, concurrent illness that may complicate diabetic control and quality of life concerns for the diabetic dog and their human families. Case examples will be used to illustrate the lecture objectives and there will be time for questions and answers.

Canine hyperadrenocorticism (1hr)

Hyperadrenocorticism is a common endocrine disorder of dogs. Often the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism can be frustrating for the small animal clinician.  We will review the clinical symptoms, pros and cons of the multiple diagnostic tests, localizing tests, medical and surgical treatment options, and prognosis. We will briefly touch upon the clinical symptoms, diagnosis and management of hyperadrenocorticism in cats as well. Case examples will be used to illustrate the lecture objectives and there will be time for questions and answers.

Canine hypoadrenocorticism (1hr)

Canine hypoadrenocorticism is an uncommon, but potentially life threatening endocrine disorder in dogs. Hypoadrenocorticism is often overlooked as a differential diagnosis because the symptoms are typical of other more common clinical conditions.  This lecture will review the clinical symptoms and diagnosis of typical vs. atypical hypoadrenocorticism, treatment options and prognosis. Case examples will be provided.

Chronic kidney disease: Earlier diagnosis, staging, management (1hr)

Chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of illness and death in cats and dogs.  This lecture will provide an update on the symptoms, diagnosis, staging and management of chronic kidney disease for cats and dogs. We will focus on the new diagnostic test, SDMA, which allows for earlier diagnosis, and will hopefully improve the outcome for veterinary patients.  Case examples will be used to illustrate lecture objectives and there will be ample time for questions and answers.

Ophthalmology Lectures 2018 by Gia Klauss, DVM, DACVO:

The Seven Corneal Colors (1 hr)

Diseases of the normally transparent cornea manifest as often colorful opacifications.  To properly identify corneal pathology, it is essential to have a working knowledge of the various colors and the disease processes they represent.  We will review the seven colors that can be present in the diseased cornea and review the most common corneal diseases.  

Chronic Corneal Conditions (1 hr)

Some corneal diseases can be chronic and require longterm monitoring and treatment.  We will discuss the clinical signs of these diseases and focus on the management of these conditions.  Topics will include pannus, corneal endothelial dystrophy/degeneration, corneal degeneration, eosinophilic keratitis, corneal sequestrum.

Putting the Fun in Funduscopy: Improving Interpretation of the Retinal Exam (1.5h)

For many, a good fundus examination with accurate interpretation is the most challenging aspect of the ophthalmic exam.  In this lecture, we will review the basics of direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and give pointers on performing these basic ophthalmic exam techniques.  The fundus is a composite image of the sclera, choroid, and retina, so an understanding of the anatomy and normal variations is vital to accurate interpretation.  We will use a case-based approach to improve recognition and interpretation of pathology.

Conjunctivitis in dogs and cats (1.5h) 

Conjunctivitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in our patients. We will discuss the clinical signs of the many causes of conjunctivitis in dogs and cats. Other ocular conditions will present with similar clinical signs so we will highlight the distinguishing features of the myriad other causes of a red eye. The most common causes of conjunctivitis will be reviewed. including allergies, hypersensitivity reactions, and infectious agents. Guidelines for treatment of conjunctivitis will be discussed. 

A Diagnostic Guide to Anisocoria (1h)

We will review neuroanatomy of autonomic innervation to the iris sphincter and dilator muscles, and pharmacology of neurotransmitters involved in pupillary control.  We will review the components of a complete neuro-ophthalmic examination, including the pupillary light reflex.  A diagnostic algorithm for sorting through causes of anisocoria will be provided.  We will discuss principles of diagnostic pharmacologic testing for confirmation and neuroanatomic localization of lesions affecting pupil size.

Adaptations for Vision in the Vertebrate Eye (1h)

Although all vertebrate eyes are built on the same basic blueprint, many species have will have unique adaptations for vision to fit their ecological niche.  We will take a beautiful tour through the various adaptations for vision that have evolved among many different vertebrate species.