Eyes, ears & beyond..
August 14–16, 2023
Ashley Bourgeois D.V.M.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology
Animal Dermatology Clinic
Portland, OR
Alison Clode D.V.M.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Staff Ophthalmologist
Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital
Portsmouth, NH
Alison & Ashley are going to discuss management of the most common problems that they encounter in their clinical practices. This course will present a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of these common problems using a combination of didactic and case-based teaching. This combination of an Ophthalmologist and Dermatologist is sure to provide you with some very practical tips on a broad range of topics.
Speakers & Topics
Dr. Bourgeois:
What am I missing in the itchy dog?
Several studies show that pruritus is the number one reason a client brings their dog to the veterinarian. Allergic skin diseases are common problems in canine patients, and many of the clinical presentations are similar which can make these cases frustrating. This lecture will focus on the allergic workup, acute treatment of pruritus, and client communication.
How to conquer the itchy cat
Different categories of feline allergies can be difficult to differentiate from one another. Understanding the different patterns of cutaneous lesions, response to treatment, and management of secondary issues is important for control.This lecture will present how to differentiate and perform a diagnostic workup for flea, food, and environmental allergies in cats.
Diagnosing otitis the right way
Managing difficult otitis externa cases in cats and dogs can be challenging, chronic, and frustrating. This lecture will discuss a complete approach to the diagnostic workup of otitis externa including cytology, culture and sensitivity, handheld otoscopy, and video otoscopy.
From ear drops to pills: how to effectively treat otitis externa and media
Choosing appropriate ear cleansers and initial therapeutics can be imperative in defeating micro-organisms. However, systemic therapy can also be used to help alleviate discomfort and treat infection in complicated cases. This is especially true when disease extends deeper than the external ear canal. This lecture will address how to assess the best treatment plan for every type of otitis case from a simple yeast otitis to a resistant otitis media.
Don’t fear the smear (basics of cytology)
Cytology is one of the most important diagnostic tools in dermatology. A quick, inexpensive test that can be essential in diagnosing and managing various skin diseases. This lecture will discuss what different findings of cells, organisms and structures may indicate. Also, techniques for collecting and interpreting cytologies from different anatomical sites will be discussed.
Dr. Clode:
- How should I perform a complete ophthalmic exam?
- How should I manage entropion in puppies and kittens?
- How should I manage entropion in older dogs and cats?
- What can I do about distichia?
- How should I manage ectopic cilia?
- How should I approach eyelid lacerations?
- Do I realllllyyy have to replace that prolapsed third eyelid gland?
- What’s going on with blepharitis in dogs?
- What’s going on with blepharitis in cats?
- What can I do for KCS, especially when it’s non-responsive?
- What is a good approach to epiphora?
- What can be done for tear staining?
- How should I manage eyelid tumors in dogs?
- What about eyelid tumors in cats?
- How should I recognize and manage simple corneal ulcers in dogs?
- What about nonhealing ulcers in dogs?
- How should I recognize and manage complicated corneal ulcers in dogs?
- What about corneal ulcers in cats?
- How should I diagnose and manage eosinophilic keratitis in cats?
- What is Ocu-GLO and what can it be used for?
- Topical steroids or cyclosporine or NSAIDs….?
- Why is this cornea blue?
- How should I handle exophthalmos?
Schedule
| Registration | Monday August 14, 2023 | 7:15 am – 8:00 am |
| Breakfast | Daily | 7:15 am – 8:00 am |
| Lectures | Monday August 14, 2023 | 8:00 am – 1:30 pm |
| Tuesday August 15, 2023 | 8:00 am – 1:30 pm | |
| Wednesday August 16, 2023 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm |
Accommodations
Big Sky is a home base for mountain travelers in search of adventure and exhilaration, scenic views, wellness and relaxation, guided hikes and more. Take advantage of the many activities and experiences that make Big Sky an ideal summer destination.
Summit Hotel:
In Big Sky, we don’t escape from the elements when we go indoors, we bring them with us—from views of the surrounding peaks out every window to the art adorning the walls inspired by the same feeling. The pinnacle of Big Sky lodging, the Summit Hotel, channels the grandeur of Lone Peak. From the elevated-by-the-elements polish of its lobby to the alluring details that infuse its on-mountain rooms and inspired dining options, the Summit signs every detail with an alpine air.
Explore The Summit Hotel Rooms..click here
Price: (Group rooms based on availability) This rate is single/double occupancy. There is a $10 per extra person per night.
Group rooms are sold out. Please contact our office at 800-487-5650 or [email protected] for current availability
- Summit Studio (Murphy/Sleeper): $289.00 per room, per night, plus taxes & fees.
- Summit Two Queen Hotel: $359.00 per room, per night, plus taxes & fees.
- Summit One King Hotel: $379.00 per room, per night, plus taxes & fees.
- Summit One Bedroom (One Queen/Sleeper): $649.00 per room, per night, plus taxes & fees.
- Summit Two Bedroom: $per room, per night, plus taxes & fees. Call for availability and pricing
*The above rate is based on single/double occupancy. There is an extra charge of $10 per person per night, staying in the room.
Additional Fees & Taxes:
The above lodging rates do not include tax and service fees. The current total is twenty two percent(22%) tax and service fees on accommodations. This twenty two percent (22%) is made up of eight percent (8%) state bedding/accommodation tax, four percent (4%) local/resort tax, and ten percent (10%) resort service fee. Percentages are subject to change depending on current federal, state, local laws, and resort policy.
Parking: Self-Parking is complimentary at Big Sky Resort. Underground valet parking in the Summit Hotel is available
for $20 per vehicle per night for Summit Hotel Guests and $40 per vehicle per night for all other guests.
Terms
Deposits:
A deposit equal to one (1) night’s stay including tax and service fees is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations:
Your deposit is fully refundable up to thirty (30) days prior to arrival. If your reservation is canceled or modified, including room type change to an accommodation type at a lower rate, within thirty (30) days prior to arrival, a cancellation fee will be assessed equal to the room rate, tax & service fee per night that is canceled.
We strongly suggest purchasing trip insurance. If you would like us to give you a quote, please give us call.
Things To Do
Big Sky is basecamp for Yellowstone National Park
Activity Finder
Although known for legendary skiing and easy access to America’s first National Park, today there are more ways than ever to truly enjoy the Big Sky area and immerse yourself into the great outdoors.
Whether it’s escaping into the solitude of the back country wilderness on horseback or by foot, or experiencing adventures in the canyon ravines on idyllic rivers, there are so many ways to spend your day in Big Sky in both summer and winter.
Need To Know
Registration
Online registration is easy and fast. But please confirm your hotel reservations prior to completing your registration or booking flights. Many Hotels are selling out many months ahead of our seminars. If you need to book a hotel room, click the link to the online hotel registration page. If none is available for your selected seminar, please fill out our hotel request form or contact our office at 800-487-5650. Please note that hotel rooms are not confirmed until you receive confirmation from the hotel (if you booked online thru our group link) or from our office for hotels that do not offer the online link.
IVS is now required by AAVSB RACE to upload your completed attendance into their “RACEtrack” system. Your state of license and your license number are required for all seminars starting in January 2022. More information is available at https://www.aavsb.org/ce-
Early Bird: $995.00
Advanced: $1015.00
Regular: $1035.00
Special Pricing:
Veterinary Technicians receive an $80 discount using promo code “techsaver”. Enter the code during checkout in the submit promotion code box.
For International Travel
Passport requirements for international travel
Please note that all passengers traveling by air to or from the United States will be required to hold a valid passport. This requirement applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens, traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
When planning international travel, please be sure that you are in possession of all required documents for both outbound and return flights. Remember to allow ample time for acquiring official travel documents.
For complete information on the U.S. Department of State’s New Travel Initiative Requirements, please visit travel.state.gov.
Pricing
Deposits:
A deposit equal to one (1) night’s stay including tax and service fees is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations:
Your deposit is fully refundable up to thirty (30) days prior to arrival. If your reservation is canceled or modified, including room type change to an accommodation type at a lower rate, within thirty (30) days prior to arrival, a cancellation fee will be assessed equal to the room rate, tax & service fee per night that is canceled.
We strongly suggest purchasing trip insurance. If you would like us to give you a quote, please give us call.
Global Vet Community Meets CE Experiences
IVS trips are designed to meet your CE requirements while offering a break from traditional, conference-style learning. With focused half-day sessions, small-group learning, and destinations worth the journey, IVS creates close-knit communities where education feels both engaging and rewarding.
Earn Your CE Credits
IVS makes it easy — and worth the trip — to keep your CE hours current. Each trip includes 12–18 CE credit hours, along with access to a dedicated portal where certificates and trip details are easy to find when you need them.
Explore the World
Choose from 50+ destinations worldwide, including classic travel locations and Bio Bio adventure trips. No matter the setting, IVS seminars are structured to support focused learning in an environment that feels immersive — not overwhelming.
Connect With Your Community
IVS brings together veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and leading specialists in intentionally small groups. Designed for shared experience and meaningful discussion, these seminars foster professional connections that last well beyond your trip.
Get More from Every Trip
With points earned for every trip you attend, bonuses for referring friends, and a convenient user portal for tracking and seminar details, IVS makes earning your CE credits even more rewarding.
Postcards from Our Trips
From close to home to destinations abroad, hear what veterinary professionals are saying about their IVS experience.
The speakers were excellent, as were the accommodations. I love coming to IVS Seminars.”
I enjoyed this conference VERY much! The speakers were engaging and superb. I had a surgery day this past Tuesday and have implemented several of their pearls of knowledge!”
The trip was just perfect! My husband and I loved every minute.”
Thank you for a great conference! This was my first IVS experience, and it was great. … I’m hoping to arrange a trip for my vet school friends (11 of us total) in the future.”
I enjoyed the seminar. IVS [is] still the best CE in my opinion. Great venue also.”
Thank you for putting on a fantastic program in Cabo!”
Thank you. I always enjoy the CE experience IVS provides.”
Good to Know Before You Go
Registration is simple. Browse upcoming seminars using the search on our homepage, then click through to the seminar page and complete registration online. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete, and a separate email confirming your payment. Please keep both for your records. You can also call our office at 1-800-487-5650 to register by phone.
IVS holds group space at each seminar venue and handles hotel bookings on your behalf. You can book accommodations at the same time as your seminar registration or separately — whichever you prefer.
On your selected seminar’s page, click the Accommodations tab and scroll down to the Book Accommodations button. Please note: if you need a room outside the standard seminar dates, availability will need to be confirmed with the hotel. Hotel bookings made through our site are not automatic and require some processing time. Once confirmed, you will receive a hotel confirmation letter from IVS by email. All hotels require a credit card to guarantee your booking, and cut-off dates apply — early registration is always advised. Our team is available at 1-800-487-5650, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm PST.
10% of the registration fee is non-refundable. If you cancel more than 30 days before the seminar start date, you may choose a refund of the remaining 90% or a Future Transfer Credit (FTC). If you cancel within 30 days, only a Future Transfer Credit is issued. The FTC can be applied to any future IVS seminar within 2 years of your cancellation date; it is forfeited if not used within that window. To cancel, you must contact our office and receive email confirmation of your cancellation before the seminar begins. Cancellations requested after the seminar has started, or without email confirmation on file, will forfeit the full registration fee. Please also note that cancellations will remove any Loyalty Program points earned from that registration.
IVS specializes in small group seminars — usually fewer than 80 people per seminar. Most veterinarians appreciate the smaller setting, as it allows for more interaction with speakers and other participants and gives everyone a chance to get their questions answered.
International Veterinary Seminars is an AAVSB RACE-approved provider of CE, which is accepted by all state boards throughout the US and Canada. We are provider #13 and are also an approved provider in New York State. Please contact your state board or our office with any questions. For more information, visit the AAVSB RACE program website.
Where will your learning take you?
Discover a different way to earn your veterinary CE. Explore upcoming trips to find an IVS seminar set in a destination you’ll want to stay awhile.