AAZV Conference Workshop Descriptions 2012
Oiled Wildlife Response and Care
Instructors: Michael Ziccardi, DVM, MPVM, PhD and Christine Fiorello, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM
This combination of lectures and wet labs will provide participants with an overview of wildlife response as well as a chance to acquire specific oiled bird care skills. Lecture material will cover effects of oil on birds and mammals, a discussion of the Incident Command System as it applies to wildlife response, and current avian care protocols and post-release monitoring. Hands-on activities will include donning personal protective equipment, procedures for collecting legal evidence, intake methods, pre-wash care (including placing protective wraps on birds), and washing and drying live birds. Discussions of facility and pool designs, seabird nutrition, water quality, and waterproofing of feathers will be incorporated throughout the day. At the completion of the workshop, all veterinarians and veterinary technicians will be added to the Oiled Wildlife Care Network’s (OWCN) Veterinary Responder database, which will be made available to other organizations should veterinary expertise be needed for spills outside of California.
Dr. Ziccardi is the Director of the OWCN and has responded to >75 oil spills in the US and abroad. He served as the Unit Leader for the marine mammals and sea turtle response during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill. Dr. Fiorello is the current response veterinarian for the OWCN.
This workshop will be held at a facility purpose-built for oiled bird care and rehabilitation in Fairfield, CA. Saturday, 20 October: 8am-5pm.
Workshop is off site, transportation will be provided. Lunch, coffee and bagels also provided.
Buses depart 7am, return to hotel by 6pm.
Workshop limited to 30 participants.
Workshop Fee: $275
Tuberculosis Testing & Certification Workshop
Instructors: Denise Sofranko, DVM, Konstantin Lyashchenko, PhD
This workshop will discuss tuberculosis in elephants and use of the STAT-PAK assay. Elephant serum samples and test kits will be provided for hands-on instruction for using the STAT-PAK assay. Participants will become certified by the USDA to perform tuberculosis testing in elephants using the STAT-PAK (note: USDA certification will not replace the need for official USDA annual TB testing). Participants wishing to be certified are required to provide their veterinary state license and number, USDA accreditation number, and a form of federal identification (ie: driver’s license, passport). Non-US citizens can be certified as long as licensed and accredited in the United States. Handouts will be provided.
Saturday, 20 October 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Workshop is at the Marriott Oakland City Center Hotel
Workshop limited to 12 participants.
Workshop Fee: $150
AAZV 19th Annual Zoo and Wildlife Pathology Workshop
Instructors: Linda Lowenstine, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP, Dalen Agnew, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP, Bruce Rideout, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP
Co-sponsored by the CL Davis, DVM Foundation and University of California, Davis
This eight hour workshop will bring together clinical zoo veterinarians and pathologists for a whole day of discussion of interesting cases and a didactic lecture aimed at understanding how new entities/etiologies are identified. The workshop is led this year by three distinguished zoo pathologists, Drs. Linda Lowenstine, Dalen Agnew and Bruce Rideout. The pathology theme this year is “The coolest case you have seen in the last few years”. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Patricia Pesavento DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP, from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Pesavento is an enthusiastic speaker who is applying advanced techniques to pathogen discovery in diseases of domestic and wildlife species. Dr. Pesavento will present “Investigations beyond the microscope,” covering cutting edge diagnostic modalities, including recommendations on sample collection to optimize pathogen discovery.
Sunday, 21 October 8:00am-5:00 pm.
Workshop is at the Marriott Oakland City Center Hotel
Limited to 80 participants.
Workshop Fee: Veterinarians $150, Students/Residents/Interns $90
Introduction to Pinniped Clinical Medicine
Instructors: Bill Van Bonn, DVM, and Vanessa Fravel, DVM
This workshop will be hosted by The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito and will provide participants with an exciting and informative experience in clinical pinniped medicine. The morning session will be didactic, with an introduction to pinniped medicine, clinical techniques, and a comprehensive overview of the rescue and rehabilitation center. The afternoon will be divided into two sessions and all participants will attend both sessions. One session will focus on clinically relevant anatomy of the three most common pinniped species presenting to rehabilitation facilities and often held in collections in North America, including California sea lions, harbor seals and elephant seals. Using post-mortem specimens in the necropsy laboratory, dissections will be conducted and clinically relevant anatomy discussed by instructors. The second session will focus on demonstrations of clinical techniques such as restraint, sedation, anesthesia and common diagnostics, as well as hand restraint, net restraint, chemical restraint, radiology, ultrasound, endoscopy and interpretation of findings.
Sunday, 21 October: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Workshop is offsite, transportation provided. Buses depart hotel at 7:00 am, return to hotel by 5:30 pm.
Workshop limited to 30 participants.
Scrubs will be provided for afternoon session, however participants are encouraged to bring their own scrubs if special needs or sizes.
Lunch is provided
Workshop Fee: $300
Ungulate and elephant foot care
Instructors: Scott Bell, BS, certified farrier, Oakland Zoo; Amy Phelps, Keeper II (giraffe), Oakland Zoo
This workshop will focus on foot care for both domestic and exotic species in the zoological setting. Participants will gain an in depth understanding of the physiology and biomechanics of the lower limb in a variety of ungulate species and elephants. Lecture material will focus on causes of lameness and disease processes in the feet, trimming techniques, common treatment procedures, and proactive lameness prevention protocols.
Cadaver limbs and live animal demonstrations will provide participants with hands-on experience in assessing the health of the feet, and allow practice with functional, corrective, and therapeutic hoof trimming procedures. Species to be included in live demonstrations are giraffe and elephants.
Topics to be Covered:
- Anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the lower limb
- The effects of housing environments and footing on the health of the foot
- The relationship between foot health and proper nutrition
- Diagnoses and treatments of disease processes in the lower limb and foot
- Identification of causes of lameness
- Proper use and maintenance of hoof care tools and supplies
- Hoof and nail trimming techniques using both hand and power tools
- Animal handling and restraint procedures for trimming
- Operant conditioning for medical procedures related to foot health (foot targets, foot and body positioning cues, radiographs, trimming, wraps and bandages, and foot soaking procedures).
Scott Bell has been a certified farrier for 11 years specializing in barefoot horses, with additional extensive experience in foot care of giraffe and other domestic and exotic species. Scott served for 4 years as a field instructor for the American Association of Natural Hoof Care Practitioners. Scott is an accomplished instructor in many venues, having taught physics, chemistry, and mathematics in addition to hoof care.
Amy Phelps has been a zookeeper at the Oakland Zoo for 11 years. She has honed her foot care skills while participating in multiple farrier and hoof care workshops. She has extensive experience trimming the feet of various species including goats, cattle, eland, dama gazelle, and giraffe. She serves on the steering committee for the Antelope and Giraffe TAG and is a founding member and current Outreach Director on the Executive Board for the International Association of Giraffe Care Professionals.
Sunday, 21 October 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Workshop is off site, transportation will be provided.
Buses depart hotel at 7:30 am, return to hotel by 5:30 pm.
Lunch Provided
Workshop limited to 20 participants.
Workshop fee: $300
Advances in Amphibian Medicine
Instructors: Kevin Wright, DVM and Ryan DeVoe, DVM, Dipl ACZM
Joint AAZV/ARAV Workshop
This workshop will be offered in two sessions – participants can register for one or both sessions; a discounted rate is offered if attending both sessions. Morning session: Amphibians pose unique challenges as pets, living exhibits, and patients. Many health problems will be avoided by using the species’ natural history to guide husbandry. Drs. DeVoe and Wright will lead you through a review of important considerations for the husbandry of commonly maintained species and their approaches to examining amphibian patients and obtaining diagnostic samples. Attendees will examine and anesthetize live amphibians, obtain diagnostic samples, and administer medications.
Afternoon session: A review of amphibian diseases by Drs. Wright and Devoe will be in an interactive “What’s Your Diagnosis”format where attendees collectively solve amphibian medical cases. This is a great chance to review your skills as an amphibian diagnostician whether you are new to amphibians or have worked with them for a bazillion years.
Sunday, 21 October. Morning Session 8:00 am–noon. Afternoon Session 1:00 pm–5:00 pm.
Workshop is off site, transportation will be provided.
Buses leave hotel for morning session at 7:30 am, return to hotel by 12:30 pm. Buses leave for afternoon session at 12:30 pm, return to the hotel by 5:30 pm
Lunch will be provided for people attending both sessions
Workshop limited to 30 participants each session.
Workshop Fee: Morning Session: $225. Afternoon Session: $225. Full day: $400
Clinical Techniques: Avian Orthopedics
Instructor: Avery Bennett, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, Geoffrey Pye, B.V.Sc., M.Sc., Dipl. ACZM
This workshop will teach participants how to perform a variety of orthopedic repairs and procedures on avian patients. Chicken carcasses will be used to demonstrate and complete procedures. Specifically, participants will learn IM pin insertion for fracture repair of the tibiotarsus, ulna, radius, and humerus, placement of leg slings, intraosseous cannula placement, and figure 8 body wrap placement. Participants are required to bring the following supplies: scissors – metzenbaum; scissors – suture; scissors – bandage; wire twisters; pin chuck and key; metal measuring spoon; thumb forceps; needle drivers; scalpel handle; mosquito hemostats. Handouts describing procedures will be provided.
Dr. Bennett is a diplomate of the ACVS and widely recognized leader in the field of avian surgery. A former professor of surgery and zoological medicine at several veterinary colleges, he is currently the chief of surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. A respected veterinary surgeon, researcher, author and lecturer, Dr. Bennett has published nearly 100 research papers and 40 textbook chapters to date.
Dr. Pye is a diplomate of the ACZM with a passion for surgery. He trained under Dr. Bennett at the University of Florida during his zoo residency (1998-2002). He has co-instructed numerous wet labs with Dr. Bennett on avian surgery at the NAVC and AAV conferences.
Sunday, 21 October, 8:00 am–noon.
Workshop is off site, transportation will be provided
Buses leave the hotel at 7:30 am and return to the hotel by 12:30 pm
Workshop limited to 20 participants.
Workshop fee: $250
Wildlife Disease Investigation and Management for Veterinarians
Instructors: Sonia Hernandez, DVM, Dipl ACZM, Åsa Fahlman VetMedLic, PhD, Dipl. ECZM
This workshop intends to provide the participant with the principles of how to conduct a wildlife disease investigation of free-ranging animals for the purpose of investigating outbreaks, examining population health (and the significance of a disease to a population), and measures of stress and immune function. We will include sections on 1) techniques (capture, handling, anesthesia, necropsy and biological sample collection, storage and transport of samples, general information on permits, diagnostic tests, basic habitat/climate descriptors, population measures as they relate to disease investigation, data collection/management, statistical and experimental design) and 2) critical thinking and philosophy (critiques of studies, formulating worthwhile hypotheses, management implications, value of baseline studies, special cases such as endangered species, interdisciplinary teams). We will utilize two formats: a) lectures by instructors, b) exercises by attendees. Handouts will be provided. Attendees should bring materials to take notes and be prepared to break into groups for discussion.
Sunday, 21 October: 8:00 am–noon.
Workshop is at the Marriott Oakland City Center Hotel
Workshop limited to 30 participants.
Workshop Fee: $150
ARAV Conference Workshop Descriptions 2012
In addition to the Workshops offered by AAZV, ARAV offers the following Workshops. If you would like to register for any of the following workshops, you must go to the ARAV Web site (www.arav.org) and follow the link for registering for workshops.
Reptile Hematology and Biochemistry
Instructor: Mark Mitchell
Description: Because of the stoic nature of reptiles, diagnostic testing is essential to characterizing both the health and disease states of our patients. Clinical pathology (hematology and biochemistry analysis) remains one of the first diagnostic methods selected by clinicians to evaluate their patients, and while the methods used to interpret these types of data in mammals are well studied, the same cannot be said for reptiles. The purpose of this discussion-based lecture is to review our current understanding of reptile hematology and biochemistry analysis and attempt to better determine its usefulness to us as clinicians. Topics to be covered include reviewing the physiologic importance of blood cells and biochemistries, the methods used to perform these assays, the techniques used to interpret the results, and their overall application. In addition, time will be spent on showing participants the methods they can use to create internal reference ranges using data from their facility. Sunday, October 21. 1-5 PM; Hotel; max 24 participants
Diagnostic Imaging
Instructor: Michaela Gumpenberger
Description: session for beginners: "look at/into your patient in black and white": Become familiar with the basics of radiography and sonography in reptiles: Techniques and interpretation including positioning and handling of animals for imaging, machine settings, artifacts & pitfalls, radiographic anatomy, most likely diagnoses and differentials of common diseases (from the point of view of a radiologist). Interactive film reading session included, as well. There will be no demonstration of live animals - but feel free to bring your own radiographs.
Sunday, October 21; 8 AM – Noon; Hotel; max 30 participants
Lizard Endoscopy:
Instructors: Steve Divers and Scott Stahl
Description: Reptiles exhibit few pathognomonic clinical signs, clinical pathology is often less than convincing, and the only way to achieve an ante-mortem diagnosis for many diseases is through biopsy. Rigid endoscopy and biopsy offer an unparalleled ability to visualize internal viscera and collect samples for histopathology and microbiology. This endoscopy wet-lab has proven consistently popular because it delivers what practitioners need – an ability to make an accurate diagnosis! The lecture (1 hr) focuses on equipment requirements, preparation, and practical endoscopy procedures in lizards, using the green iguana as a model. The 3 hrs of hands-on time permits registrants time to practice and develop their endoscopy skills ready for working on client-owned animals. Come change the way you practice reptile medicine, come learn the benefits of minimally-invasive diagnostic endoscopy with Drs. Divers and Stahl. Detailed course notes are provided. A raffle will be held at the end of the wet-lab with the winner enjoying a 6 hour tandem mountain bike ride with Dr. Stahl in Oakland. Registrants are expected to review squamate anatomy prior to attending, and to bring clean scrubs, a small surgical pack, and 2-3 pairs of their preferred size/make of surgical gloves.