101: From Hiss To Bliss: Practical Psychopharmacology for Feline Behavior Cases

1-hour Lecture • 1.2 scientific credits

Feline behavior cases are frequently seen by veterinary clinicians. Oftentimes, these patients are presented by clients who have tolerated these situations for months, even years. Clients often feel hopeless and, in some cases, believe that euthanasia is the only reasonable choice. In this lecture, we will present the most common feline behavior cases and review psychopharmacological interventions and environmental recommendations to help these patients.

Michele Gaspar, DVM, MA, LCPC, is a 1994 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and has worked in emergency/critical care, small animal, and feline-exclusive practice as a board-certified feline specialist. Michele currently is a consultant in the Feline Internal Medicine Folder of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) and a human psychotherapist in private practice. Michele and her husband, David, live in Chicago with two cats, a Shih Tzu, and an engaging tank of freshwater fish.

102: Title TBD

1-hour Lecture • 1.2 scientific credits

Julia A. Bates, DVM, DACVIM is an internal medicine specialist with strong interests in cardiopulmonary, immune mediated and endocrine diseases. Her clinical research interest is in hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease). Dr. Bates, along with other industry colleagues, recently had a retrospective study, “Lower Initial Dose Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate for Treatment of Canine Primary Hypoadrenocorticism,” accepted for publication in the Australian Veterinary Journal. In 2020, Dr. Bates joined MOVES and serves veterinary hospitals in the Madison and Milwaukee metro areas.

201: From Pugs to Persians to Pinschers: Custom Anesthesia for Different Breeds

1-hour Lecture • 1.2 scientific credits

This interactive lecture will review current approaches to tailoring anesthetic and analgesic protocols for companion animal breeds with unique physiological considerations, including brachycephalic breeds. Topics will include the genetic basis of anesthetic and analgesic management, how physiological differences influence patient care, and strategies for modifying anesthetic plans accordingly. Practical discussion will cover drug selection, monitoring techniques for detecting physiological changes, and the incorporation of novel and validated pain-scoring systems. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of current anesthetic and analgesic practices for these patients and how to adapt protocols to support optimal outcomes. This session is designed for veterinary assistants, veterinary technicians, and veterinarians involved in the sedation, monitoring, and anesthesia of companion animal patients.

Becky Johnson, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVAA, earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 1993 and subsequently completed a residency in Veterinary Anesthesiology and Pain Management and a Master of Science degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, becoming board-certified in 1997. She completed a PhD in Respiratory Neurophysiology in 2002 and currently serves as a Clinical Professor of Anesthesia and Pain Management and Research Anesthesiologist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. Her professional interests include advances in anesthetic and analgesic techniques for laboratory animal species and the effects of opioid and non-opioid analgesics on the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems of companion animals.

202: Title TBD

1-hour Lecture • 1.2 scientific credits

Julia A. Bates, DVM, DACVIM, is an internal medicine specialist with strong interests in cardiopulmonary, immune mediated and endocrine diseases. Her clinical research interest is in hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease). Dr. Bates, along with other industry colleagues, recently had a retrospective study, “Lower Initial Dose Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate for Treatment of Canine Primary Hypoadrenocorticism,” accepted for publication in the Australian Veterinary Journal. In 2020, Dr. Bates joined MOVES and serves veterinary hospitals in the Madison and Milwaukee metro areas.

301: Approved…Sort Of? Understanding Conditionally Approved Drugs in Small Animal Medicine

1-hour Lecture • 1.2 scientific credits

This lecture will provide a practical refresher on conditionally approved drugs, including what conditional approval means, how these products can be used in clinical practice, and the currently available options for small animal practitioners. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the role of conditionally approved medications and how they can be incorporated into patient care.

Danielle Mayr, DVM, earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine and practiced small animal general medicine in Wisconsin for six years before beginning a PhD in Physiology and a residency in Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology at Kansas State University in 2026. Her research focuses on pain models and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in small ruminants and calves.

302: Approaching Euthanasia in Exotic Pets

1-hour Lecture • 1.2 scientific credits

Euthanasia in exotic companion animals can be one of the most challenging aspects of clinical practice, leaving many veterinarians uncertain about appropriate sedation protocols, euthanasia techniques, and species-specific considerations. This session will review current AVMA euthanasia guidelines for small mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish while providing practical tips and techniques that can be immediately applied in general practice. Recent evidence-based advances in euthanasia methods will also be discussed, highlighting approaches that may improve patient welfare, reduce stress, and simplify procedures for both veterinarians and owners. Whether you see exotic pets regularly or only occasionally, this lecture will provide the knowledge and confidence needed to approach end-of-life care in these unique species.

Alyssa Scagnelli, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 and completed companion animal and zoological internships at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, where she developed a strong foundation in exotic and wildlife medicine. From 2017 to 2024, she practiced as an associate veterinarian at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic in Mesa, Arizona, while also serving as adjunct faculty at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, contributing to clinical research, instruction, and student mentorship. In 2024, Dr. Scagnelli became a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine with a subspecialty in zoological companion animals. She is currently a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, where her interests include teaching, clinical research, and advancing the care of exotic species, particularly reptiles and aquatic animals. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, gardening, traveling, and SCUBA diving with her husband and shares her home with a variety of fish, reptiles, invertebrates, birds, and dogs.

103: Growing Ultrasound Services in Clinical Practice

1-hour Lecture • 1.2 scientific credits

As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, practices must adapt to meet changing client needs and advances in patient care. This panel discussion will explore how clinics have successfully expanded their ultrasound services, including the types of clients they serve, strategies for growth, and lessons learned along the way. Panelists will share both successes and challenges, providing practical insights for practices looking to enhance their diagnostic capabilities.

Erick Rooker, DVM, has been a primary dairy practitioner for more than 13 years and a practice owner for eight years. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the development of innovative medical services, herd-level consulting programs, and practice protocols that often exceed industry standards. His expertise in veterinary technology, inventory management, and knowledge brokering has led to numerous speaking engagements at both state and national levels, where he shares insights on advancing efficiency and innovation in veterinary practice.

Claiborn Lins, DVM, earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 after completing her undergraduate studies in Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. She currently practices livestock medicine with Lodi Veterinary Care and is interested in all aspects of food animal production. A proud Wisconsin native who grew up in Waupun, she appreciates the state’s agricultural heritage and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, husband, and young son.

203: Lessons Learned Beyond Veterinary School: A Food Animal Panel Discussion

1-hour Lecture • 1.2 scientific credits

One of the greatest resources available to veterinarians is the collective knowledge and experience of their colleagues. This interactive panel discussion will explore practical lessons, tips, and techniques that are often learned through experience rather than formal training. Panelists will share challenges they encountered in practice, important lessons learned, and strategies for developing confidence when faced with unfamiliar situations. In addition to discussing their favorite approaches to food animal medicine, panelists will encourage audience participation and the sharing of experiences from the field.

Barry Kleppe, DVM, grew up on family dairy farms in Verona and Hollandale, Wisconsin, and earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin. He joined Wisconsin Veterinary Services in 1991 with a passion for dairy practice and has dedicated more than three decades to serving dairy producers and supporting Wisconsin’s dairy industry. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, fishing, and relaxing with a traditional Wisconsin Old Fashioned.

Margaret Koosmann, DVM, was born and raised in Mellen, Wisconsin, on her family’s fifth-generation farm. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northland College in 2010 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 before joining Ashland Area Veterinary Clinic, where she now serves as owner. Dr. Margaret enjoys working with both small and large animals and values the relationships she builds with their caregivers. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that has supported her throughout her life and enjoys participating in activities on her family farm, cooking, and playing slow-pitch softball.

Meg Mueller, DVM, earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010 and practices mixed animal medicine at Osseo-Augusta Veterinary Clinic, where she became a partner and owner in 2021. She is actively involved in organized veterinary medicine and is a past president of the WVMA. Her professional interests include veterinary leadership, advocacy, mental health and well-being within the profession, and supporting the future of veterinary medicine through strong professional networks. Committed to giving back to the agricultural community that shaped her upbringing, she volunteers with local youth livestock programs and county fair activities and works with the Wisconsin Horse Pullers Association during the summer.

303: Managing Health and Performance in Automated Calf Barns

1-hour Lecture • 1.2 scientific credits

As automated calf barns become increasingly common, veterinarians must be prepared to address the unique management and health challenges these systems present. This lecture will provide a firsthand perspective on working with automated calf-rearing facilities, highlighting common pitfalls, management considerations, and practical recommendations for maintaining calf health and performance. Attendees will gain valuable insights into what to watch for and how to avoid common problems in these operations.

Jen Rediske, DVM, earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and joined Veterinary Associates that same year. She has been an owner of the practice for the past 20 years and has professional interests in calf health, herd management, and embryo transfer work. Outside of practice, she enjoys working alongside her husband and children on their beef farm, participating in endurance events such as Tough Mudder races, and serving on numerous community committees.