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Chicago, IL

Managing common abdominal problems

May 4–5, 2018


Deborah Greco D.V.M., Ph.D.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Senior Medical Consultant
Nestle Purina Petcare

Howard Seim III D.V.M.

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

Practical management of common medical & surgical problems

This course will present the recent diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs for some of the most common abdominal problems using a combination of didactic and case-based teaching. 

Dr. Deb Greco is an internationally recognized expert in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Dr. Greco’s PhD is in pharmacology and her subspecialty is endocrinology. Dr. Greco is the past president of the Comparative Endocrinology Society in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Prior to joining Nestle Purina as a consultant, Deb was on faculty at Colorado State University and then more recently, Deb moved to New York City where she was an Associate Veterinarian in the Internal Medicine section at the busiest Veterinary Hospital in the world.

Dr Seim is Professor of Surgery at Colorado State University and will provide an update on common surgical procedures utilizing practical videos.

This combination of two internationally recognized speakers will provide you with a practical approach to the management of many common medical & surgical problems that you encounter in your daily practice. You are sure to come away with some very helpful tips!


Speakers & Topics

  • The latest thoughts on management of the diabetic cat- this is all new information that will change the way you manage these patients!
  • Also how to manage those difficult canine patients
  • Oral hypoglycemics-Fact or fiction?
  • Management of the brittle diabetic.
  • Advances in insulin therapy: Getting the glucose curve you want.
  • Treatment of the recalcitrant hyperthyroid cat-I131? Tapazole? Surgery? Ipodate?
  • How should I diagnose hyperadrenocorticism in dogs?
  • How should I manage dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
  • Do cats develop hyperadrenocorticism?
  • How should I diagnose hypoadrenocorticism in dogs and cats?
  • How should I manage hypoadrenocorticism in dogs and cats?
  • GDV: techniques for derotation & the 10 minute gastropexy
  • Intestinal surgery; masses and foreign bodies- make it leak proof every time.
  • Are there any tricks to the trade on linear foreign bodies?
  • Surgically managing canine cystic & urethral calculi
  • Splenic hemangiosarcoma – A 4 ligature splenectomy?
  • Difficulty breathing? – let’s shorten the palate and open the nares!
  • Gall bladder mucocele – when should they come out and should I be taking them out?
  • Perineal urethrostomy in the cat – is there and easier way?
  • Anal sacculectomy – is there a better way?

  • The latest thoughts on management of the diabetic cat- this is all new information that will change the way you manage these patients!
  • Also how to manage those difficult canine patients
  • Oral hypoglycemics-Fact or fiction?
  • Management of the brittle diabetic.
  • Advances in insulin therapy: Getting the glucose curve you want.
  • Treatment of the recalcitrant hyperthyroid cat-I131? Tapazole? Surgery? Ipodate?
  • How should I diagnose hyperadrenocorticism in dogs?
  • How should I manage dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
  • Do cats develop hyperadrenocorticism?
  • How should I diagnose hypoadrenocorticism in dogs and cats?
  • How should I manage hypoadrenocorticism in dogs and cats?
  • GDV: techniques for derotation & the 10 minute gastropexy
  • Intestinal surgery; masses and foreign bodies- make it leak proof every time.
  • Are there any tricks to the trade on linear foreign bodies?
  • Surgically managing canine cystic & urethral calculi
  • Splenic hemangiosarcoma – A 4 ligature splenectomy?
  • Difficulty breathing? – let’s shorten the palate and open the nares!
  • Gall bladder mucocele – when should they come out and should I be taking them out?
  • Perineal urethrostomy in the cat – is there and easier way?
  • Anal sacculectomy – is there a better way?

Schedule

Registration Friday May 4, 2018 7:30 am – 8:00 am
Includes breakfast daily
Lectures Friday May 4 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday May 5 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Lunch Daily-included in registration 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Accommodations

The Blackstone- A Renaissance Hotel

The Blackstone- A Renaissance Hotel

Discover The Blackstone Renaissance, a downtown Chicago luxury hotel near Grant Park. This downtown Chicago hotel has been a favorite of movie stars, sports legends, royalty and presidents since 1910. Thoughtfully restored to its original grandeur, this Michigan Avenue hotel features French Beaux-Arts architecture and over 1,400 contemporary works by local artists.

The Blackstone boasts stunning guest rooms and suites, while Mercat a la Planxa serves modern Catalan cuisine in a unique Mediterranean setting. Host unforgettable affairs inside the magnificent Crystal Ballroom and marvel at 11,396 square feet of lavish meeting space. Located just steps from Chicago’s major attractions including McCormick Place, Grant Park, Soldier Field, Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Millennium Park, Navy Pier and Shedd Aquarium. Welcome to The Legendary Blackstone Renaissance.

Price

Group Standard Rates: 

King Room: $229.00/nt + taxes & fees

Additional Fees (all fees & taxes are subject to change without notice):

  • State and local taxes are currently 16.4%
  • Parking (valet only) is currently $62.00 daily. Self Parking nearby in public lots begins at $25.00 per night
  • Pets allowed, non-refundable sanitation fee: $50 USD *contact IVS for availability

Connectivity:

  • High Speed: Check email + browse the Web for 12.95USD/day
  • Enhanced High Speed: Video chat, download large files + stream video for 16.95USD/day
  • Lobby and public areas: Complimentary Wireless
  • All extra charges are subject to change

Terms

Check-in: 4:00 PM; Check-out: 12:00 PM
This hotel is 100% smoke-free.
Cancellations: No penalty if you cancel at least 7 days prior to your scheduled arrival. You will be charged for your complete stay if you cancel within 7 days of your scheduled arrival, or are a no-show, or depart early.


Room Description

Beds and Bedding:

  • 1 King – Maximum Occupancy: 3
  • 2 Queen – Maximum Occupancey: 4
  • Pillowtop mattress, and Duvet
  • Rollaway beds permitted in King rooms only.
  • Cribs permitted: 1
  • Maximum cribs/rollaway beds permitted: 1

Bath and Bathroom Features

  • Marble bathroom
  • Shower/Tub combination
  • Shower

Bathroom amenities (Aveda)

  • Hair dryer
  • Robe

Furniture and Furnishings

  • Chair with ottoman
  • Alarm Clock
  • Safe, in room
  • Desk, writing / work, with ergonomic chair, and electrical outlet
  • Iron and ironing board

Food & Beverages

  • Room service
  • Coffee maker / tea service
  • Instant hot water

Kitchen features

  • Mini-refrigerator


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:  $865.00

Register by:  March 28, 2018

Advanced:  $885.00

Register by:  April 18, 2018

Regular:  $905.00

Register after:  April 18, 2018

Special Pricing:

Veterinary technicians are welcome- there is an $80 seminar registration discount

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

No penalty if you cancel at least 7 days prior to your scheduled arrival. You will be charged for your complete stay if you cancel within 7 days of your scheduled arrival, or are a no-show, or depart early.

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.