Spring Conference

This program offers continuing education credit.

We encourage veterinarians, technicians, and assistants to attend.

2026 Prices

• Veterinarian: Early registration – $325.00; late registration – $390.00
• Technician: Early registration – $200.00; late registration – $250.00
• Additional cost per lab attended.

2026 schedule

OPTIONAL: Friday

• 4 – 5:30 p.m. – Registration
• 5:30 p.m. –  Annual Bustad Distinguished Lecture
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Reception

Saturday

Large animal track:

Location: Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) 1410/1408

• 8 a.m. – Septic Arthritis – Field Strategies and Referral by Megan J. McCracken, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA (Guest Speaker)
  This lecture will focus on the management of equine septic arthritis cases. It will include a discussion of the diagnosis of septic arthritis in the field. The considerations for referral as well as the options for field treatment including practical tips on how to manage these cases in the field will be included.

• 9 a.m. – Equine Respiratory Emergencies in the Field by Megan J. McCracken, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA (Guest Speaker)
  Respiratory emergencies are one of the most time constrained emergencies we face as equine veterinarians. As a result, it is so important to have a plan. This lecture will include discussion of how to distinguish upper and lower respiratory emergencies. It will include step by step instructions and tips on how to perform a tracheostomy in the field as well as step by step instructions on performing a thoracocentesis to stabilize a pneumothorax case in the field.

• 10 a.m. – Break, Bustad 134

• 10:30 a.m. – Lameness of the Tarsal Region by Megan J. McCracken, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA (Guest Speaker)
  The equine tarsus is a complex area with multiple potential sources of lameness. This lecture will discuss evidence-based options for medical therapy of distal tarsal joint osteoarthritis as well as surgical options when medical therapy no longer works. Soft tissue injuries and strategies for diagnosis and treatment will be included as well as case-based discussion of challenging tarsal lameness cases.

• 11:30 a.m. – Lameness – When will Advanced Diagnostics Help? by Megan J. McCracken, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA (Guest Speaker)
  Equine lameness is challenging with subtle and multi-limb lameness cases providing particular diagnostic difficulties. This talk will discuss options for objective assessment of lameness to complement the traditional subjective lameness evaluation. As these options become increasingly available in the field, it becomes important to know when they are best integrated. The lecture will also focus on the use of advanced imaging in lameness diagnosis with specific discussion of what we have learned from Standing CT of over 400 lameness cases and how this information can be applied to field lameness.

• 12:30 p.m. – Lunch, Bustad 134

• 1:30 p.m. – Opportunities to Modify Equine Sedation, Analgesia and Anesthesia by Khursheed Mama, DVM, Diplomate ACVAA (Guest Speaker)
  Modifying equine sedation, analgesic and anesthetic protocols: Over the past few years there have been new approaches to use of drugs and techniques for use in the equine patient. These offer opportunities for modification of traditionally used protocols and will be discussed using case examples where appropriate.
• 2:30 p.m. – Anesthetic Considerations for Ruminants, Swine and Camelids by Khursheed Mama, DVM, Diplomate ACVAA (Guest Speaker)
  Ruminant, Swine and Camelid anesthesia considerations: These species have unique considerations when presenting for sedation/anesthesia whether in the field or hospital setting. These and unique features of instrumentation, support and monitoring will be discussed. Drug protocols for common procedures will be highlighted.

• 3:30 p.m. – Break, Bustad 134

• 4 p.m. – No Ordinary Ovines: A Variety of Veterinary Cases at the University of Idaho Sheep Center by Lauren Christensen, DVM MS DACVPM (Guest Speaker
  A collection of case presentations involving different husbandry, medicine, and surgery cases seen at the University of Idaho Sheep Center including necropsy finding, wound management, and medication selection (antibiotics, sedation, analgesics).

• 5 p.m. – A Tale of Two Systems: Understanding Liver Abscess Pathophysiology through the Beef-on-Dairy Lens by Caio C. Figueiredo, DVM, MS, PhD
  This session will explore the complex world of liver abscesses in cattle, highlighting the pathogens and biological mechanisms driving their development. Participants will gain insights into the economic and animal welfare impacts of this condition and examine emerging research and innovative strategies aimed at reducing its occurrence in beef and dairy systems.

• 6-8 p.m. – Social, in Bustad 134

Small animal track:

Location: Bustad Hall 145

• 7 a.m. – Registration in the ADBF lobby

• 8-10 a.m. – What’s Stopping the Stream? Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Dysuria by Riley Claude, DVM, Internal Medicine (residency trained)
  This session breaks down a practical, problem-oriented approach to lower urinary tract dysfunction — from differentiating storage vs. voiding disorders to knowing when (and how) to perform contrast studies such as urethrography and options for removal of cystoliths. We’ll discuss medication choices for mechanical versus functional obstruction, interpretation pitfalls, and how to streamline case workups.
• 9 a.m. – Diabetes Without the Drama: Using CGMs and Basal Insulins in Practice by Riley Claude, DVM, Internal Medicine (residency trained)
  Managing diabetes in dogs and cats doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This interactive session focuses on simplifying diabetic care through the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and optimized basal insulin protocols. We’ll review practical tips for owner education, monitoring logistics, and setting realistic goals for long-term diabetic control. This session will give you tools to make diabetes management easier for everyone—patient, owner, and clinician.

• 10 a.m. – Break, Bustad 134

• 10:30 p.m. – Optimizing Canine Reproduction: Progesterone Testing for Ovulation Timing and Cesarean Section Planning by Muhammad Salman Waqas, DVM, MVSc, PhD, Diplomate ACTA
  The lecture will focus on clinical application of blood progesterone testing in reproductive management of female dogs. The “numbers”, their variations and the factors affecting the blood progesterone value will be discussed and followed by recommendations.
• 11:30 p.m. – Euthanasia – Perspectives from an In-Home Euthanasia Provide by Laura Krogman, DVM
  Have you ever considered pursuing in-home euthanasia (IHE) independently or incorporating it into your existing services? Curious about how to navigate an IHE appointment? This talk will delve into techniques for euthanasia, communication tips for navigating challenging conversations, and best practices for handling aftercare.

• 12:30 p.m. – Lunch, Bustad 134

• 1:30 p.m. – Principles of Surgical Oncology by Rachel Rivenburg, DVM, ACVS residency-trained in small animal surgery, ACVS surgical oncology fellow candidate
  In this lecture, we will cover what to do when countered with a mass in a dog or cat, starting with forming differentials and understanding routes of metastasis so that diagnostics can be initiated. From there we will discuss margins and anatomic limitations to help the general practitioner decide on performing treatment at their clinic or referral to a specialist.

• 2:30 p.m. – Recent Changes in the Landscape of Canine Mast Cell Tumors and Splenic Masses by Rance Sellon DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine; Oncology)
  The clinical approach to mast cell tumors in dogs is evolving with information now suggesting that grading subcutaneous mast cell tumors to predict behavior is possible, and that there can be value in removal and histologic examination of regional lymph nodes. In addition, recent in-formation regarding splenic masses, important for decisions about surgery and conversations with clients, will be discussed.

• 3:30 p.m. – Break, Bustad 134

• 4 p.m. – Anesthetic Complications and Their Management by Khursheed Mama, DVM, Diplomate ACVAA
  Anesthetic complications selected behavioral (e.g., dysphoria in recovery) and physiological (e.g., HR, blood pressure, etc.) anesthesia complications will be reviewed along with potential causes for the same. This information is used to provide suggestions for minimizing and managing these complications to improve patient outcomes.

• 5 p.m. – Breed Specific Considerations by Khursheed Mama, DVM, Diplomate ACVAA
  Case-based examples will be used to highlight broad based and breed specific challenges and their management during anesthesia. Anatomic, physiological and pharmacologic considerations will be discussed.

• 6-8 p.m. – Social, in Bustad 134

Technician track:

Location: Animal Disease Biotechnology Facility (ADBF) 1002

• 8 a.m. – “We Got The Beat”, ECG Interpretation by Shona Meyer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia)
  We will go over the electrical impulse through the heart, the basic steps to ECG interpretation, and review some of the arrythmias that every technician should be able to recognize; including identifying arrythmias that need immediate intervention.

• 9 a.m. – Smile Bright, Radiograph Right: Eliminating Technician Frustration with Intraoral Radiographs by Liane K. Shaw MSHE, BS, RVT, VTS (DI) (Guest Speaker)
  This session explores practical strategies to reduce frustration and improve success with intraoral radiographs. Participants will review essential equipment, positioning techniques, and troubleshooting tips to produce consistent, high-quality images and enhance patient care.
  
• 10 a.m. – Break, Bustad 134

• 10:30 a.m. – Perfect Shot: Why Positioning is Key to Radiographic Success by Liane K. Shaw MSHE, BS, RVT, VTS (DI) (Guest Speaker)
  This session focuses on the critical role of proper positioning in achieving high-quality diagnostic radiographs. Participants will learn how to recognize and correct common positioning errors to improve image accuracy, efficiency, and patient safety.
  
• 11:30 a.m. – Retrain Your Brain: Hands free Radiology that Keeps OSHA Away by Liane K. Shaw MSHE, BS, RVT, VTS (DI) (Guest Speaker)
  This session emphasizes the importance of hands-free radiography techniques to improve safety and ensure OSHA compliance. Participants will learn practical positioning methods, explore compliant equipment setups, and apply these skills in a hands-on lab to promote a safer, more efficient workflow. **Tech Lab @ 1:30pm on Sat
  
• 12:30 p.m. – Lunch, Bustad 134

• 1:30 p.m. – The Ins and Outs of Washington Wildlife by Alysha Evans, LVT (WDFW) (Guest Speaker)
  What is wildlife rehabilitation and who are permitted wildlife rehabilitators?! Come learn about how WA wildlife is overseen and who does what to help them.

• 1:30 – 3:45 p.m. – Hands Free Radiology by Liane Shaw, BS, RVT, VTS (Diagnostic Imaging)
  LIMITED to 24 participants. MUST REGISTER for this session. Technicians only.
  This session teaches: 1) Hands-free techniques: Demonstrate safe, effective hands-free radiography positioning methods that protect staff while maintaining diagnostic image quality, 2) Promote a safety-first culture: Develop training strategies to reinforce team awareness, reduce occupational hazards, and support long-term compliance with workplace safety regulations, and 3) Understand regulatory requirements: Identify key OSHA standards related to radiation safety to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of fines.

• 2:30 p.m. – Hold Up Wait a Minute, Let’s Stabilize This Patient by Alysha Evans, LVT (WDFW) (Guest Speaker)
  Someone walks into the lobby with a red-tailed hawk that was hit by a car; what do you do next!? Please come learn about how veterinarians fit into picture with Washington wildlife.

• 3:30 p.m. – Break, Bustad 134

• 4 p.m. – Unlawful, Gray Area, Legal…How Does Wildlife and Veterinarians Fit Into the Bigger Picture by Alysha Evans, LVT (WDFW)
  Bald eagle needing stabilization? Injured owl needing compassionate euthanasia? River otter needing anesthetizes radiographs…come learn about what you can and cannot do as a licensed veterinarian.

• 5 p.m. – Beams of Hope: The Technician’s Role in Veterinary Radiation Therapy by Jenny Fisher, RVT, VTS (Oncology) (Guest Speaker)
  This session provides an overview of how radiation therapy works in veterinary oncology and highlights the technician’s essential role in patient preparation, positioning, monitoring, and safety protocols. Attendees will gain insight into daily workflows and the impact of precise technical execution on treatment success.

• 6-8 p.m. – Social, in Bustad 134

Sunday

Large animal track:

Location: Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) 1410/1408

• 8 a.m. – Temporohyoid Osteoarthropathy – From Headshaking to Seizures by Nick Hall, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA
  In this talk Dr. Hall will review the clinical signs associated with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) including our current understanding of the gradation of clinical presentations seen in horses. We will review the relevant anatomical considerations for the region, the conditions diagnosis, management options including in the field stabilization and preparation for referral, and prognosis.

• 9 a.m. – Small Ruminant Necropsy for the General Practitioner by Jonathan Miller, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP & Wesley Sheley, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP
  This introductory lecture and hands-on laboratory will walk you through use cases, diagnostic considerations, and general protocols for performing necropsies. Our lecture will review the benefits and limitations of field necropsies and offer tips for submitting samples to diagnostic laboratories like WADDL to help you maximize the information you get back.

• 10 a.m. – Break, Bustad 134

• 10:15 a.m.-12 noon – Small Ruminant Necropsy Wet Lab by Jonathan Miller & Wesley Sheley
  LIMITED to 22 participants. MUST REGISTER for this session. Veterinarians only.
  In the laboratory, you’ll get to practice your necropsy technique on a small ruminant and pick up some tips to simplify the process in the field! Goats and sheep may be the focus, but the concepts in this lecture and lab are applicable to anyone performing field necropsies. NOTE: This lab is open to Veterinarians, if it does not fill we will open it up to Technicians to fill the remaining seats.

Small animal track:

Location: Bustad Hall 145

• 8 a.m. – What Lies Beneath the Gingiva: Beyond Extractions Guided Tissue Regeneration by Tammy L. (White) Renteria, DVM, AVDC – Board Certified Veterinary Dentist (Guest Speaker)
  This lecture will cover 1) Anatomy of the Periodontal Tissues, 2) Progression and Stages of Periodontal Disease, and 3) Criteria for Tooth Selection and Procedures for Guided Tissue Regeneration.

• 9 a.m. – What Lies Beneath the Gingiva: Beyond Extractions Interfragmentary Wire Fixation by Tammy L. (White) Renteria, DVM, AVDC – Board Certified Veterinary Dentist (Guest Speaker)
  This lecture will cover 1) Use of Cerclage Wire Application, 2) Use of Stout Multiple Loop Wiring, and 3) Creating Acrylic Splints.

• 10 a.m. – Break, Bustad 134

• 10:15 a.m. – What Lies Beneath the Gingiva: Beyond Extractions Oral Tumors and Rim Excisions by Tammy L. (White) Renteria, DVM, AVDC – Board Certified Veterinary Dentist (Guest Speaker)
  This lecture will cover 1) Diagnosing Oral Tumors, 2) Obtaining Incisional and Excisional Biopsies, and 3) Rim Excisions.

• 11:15 a.m. – What Lies Beneath the Gingiva: Beyond Extractions Oral Nasal Fistula Repair, root tip retrieval and complicated extractions by Amarett Kern (Guest Speaker)
  This lecture will address 1) Prevention and Management of Oral Nasal Fistulas, 2) Strategies for Avoiding and Retrieving Retained Root Tips, and 3) Techniques for Simplifying Complex Extractions.

Technician track:

Location: Animal Disease Biotechnology Facility (ADBF) 1002

• 8 a.m. – Small Needles, Big Answers: Mastering Fine Needle Aspirates by Jenny Fisher, RVT, VTS (Guest Speaker)
  This lecture breaks down when and how to perform high-quality FNAs in general practice. Technicians will learn sampling techniques, slide preparation, and how to avoid common pitfalls. The session also introduces basic cytologic interpretation to support efficient case flow.

• 9 a.m. – Mapping the Patient: A Technician’s Guide to Comprehensive Cancer Assessment by Jenny Fisher, RVT, VTS (Guest Speaker)
  This presentation teaches technicians how to perform thorough body mapping to track lesions over time. It covers standardized documentation, anatomical landmarks, and effective communication of findings to support cancer diagnostics and how to utilize technicians in the process.

• 10 a.m. – Break, Bustad 134

• 10:10 a.m. – Tumor Troubles: Common Tumor Types Every Technician Should Recognize by Jenny Fisher, RVT, VTS (Guest Speaker)
  This session reviews the most common tumors seen in small animals, including their biological behavior, clinical signs, and diagnostic considerations.

• 11:10 a.m. – Chemo Confident: Safety & Best Practices for the Veterinary Team by Jenny Fisher, RVT, VTS (Guest Speaker)
  This session focuses on chemotherapy safety, including proper handling, PPE use, spill response, and waste precautions for the general practice.

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Questions about the WSU Veterinary Spring Conference?

 Contact us via email or 509-335-1198 or contact Katy Heaton at 509-335-8221.