Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference

Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference

September 27, 2019

Register Now

Monique Feyrecilde

Monique Feyrecilde

CVT, VTS (Behavior)

Monique Feyrecilde is a full-time veterinary technician in small animal private practice with over 20 years of experience. She is a veterinary technician specialist in behavior, and a past president of the Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians as well as the current chair of the Examination Committee. Monique was a content contributor for the Fear Free Certification course, and a module chair for two modules in the level two certification course. An experienced educator, Monique travels to the smallest clinic and the largest veterinary conference to teach with equal enthusiasm, igniting a passion for behavioral care and emotional wellness for pets and professionals. Her work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, podcasts, and other online content. When she isn’t in the clinic or teaching, she loves spending time with her husband and her treasured pets.

8:00am
- 8:50am
Behavior Essentials: Crucial Concepts for Every Veterinary Professional
You "don't do behavior?" Sure, you do! Pets are learning all the time, and so are humans! This introduction to the crucial concepts of classical conditioning, desensitization, counterconditioning, and operant conditioning will change the way you see and interact with patients and their owners on a daily basis, not just for behavior consultations.
9:00am
- 9:50am
Behavior Essentials: Applications in Real Life!
Case study examples of classical conditioning, desensitization, counterconditioning, and operant conditioning in the clinical setting.
10:30am
- 11:20am
Puppy Socialization: Seize the Day!
The golden time to provide puppies with the best possible start is a very narrow window. Learn what every veterinary team can do to identify normal and at-risk puppies, prevention strategies, and intervention planning. Help families create rock-star puppies who are lifelong companions, and patients!
11:30am
- 12:20pm
Think Inside the Box: Feline House Soiling
House soiling is the single most common behavior described as a problem by cat owners. Learn to decode the pee-mail and help cats and owners navigate this common concern.
1:30pm
- 2:20pm
Terrible Teenagers: How the Veterinary Team Can Prevent Adolescent Pet Relinquishment
Did you know: Approximately 15% of pets are surrendered to shelters or rehomed in the United States every year? Adolescent pets are surrendered to shelters at an alarming rate. Learn why, and what you can do to prevent and treat the three most common problems described by pet owners.
3:00pm
- 3:50pm
Fear Free: Getting Started in 5 Easy Steps!
Fear Free can change every day of the rest of your life. Why did I come to veterinary medicine? Because I love animals, and I bet you do, too! Learn how Fear Free can help bring love, passion, and compassion into ever interaction you have with pets and people -- and in just five easy steps you can get started on your Fear Free journey tomorrow!
4:00pm
- 4:50pm
Fear Free Mythbusters: How to Convince Your Team & Clients Change is Good!
Have you ever heard, "It takes too long!" or "It costs too much!"? Have you ever tried to change your boss' mind? What about a team member or a challenging client? Learn how to get buy-in from bosses, the whole team, and clients alike with these strategies for how to navigate crucial conversations and implement change.
Nicole LaForest

Nicole LaForest

LVT, RVT, CCFT

Nicole is currently a LVT in Washington State and a RVT in California who manages Mayo Veterinary Services, the nation’s largest ambulatory surgical practice for orthopedics and regenerative medicine. Nicole is originally from New York, having graduated high school early at the age of 16 and went on to obtain an associate degree in music, a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as another in human healthcare management. Nicole decided to become a veterinary technician in 2011 and graduated from Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician program with an associates degree in veterinary technology and finally decided to find a job in a field she was passionate about. Nicole has worked primarily in specialty and emergency medicine since being in the industry and has worked in 5 countries lecturing on regenerative medicine and promoting the utilization of credentialed veterinary technicians to their fullest extent.

8:00am
- 8:50am
Regenerative Medicine, It’s Not "Just" For Doctors: Learn Technician Utilization Through the Science of Rejuvenation.
Join us for an hour-long discussion on regenerative medicine, primarily Stem Cell Therapy (SCT) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), and how these therapies can enhance the care that we, as veterinary professionals, provide to our patients.

Regenerative medicine has been used in the veterinary industry since the 1970’s, starting in equine medicine and transitioning to small animal medicine in the 1990’s.

Now, regenerative medicine is used worldwide in multiple species, across species lines and has been clinically proven time and time again to treat over 86 ailments, injuries and diseases; when used appropriately.

Learn how you can begin offering various forms of regenerative medicine in your practice and how you; a veterinary technician, can play a role in delivering these therapies to your patients.
Cythia Knapp

Cythia Knapp

DVM, CCRT, SAMP, CVA- Rehabilitation Therapist

Dr. Knapp observed many clients who were concerned about their older/geriatric animals who were painful even taking multiple medications. It was hard for her to see clients having to make tough decisions about their loved ones’ quality of life when their pet still had so much spirit in them. Wanting to make a difference, Dr. Knapp decided to change her focus and began training to help manage pain for geriatric animals, but in a more holistic approach. She became a certified rehabilitation therapist through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and a certified small animal massage practitioner at the Northwest School of Animal Massage. Dr. Knapp has also finished her certification in small animal acupuncture at the Chi Institute and hopes to become certified in small animal spinal manipulation in the near future. When Dr. Knapp is not helping animals, she is spending time with her husband, dancing with her two daughters and running around after her two rambunctious golden retrievers, Gilly and Bentley.

9:00am
- 9:50am
Integrative Medicine an Introduction to TCVM: Providing balance to our pets' lives
An introduction to the different branches of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine that can help animals live a more balanced life. How acupuncture, food therapy, herbal therapy and massage can benefit our animals.
10:30am
- 11:20am
Food therapy: Optimizing your pets' health through diet
Learn how the energetics of food can optimize the health of our animals. By understanding some basic properties of food, diets can be created to help nourish the body as well as help heal the body to achieve internal balance.
11:30am
- 12:20pm
Introduction to Acupuncture: Using the body's energy to help restore health
Learn how acupuncture can stimulate the body's own energy to help an animal develop balance and harmony on the inside. When they are healthy on the inside, the body should not exhibit any abnormal symptoms, such as pain and inflammation, on the outside.
1:30pm
- 2:20pm
Acupuncture: Helpful Points for everyday use
Learn helpful acupuncture points that can be stimulated through acupressure to help our animals in general practice and in emergency situations, including points to stimulate appetite, decrease nausea, calm an anxious animal and much more.
Renee Neideigh

Renee Neideigh

LVT, VTS (Oncology)

Renee grew up knowing her purpose in life was to be an advocate for animals. A licensed veterinary technician, Renee attended school at Harcum College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She also earned her veterinary technician specialty license in oncology, certified by the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT). Having over 15 years of veterinary experience, Renee has gained a large amount of knowledge not only in-patient care but also the ability to guide pet caregivers through the emotional hardships they may encounter. Renee is currently in the process of becoming Reiki certified and is an avid advocate for energy balancing and healing. Her patients’ quality of life, while undergoing chemotherapy, is of utmost importance to her. Renee believes a holistic approach leads to a healthy and balanced life for both humans and animals. When she is not working, you will find her backpacking, mountain biking, practicing yoga or tending to her many plants. She is the proud mother of a 15-year-old cat named Momo.

3:00pm
- 3:50pm
Dying to Know: A Talk About Death, Dying and Euthanasia
This lecture will discuss the impact society has on the way we view death and dying, and ways to increase awareness and acceptance that death is a natural part of life. A discussion on quality of life in veterinary patients, and ways healthcare professionals can better guide clients through the end of life process. We will also touch base on the hardships healthcare professionals endure during these difficult times. I will give advice on how to improve the actual euthanasia itself to make clients feel more comfortable and at peace with their decision. In closing, a look at Aquamation, and the many benefits it offers.
4:00pm
- 4:50pm
Oncology 101
This will be a talk on the basics of oncology in veterinary medicine. We will go over diagnoses, staging, and the three most common treatment options. We will discuss chemotherapy safety and the risks associated with chemotherapy administration. In conclusion, we will touch base on the technicians’ emotional challenges and a brief overview on two of the most common cancers.
Karen E. Purves

Karen E. Purves

M.A.

Karen’s inspiring, engaging and witty style blends relatable personal stories, leading edge research and proven solutions to impact your attendees so they can leave a program saying their time was truly well spent. As an award-winning International Speaker with particular expertise in how language affects emotions, Karen knows how to connect with audiences as few others can. In mathematical form, Karen could be = Energizer® Bunny® + Tina Fey + Wikipedia. In addition to being described as “one of the best” or “favorite” speakers of entire conferences dozens of times, other attendee comments include: “Refreshingly honest”, “contagiously enthusiastic”, “attention grabber and keeper”, “breath of fresh air” and giving “real answers to real life”. Karen combines a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Master’s Degree in Public Policy and over 25 years business experience along with extensive training at “The Second City” to leave audiences feeling energized, inspired and empowered. She also has worked in animal hospitals and on animal advocacy issues for 8 years. Karen also has the rare distinction of being a 3-time game show winner! Throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia - from Fortune 100 companies to associations and government - Karen guarantees that attendees will receive useful material, in an engaging way, and practical tools to implement immediately!

8:30am
- 9:20am
Communicate with Strength (Part 1)
Key Words That Enhance Your Effectiveness - Got the right words? Laugh and learn in this session filled with the latest solutions in effective communication, based on neuroscience principles. What are you saying that’s causing your technicians and clients to subtly feel uncooperative or defensive? Karen will tell you - and give you replacement words and phrases. Leave with an immediate, specific, action plan! (PARTS 1, 2, 3 AND 4)
10:00am
- 11:50am
Communicate with Strength (Part 2 & 3)
Continued from above.
1:15pm
- 2:05am
Communicate with Strength (Part 4)
Continued from above.
2:15pm
- 3:05pm
Becoming a Lie Spy
Clues if someone's being honest - Want to better understand human behavior and help identify when people behave in a trustworthy manner? There’s a science to decoding unconscious actions and you can hone your observational skills to help you, and others, act with integrity. This innovative program shares numerous practical, insider tips, to identify cues and gain insight on individuals' conduct. You’ll leave better able to gather information and trust your judgment about someone’s behavior to reduce deception. Karen shares specific steps to get to the truth, preventing costly mistakes, increasing positive outcomes and allowing you to make better decisions!
4:00pm
- 4:00pm
Wag More, Bark Less
Reducing Negativity in Your Hospital - Do you manage difficult people? Spend too much of your day handling personality conflicts among technicians you supervise? Explore 14 different ways people express negativity and learn a tip for dealing with each one. You’ll learn effective skills on handling a broad spectrum of negative personality styles - and see how you can adjust your own attitude to help stay positive and improve organizational excellence! Receive tips on exactly what to say to whom, so you can go back to work and do something different immediately. After participating in this program attendees, on average, said their ability to handle negative situations in the workplace improved 28%. (2 hours)
Liz Hughston

Liz Hughston

Med., RVT, CVT, VTS (SAIM, ECC)

Liz is the Co-Founder of the Veterinary Cannabis Academy, the President of and practices as a relief veterinary technician, trainer, and consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area for both general and emergency/specialty practices. Since her graduation from Foothill College in 2006, Liz went on to become certified as a VTS in both Small Animal Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care in 2012. Liz is dedicated to advancing veterinary nursing through training, mentorship, and support and speaks frequently at regional, national, and international veterinary conferences. In addition to her relief work, speaking, and consulting, Liz is honored to serve as the Past President of the Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians and the Communications Director for the National Veterinary Professionals Union. In 2018 Liz was appointed to the advisory board of PHYTO Animal Health. She lives in San Jose, CA with her husband, two spoiled dogs, and two sweet cats.

8:30am
- 9:20am
Every Patient Every Time: Kirby’s Rule of 20
If you’re tasked with taking care of patients on a regular basis at your clinic or hospital, this is the presentation for you! We will discuss Kirby’s Rule of 20 and its role in helping veterinary technicians organize and deliver excellent patient care every day. Whether you take care of patients in a hospital setting or as outpatients, these 20 simple steps can help you help your patients.
10:00am
- 10:50am
Sugar High: Nursing the DKA Patient
Your patient is vomiting, flat, lethargic – and his BG is 600! What are your next steps to care for this very critical patient? Liz will walk you through the ways to recognize the common signs and symptoms of DKA at presentation, as well as enabling you to be confident in recommending diagnostic tests to the DVM. You will learn to recognize laboratory abnormalities signaling DKA, list treatment options and concerns. We will also discuss the selection of appropriate IV access and maintenance of sites and appropriate monitoring parameters for the DKA patient.
11:00am
- 11:50am
Nursing Care for Canine Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a common diagnostic finding for dogs that present with abdominal pain or discomfort. This lecture covers clinical signs, diagnostic tests, and treatment options for both inpatients and outpatients, with an emphasis on pain control, proper nutrition, and nursing care that can help our patients have better outcomes.
1:15pm
- 2:05pm
Nursing Care for the Megaesophagus Dog
Megaesophagus is a condition characterized by the loss of muscular tone in and subsequent dilation of the esophagus, leading to numerous complications. Join Liz as she focuses on nursing considerations for the canine megaesophagus patient. Learn about common clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment options available for megaesophagus. We will cover nutritional requirements, feeding strategies, and treatment of common complications, as well as owner education and support as they navigate this often difficult to manage condition.
2:15pm
- 3:05pm
If the Gut Works, Use It! Indications and Use of Feeding Tubes
Nutrition is of vital importance in the healing process of our sickest patients. While calories and nutrients can be supplied parenterally, most non-specialty veterinary practitioners are not equipped to provide total parenteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is more economical, more cost-effective, and – in most cases – better for our patients. Join Liz as we discuss GI tract physiology, the indications for various feeding tubes, and the use and maintenance of feeding tubes.
3:40pm
- 4:30pm
Play Nice! Drug Interactions Every Veterinary Technician Should Know
The number of medications we use every day in practice is astounding and increasing every day. Technicians are instrumental in both administering medications and ensuring the safety of patients receiving them so it’s important to know how drugs interact with each other. We will cover common medications used in practice and how they interact with each other – both positively and negatively – as well as basic pharmacokinetics.
4:40pm
- 5:30pm
Wrap It Up: Basic Wound Healing and Bandaging
This presentation will describe the stages of wound healing and the technician’s role in wound care and management. Additionally, we will discuss bandage construction and tips and tricks for applying the perfect bandage for every situation – and getting it to stay put! The most common bandages we place in practice will be outlined as well as new wound management and bandaging techniques that are on the horizon in veterinary medicine.
Nicole B. Shuey

Nicole B. Shuey

BS, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)

Nicole grew up in Denver, CO and lived all over the country as a child. Her love for animals and science has been a part of her as long as she can remember. Nicole graduated from Northeast College with an Associate’s of Applied Science degree (Veterinary Technology) in 2007. After working several years, she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Fitness. Since that time, she has lived and worked in several states, with her most recent career being an anesthesia technician at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. It was there that she began the long journey in obtaining her veterinary technician specialty (VTS) in anesthesia, which she achieved in October 2018 after relocating to Portland, OR. She is currently employed as a veterinary anesthesia technician at Veterinary Cancer and Surgery Specialists in Milwaukie, OR. She is an active member of the AVTAA (Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia) and NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America).

8:30am
- 9:20am
Under Pressure: Blood pressure management for the anesthetized patient
This is a basic to intermediate level lecture with information on what blood pressure is, the various ways blood pressure can be measured, and ways to treat hypotension or hypertension in the anesthetized patient.
9:30am
- 10:20am
Anesthetic Management for Airway Procedures: Things to know for good oxygen flow.
This lecture will discuss the technician or anesthetist’s role in case management for various airway procedures. This includes protocol development, equipment preparation, common complications, and considerations for recovery.
10:30am
- 11:20pm
Anxiety, Dysphoria, or Pain: How to evaluate and treat a rough recovery.
This lecture will discuss the difference between anxiety, dysphoria, and pain and how they play a role in rough recoveries. It will cover ways to prevent rough recoveries as well as identify causes and treat each patient accordingly.
1:00pm
- 3:00pm
Monitor Mishaps: How to interpret, troubleshoot, and triage abnormal monitor readings.
This is a case-based approach to common and uncommon abnormalities seen while monitoring anesthesia. It will include videos of normal and abnormal anesthetic monitor readings with a practical approach to interpreting and treating each case. There will be discussion on ECGs, capnography, pulse oximetry, and blood pressure including common misconceptions in each category.
Liz Hughston & Kristen Goodman

Liz Hughston & Kristen Goodman

Liz Hughston MEd., RVT, CVT, VTS (SAIM, ECC) - See bio above. Kristen Goodman LVT, VTS (ECC) Kristen is originally from New Jersey and has always had a passion for veterinary medicine. She received her Associate’s Degree from Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology in Denver, CO. Kristen then went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in English. With over 16 years of experience, Kristen has primarily worked as an emergency and critical care technician. She currently works as an LVT in Washington, as a technician trainer. Kristen obtained her VTS in Emergency and Critical Care in 2017. She enjoys the challenge of critical care medicine and teaching others. She hopes to encourage others to challenge themselves and continue growing and enhancing the veterinary profession, both in general and on the technician level. When Kristen is not working, she enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling with her husband, Cody. She also spends most of her time trying to keep up with her 3 very energetic golden retrievers, Toby, Aria, and Logan.

8:30am
- 4:00pm
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: The RECOVER Initiative
This workshop will be conducted by an instructor certified by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) to train technicians in the RECOVER method of CPR. We will begin with a lecture to introduce attendees to the RECOVER initiative and to establish a base level of knowledge in the areas of both Basic and Advanced Life Support (BLS and ALS). The hands-on portion of the workshop will begin with fine-tuning closed loop communication among the CPR team. We will then use mannikins on which attendees can perform chest compressions, as well as practice intubation and ventilation during chest compressions. We will also discuss appropriate monitoring during CPR and how to interpret what the monitors are telling you. Wear scrubs and be ready to sweat and have fun!

Requirements: For certification, participants must successfully complete the RECOVER BLS and ALS modules prior to the lab session:
(https://recoverinitiative.org/first-responders-other-pet-professionals/cpr-bls-als/)

Register Now

Greater Tacoma Convention Center
1500 Commerce St,
Tacoma , WA 98402

Phone: 920-319-6279

Email: wsavtce@gmail.com