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Key West, FL spring seminar

Managing the lame dog and cat

April 19–21, 2021


March 5, 2021 update: only a few group rooms still available- book now as the group block closes on March 15.

Feb. 25, 2021:  I just wanted to update you on our Key West  seminar.  Many locations are starting to reopen and we have been closely working with the Reach Resort in the recent days to ensure that they will have all the necessary safety protocols in place prior to our arrival.

I would recommend that you click thru to see what to expect while on the Island.

The Reach Resort

Visit Key West

It has been a very intense and stressful last year, so we are very excited to finally start to return to our passion: providing practical CE in great locations. 

Regarding the seminars: we will be following strict social distancing and mask requirements. 

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely

Dougald

 

Ross Palmer D.V.M., MS.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Professor of Orthopedics
Colorado State University

Michael Lappin D.V.M., Ph.D.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Professor of Medicine
Colorado State University

 

 


Speakers & Topics

There are many conditions that can result in lameness in dogs and cats. Orthopedic, infectious, and immune-mediated causes exist and are all very common. In this lecture series, the perspectives of an orthopedic surgeon and an internist on this common problem will be presented. Drs. Palmer and Lappin shared part of their advanced training time at the University of Georgia in the 1980’s and now have worked together at Colorado State University on clinical service for over 10 years. Their rounds rooms are about 30 feet apart and so they commonly interact on clinical cases. Both speakers have also been in practice and so their approach to clinical medicine and surgery is very practical. Drs. Lappin and Palmer both have easy going styles and are very interactive. The lectures will be presented using a case based format and will include many video clips to emphasize clinical presentations and techniques.

The surgeons perspective:

  • How to improve your gait evaluation skills

  • Art of the Orthopedic Exam

  • Science of the Orthopedic Exam

  • Working up the hip dysplastic puppy

  • How to make quality orthopedic radiographs & interpret them

  • Clinical Case Discussion – The dreaded duo of OA & Obesity

  • Is it shoulder or is it elbow

The Internists perspective:

Polymyosititis

  • What are the most common infectious causes?

  • How do I differentiate infectious and immune mediated causes

  • Can I diagnose Toxoplasma and Neospora with antibody titers?

  • How common in Hepatozoon canis

  • What are the optimal treatments for protozoal muscle diseases?

  • What does of anti-inflammatory drugs should I use for immune mediated disease?

Polyarthritis

  • How do I collect joint fluid?

  • What tests should be performed on joint fluid?

  • Which animals should be evaluated by arthrocentesis

  • Are PCR panels for infectious agents worth the money?

  • Does Bartonella really cause polyarthritis

  • How can I prove ehrlichiosis, mycoplasmosis, anaplasmosis, borreliosis, and bartonellosis?

  • Do cats get immune mediated polyarthritis?

  • What are optimal primary therapies for infectious agents?

  • What is the best dose of prednisone?

  • In what order should I try “rescue” drugs for refractory immune mediated cases?

  • Should I use the Borrelia vaccines?

  • Which Borrelia vaccine is best?

ACVIM consensus statement on lyme disease in dogs

Clinical Case Discussions – Surgeon vs. Internist


Schedule

Registration Monday April 19, 2021 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Lectures Monday April 19 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Tuesday April 20 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
Wednesday April 21 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
Breakfast Tuesday April 20 7.15 am – 8.00 am
Wednesday April 21 7.15 am – 8.00 am

Accommodations

The Reach Resort

The Reach Resort

Savor a taste of tropical living at the most beloved choice of Key West hotels and resorts – The Reach Resort. Nestled on the island’s southern edge – spanning more than 400 feet of private beach – our newly remodeled rooms and suites provide a luxurious hideaway for travelers. Bask among soaring palms trees, blooming native flowers, and sweeping ocean views. Sample the renowned nightlife of nearby Duval Street , or the charming attractions of historic Old Town. Enjoy famed Key West water sports – from windsurfing to diving in America’s only living barrier reef. Catch some warm sunshine on the island’s largest secluded beach. Stay at our sophisticated Key West Florida hotel for true Caribbean flavor, in a vibrant location:

  • Located on a private beach in Key West, Florida
  • A short walk from Southernmost Point U.S.A and Key West Aquarium
  • Minutes from the vibrant attractions and nightlife of Duval Street and historic Old Town
  • Easy access to world-class water sports, including deep-sea fishing, wind surfing, and diving in America’s only living barrier reef
  • Only three miles from Key West International Airport (EYW)

Price

  • Key West view and Courtyard view room rate: $299.00 single or dbl/night plus taxes
  • Ocean view rate: $399.00 single or dbl/night plus taxes
  • Plus Taxes
  • Resort fee: $45.00 per room per night 
  • Valet parking fee: $35.00/day subject to change

The Resort Fee is paid to the Hotel for the following amenities or services

  •  Beach and Pool lounge chairs with umbrellas

  • Poolside delighters including cold eucalyptus towels and popsicles

  • Hydration Stations

  • Wireless Internet access

  • Fitness Center access

  • Local & Domestic long distance phone calls

  • In-room Coffee

  • Resort Access & Transportation between The Reach and Casa Marina (based upon availability)

  • Casa Marina Recreation Activities -Volleyball, Table Tennis, Corn Hole, Hammocks, and featuring the largest beach resort in Key West

  • The Reach Recreation Activities -Life Size Chess, Bocce Ball, Hammocks, and featuring the largest natural sand beach with direct ocean entry in Key West

Terms

Cancellations: You will be charged a deposit of one nights room and tax. You must cancel your reservation at least 21 days prior to your scheduled arrival to receive a refund. If you cancel with 21 days of your scheduled arrival or are a no-show or depart early, you will be charged for the complete scheduled stay.


Room Description

Retreat to one of the beautifully transformed guest rooms or suites at The Reach Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection – providing the most intimate Key West lodging experience. Our warm accommodations perfectly reflect the stunning revitalization of the resort. Cool colors blended with a modern sophistication are represented in chic furnishings and tranquil bedding. Indulge in the stunning views from your private balcony.Retreat to one of the beautifully transformed guest rooms or suites at The Reach Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection – providing the most intimate Key West lodging experience. Our warm accommodations perfectly reflect the stunning revitalization of the resort. Cool colors blended with a modern sophistication are represented in chic furnishings and tranquil bedding. Indulge in the stunning views from your private balcony.

Configurations:

Key West room

These guest rooms feature the perfect blend of Caribbean style and comfort with private balcony, tile floors, wet bar, and ceiling fans. These rooms are convenient to the only natural beach on the island, as well as a tropical swimming pool.

Ocean view room

For luxurious comfort and incredible ocean views, choose one of the Ocean-View Rooms. Lounge with a tropical cocktail on your own private balcony, which overlooks the Atlantic or our tropical pool. Offering special touches such as tile floors and ceiling fans, these majestic rooms are true paradise.


Things To Do

It’s the perfect time to visit everyone’s favorite tropical Island in Florida. The weather is wonderful (in the low 80’s )and the rates are down!

The colorful heritage of this laid back Island city has inspired writers and artists over the last century. Stroll along brick walkways, adjacent to the Custom House Historical Museum or enjoy a walk to the Truman Whitehouse, Mel Fisher’s Museum of sunken treasures and the infamous Hemingway House. Just one block from the resort is Duval Street offering art galleries, boutiques, cafes and legendary historic watering holes.

Tour the city on the conch-train, enjoy the conch and Caribbean food, biking, snorkeling, diving, relaxing on the beach, stroll along Dual Street, catch a sunset in Mallory Square, fishing, a sunset sail, shopping and slowing down for a few days.

Key West attractions and activities, learn more

Restaurants

Old Town has many cafes and restaurants offering food for all tastes. And the nightlife is legendary in Key West.

Don’t forget to catch sunset at Mallory Square- it’s a tradition and an experience!

Outdoor activities

Beach

Relax on the Resorts private beach.

Water Sports

Sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, snorkeling and diving.

Golf

Golf in the tropics at Key West Golf Club.

Two-wheelin’

Explore the island on bicycles or mopeds.

Snorkeling

Take a fast boat to the reefs and snorkel for several hours. The boats leave from the Casa Marina (only a 1 minute walk).


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-services/racetrack

Early Bird:  $945.00

Register by:  February 23, 2021

Advanced:  $965.00

Register by:  March 19, 2021

Regular:  $985.00

Register after:  March 19, 2021

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

Cancellations: You will be charged a deposit of one nights room and tax. You must cancel your reservation at least 21 days prior to your scheduled arrival to receive a refund. If you cancel with 21 days of your scheduled arrival or are a no-show or depart early, you will be charged for the complete scheduled stay.

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.

Cecile Shafer, DVM
Monterey, CA

The speakers were excellent, as were the accommodations. I love coming to IVS Seminars.”

Cecile Shafer, DVM

Redwood Veterinary Hospital, Visalia, CA

Shira Anchill, DVM
Santa Fe, NM

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!”

Shira Anchill, DVM

Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, Waterford Township, MI

Patti Klein, DVM
Galápagos Islands

The trip was just perfect! My husband and I loved every minute.”

Patti Klein, DVM

Pet Care In Motion, Woodstock, IL

Katharyn Kryda, DVM
Savannah, GA

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.”

Katharyn Kryda, DVM

District Locum, Washington DC

Mike Dixon, DVM
Key West, FL

I enjoyed the seminar. IVS [is] still the best CE in my opinion. Great venue also.”

Mike Dixon, DVM

Flint Veterinary Clinic, Tyler, TX

Ed Fallin, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Thank you for putting on a fantastic program in Cabo!”

Ed Fallin, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Veterinary Referral & Critical Care, Manakin-Sabot, VA

Carmen Lindheimer, MS, DVM
Lake Tahoe

Thank you. I always enjoy the CE experience IVS provides.”

Carmen Lindheimer, MS, DVM

MedVet, Asheville, NC

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.