Managing common abdominal problems in practice
January 29–31, 2024
Gary Oswald D.V.M.
Diplomate, ACVIM
Tampa Bay Medical Consultants
Oldsmare, FL
Howard Seim III D.V.M.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Professor of Surgery
Colorado State University
Catriona MacPhail D.V.M.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Professor of Surgery
Colorado State University
Gary, Howard and Catriona are going to discuss management of the most common abdominal 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 is sure to provide you with some very practical tips on a broad range of topics.
Speakers & Topics
- What’s in my pharmacy ?
Antacids. Promotility. Mucosal Protection. Appetite Stimulant. Emetics.
- What’s in my kitchen ?
Highly digestible GI diets. Limited ingredient diets. Hydrolyzed diets.
- Acute Gastroenteritis- simplifying diagnostics & treatments.
- Chronic Enteropathies – new classifications and treatment approach.
Food-responsive CE. Dysbiosis-responsive CE. Antibiotic-responsive CE. Steroid-responsive CE.
- Probiotics & Fecal Microbial Restoration Therapy.
- Feline Gastrointestinal Lymphoma – what’s different about this ?
- Acute Pancreatitis – the good, bad & ugly
- What’s in my OR?
During the course of our lectures I will suggest a number of affordable surgical instruments you should consider adding to your practice and how to acquire them! -
Performing GI surgery in your OR ‘by yourself’…….what can I do to help make that experience better?
We will discuss a variety of GI surgery cases such as GI foreign bodies, GI neoplasia, feline megacolon, recurrent rectal prolapse. We will focus on techniques and tips to allow a predictably successful outcome. -
Nothing like operating a metabolically deranged, GDV at 3am by yourself!! I think I can help develop a game plan that will take away ‘some’ of the stress!
During this lecture we will operate 4 clinical GDV’s together, develop a fool proof technique of derotating the stomach of each case, evaluate the patients stomach viability, evaluate splenic health, and perform a 15minute gastropexy! All by yourself! -
You just diagnosed a case of gall bladder mucocele. What can you expect if you decide to take the patient to surgery?
During this lecture I will discuss typical surgical findings when GB mucocele patients are operated early, late and after GB rupture. In addition we will look at appropriate techniques for handling the gall bladder and liver during GB resection. -
I’m a little bit of a ‘gear head’ when it comes to new and improved instruments that can make my life easier.
We will look at a new instrument for placement of an esophagostomy feeding tube. -
Got a bleeding hemangiosarcoma that cannot be adequately ‘stabilized’ prior to surgery due to continued hemorrhage? Need to get that spleen out fast? I may have the answer for you!
During this lecture we will take a closer look at the splenic anatomy and discuss why this knowledge will allow us to do a ‘rapid splenectomy’ with only 4 to 5 ligations needed. -
Nervous about performing an anal sacculectomy? I think I can cure this common anxiety with a quick review of the perianal/perineal anatomy and showing you a novel technique for anal sac removal.
During this lecture we will discuss the perianal/perineal regional anatomy and its influence on anal sac removal technique. We will then perform an anal sacculectomy on a clinical case using a novel technique that will enhance your ability to protect the regional anatomy and remove the entire anal sac.
Schedule
| Sunday Jan. 28, 2024 | Travel day | |
| Monday Jan. 29 | Registration | 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm |
| Seminars | 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm | |
| Welcome Reception | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | |
| Tuesday Jan. 30 | Breakfast | 7:30 am – 8:00 am |
| Seminars | 8:00 am – 1:30 pm | |
| Wednesday Jan. 31 | Seminars | 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm |
Accommodations
Having recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation and restoration, the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef welcomes guests to a brand new US Virgin Island hotel experience. Against a stunning backdrop of tropic blue, you are immersed in a dreamy, world-class resort experience. One that draws inspiration from the abundance and diversity of the natural elements and life that surrounds us. Within this thriving ecosystem, we distill the very best of our island environment and seamlessly translate it to you; creating an entirely unique travel experience that’s as richly colorful and lively as the coral reefs that ring these islands.
We are staying at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef which is on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. If you are interested in the Morning Star Buoy Haus Beach Resort (which is a short shuttle ride or walk away) please contact our office at 800-487-5650 – This Autograph Collection Resort is beachfront.
Price
Group rooms are sold out. Please contact our office at 800-487-5650 or [email protected] for current availability
Group room rates at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa:
Run of house: $495.00 dbl /night plus taxes & resort fee
Run of Ocean: $525.00 dbl/night plus taxes & resort fee
- The above room rates are quoted on a Run of House basis. Run of House will include rooms in all buildings of the Hotel. Rooms will be assigned based on availability on the day of arrival.
- The above room rates are quoted on a Run of Ocean basis. Run of Ocean will include all Ocean and Partial Ocean view types in all buildings of the Hotel. Rooms will be assigned based on availability on the day of arrival.
Additional Fees (all fees are subject to change without notice):
- State and local Taxes are currently 12.5%
- State cost recovery fee is currently 2.5%
- Mandatory Daily Housekeeping Fees $6 per room, per day
- Mandatory Roundtrip Porterage Fees $12 per person, roundtrip
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· Non-Motorized Watersports |
· Enhanced Wi-Fi |
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· Beach Chairs & Umbrellas |
· Local & Long-Distance Phone Calls |
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· Snorkeling Gear & Pool Toys |
· Mixology Class & Rum Tasting (2x per week) |
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· Paddle Board Lessons |
· Daily Manager’s Reception |
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· Yoga & Pilate Classes |
· In Room Drinking Water |
Terms:
Check-In: 4:00pm; Check-Out: 11:00am
Deposit:
Your credit card will be charged one nights room/tax to guarantee your reservation.
Cancellations:
Your deposit is refundable up to 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival. You will be charged for your complete stay if you cancel within 45 days of your scheduled arrival or are a no-show or depart early.
Having trouble reserving your room? Click here to request help reserving your room for Managing common abdominal problems in practice.
- The Resort Fee (currently $40.00 per room per day- discounted from $65.00 for IVS) includes the following amenities: subject to change
Things To Do
Highlights
Dining at the Westin
Looking for something off-site?
Westin Heavenly Spa
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: $1095.00
Advanced: $1115.00
Regular: $1135.00
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
Deposit:
Your credit card will be charged one nights room/tax to guarantee your reservation.
Cancellations:
Your deposit is refundable up to 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival. You will be charged for your complete stay if you cancel within 45 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.
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.