The Neurology Workup Before Referral: Practical Screening Tests

1.2 scientific credits

Many cases referred to a veterinary neurologist begin as “mystery cases.” A patient may initially be described as “interesting” or “weird,” with vague or unusual signs that raise concern that it “might be neuro.” Often, these signs progress or worsen suddenly, prompting referral to a neurologist. For this reason, veterinary neurologists are trained to keep an open mind when evaluating patients. A key question in these cases is whether the patient truly has a primary neurological disorder, or whether disease affecting another body system is secondarily impacting the nervous system.

This lecture will review the screening process used to help avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary advanced diagnostics, such as MRI or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. We’ll discuss accessible diagnostic testing, including general blood work, hormonal testing, and selected serum antibody or antigen titers. Through case-based examples, we’ll explore conditions that commonly mimic neurological disease, including metabolic derangements, myasthenia gravis, regional infectious diseases, and orthopedic conditions frequently referred to neurology.

Joy Delamaide Gasper, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), is a board-certified veterinary neurologist with advanced training in medical neurology and neurosurgery for dogs and cats. She earned her B.A. from Wellesley College in 2005 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University in 2009. Dr. Delamaide completed a rotating internship at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center (2009–2010), followed by a specialty internship in neurology at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego (2010–2011). She then completed her residency in neurology and neurosurgery at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 2011–2014. Following her residency, Dr. Delamaide practiced veterinary neurology at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego for five years before returning to Madison.
Her clinical work focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in dogs and cats. She emphasizes thoughtful neurological examination and careful evaluation of the whole patient, recognizing the importance of balancing medical recommendations with each pet’s quality of life and the goals of their family. Dr. Delamaide has particular interests in the medical and surgical management of intervertebral disc disease, long-term seizure management, and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases of the nervous system. She takes an integrative approach to treatment, utilizing a range of medical therapies as well as complementary strategies when appropriate. Outside of work, Dr. Delamaide enjoys hiking, cycling, and yoga.

Eye Can’t Believe It’s Not Better: Navigating the Nuances of Chronic Ocular Therapy

1.2 scientific credits

Managing immune-mediated ocular conditions in veterinary patients is rarely a “one-and-done” scenario. It’s a marathon that requires a delicate balance between controlling inflammation and maintaining the long-term health of the ocular surface and systemic well-being. This session reviews available anti-inflammatories and evaluates the role of secondary immunomodulatory agents. Strategies for identifying the “minimum effective dose” while preventing repeat flares will also be discussed.

Jessica McDonald, DVM, DACVO, is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Animal Sciences and Genetics in 2009, and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the same institution in 2013. Dr. McDonald completed a small animal rotating internship at Purdue University before finishing a three-year comparative ophthalmology residency in Salt Lake City, attaining board certification from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) in 2017. She has since practiced in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Huxley and Khola. Having managed Huxley’s own eye health—including cataract surgery—Dr. McDonald offers a perspective that spans both the clinical and patient-owner sides of the field.

PLEs and PLNs: Where has all the protein gone?

1.2 scientific credits

A practical review of hypoproteinemia, discussion of causes with focus on PLEs and PLNs, diagnostics, and treatment strategies.

Alicia Bangert, DVM, DACVIM, attended Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and received her DVM degree in 2006. From there, she was a general practitioner for approximately 5 years before returning to academia to complete a residency. She completed an internal medicine residency at Oklahoma State University in 2014. Since that time, Dr. Bangert has worked at specialty hospitals in Kansas City and Colorado Springs before joining WVRC in November of 2025.

Practical Approaches to Common Cancers in Dogs and Cats

1.2 scientific credits

General practitioners play a critical role in identifying cancer, initiating diagnostics, providing treatment options, and supporting patient quality of life. Through practical guidelines and clinical case discussions, this session aims to provide veterinarians with the realistic tools and confidence in managing oncology patients when referral is not an option.

This session will review cancer diagnosis and staging basics, safe handling of chemotherapy, and the use of commonly prescribed oral chemotherapy medications. Practical diagnostic and treatment strategies will be discussed for the most common cancers encountered, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, mammary tumors, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and oral tumors. Palliative care strategies will be covered, including approaches to pain management, gastrointestinal support, incontinence, and mobility concerns.

Breann Sommer, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), is a board-certified veterinary oncologist practicing at Animal Center for Emergency and Specialty in Madison. A 2015 graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she completed a small animal internship at Louisiana State University, followed by a residency and master’s degree in medical oncology at Purdue University. Understanding the emotional challenges that come with a pet’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, she strives to help families navigate their pet’s cancer journey with empathy and understanding.