Flex Forecast: January 2025

On-demand webinars

How to Optimize Skin Biopsy Results

• Specialty: Diagnostics
• Speaker: Keith E. Linder, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP
• Sponsor:Zoetis
• RACE approved: 1.00 CE credit hour

The central role of total body phosphate retention will be emphasized in the pathophysiology of CKD-MBD (chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder). Phosphate retention either directly or indirectly accounts for many of the complications and progression of CKD. The relationship between circulating phosphate, ionized and total calcium, parathyroid hormone, FGF23, and Klotho will be introduced. The ability to measure the master phosphate in FGF23 has recently become available—this allows the detection of total body phosphate retention even when the circulating phosphate is within the reference range. Dietary restriction of phosphate is the first step in reducing phosphate retention. Adding intestinal phosphate binders to the diet is the next step to gain targeted circulating phosphate. Intestinal phosphate binders (salts of aluminum, calcium, lanthanum, and iron) will be compared for their efficacy in binding phosphate and their level of safety. Too much phosphorus restriction, especially in early International Renal Interest Society CKD stages in cats, can create hypercalcemia that damages the kidneys.

Paws and Reflect: Transforming Pet Health With Nutrition for Obesity, GI, and Urinary Tract Wellness

• Specialty: Nutrition
• Speaker: Laura Gaylord, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)
• Sponsor: Blue Buffalo
• RACE approved: 1.00 CE credit hour

Nutrition is truly the nucleus of everything we do as veterinary professionals. It has its challenges when making recommendations and directions. In this 1-hour medical program, veterinary professionals will gain practical insights into utilizing nutrition as a primary tool to manage obesity and gastrointestinal (GI) and urinary tract conditions in pets as we visit a veterinary clinic in Maine. Through real-life case studies, expert discussions, and interviews with veterinary support staff and doctors, the course emphasizes how a collaborative team approach, emphasizing nutritional therapy, can enhance patient outcomes. Sponsored by Blue Buffalo, the program delves into the roles of veterinarians, technicians, and client service representatives in implementing diet protocols to address common health issues. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for incorporating diet recommendations into clinical practice, fostering better client adherence, and improving patient health.

The Heart of the Matter: Managing Complex Congestive Heart Failure

• Specialty: Cardiology
• Speaker:Camden Rouben, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
• Sponsor: Upcard
• RACE approved: 1.00 CE credit hour

This lecture will review the management of congestive heart failure secondary to common cardiac diseases in dogs and cats. It will examine why twice-daily dosing of oral furosemide is no longer managing your patient’s signs of advanced heart failure. It will also explore new medications/therapies that may be more effective.

All Things Allergies! From Nose to Tail and Ear to Paw...

• Specialty: Dermatology
• Speaker:Valerie Fadok, DVM, PhD, Dip ACVD
• Sponsor: Nextmune
• RACE approved: 1.00 CE credit hour

Managing canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) can be difficult and require multimodal therapy. The International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA) is a group of board-certified veterinary dermatologists that arranges publications of critical reviews on allergic diseases of domestic animal species. Recently, ICADA updated the guidelines and available knowledge regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of cAD. This lecture will review these updated guidelines and how to apply them to the daily clinical management of cAD, including skin barrier treatment, microbiome, immunotherapy, and genetic factors.

Old Dogs, Fat Cats: Perioperative Pain Management in the Geriatric and Obese Patient

• Specialty: Geriatrics
• Speaker:Jenn Bornkamp, DVM, CVA, CVTP
• RACE approved: 1.00 CE credit hour

The companion animal population is living longer and often has comorbidities such as obesity. However, sedation and general anesthesia may be needed to address quality-of-life issues in the geriatric and obese patient. This program will discuss the prevalence of geriatric and obese pets, specific anesthetic concerns, preoperative workup, and tips on managing these patients for anesthetic procedures.

VetXchange

Mitigating Fear, Anxiety, and Stress for Patients in Isolation and Quarantine Housing

• Specialty: Behavior
• Speaker:Meghan Herron, DVM, DACVB
• Sponsor: Elanco
• RACE approved: 0.50 CE credit hour

Whether you manage animals in a shelter environment, veterinary clinic, or laboratory setting, the welfare of animals in isolation housing should be considered alongside preventing and treating infectious diseases. How we care for these animals is particularly important for puppies in their sensitive socialization period. This webinar reviews signs of animal stress, how to mitigate stress, and specific tips for promoting good welfare for dogs and puppies in quarantine or isolation.

Spotlight on Feline Parasites

• Specialty: Dermatology
• Speaker:Julia Miller, DVM, PhD, DACVD
• Sponsor: Boehringer Ingelheim
• RACE approved: 0.50 CE credit hour

Food allergies used to be considered rare, but we now recognize that they are present in up to 25% of our patients with allergies. When presented with a nonseasonally itchy pet, it may be time for a diet trial. Let us create a straightforward approach to choosing a diet, counseling owners on the do’s and don’t’s, and interpreting your patient’s response.

Fetch On-Demand

Fetch On-Demand is a virtual learning platform that offers prerecorded continuing education (CE) sessions from 2024 Fetch Kansas City in Missouri. It allows veterinary professionals to access expert-led courses whenever and wherever they fit into their schedule. With Fetch On-Demand, you can earn CE credits at your own pace, making it convenient and flexible for busy professionals.