Upcoming Managing common abdominal problems in practice today

Costa Rica Playa Herradura

  |   April 13th - 15th, 2026

Overview  |  Accommodations  |  Register
Register Now
 

Stanley Marks B.V.Sc., Ph.D.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (internal medicine and oncology)
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Nutrition
Professor of Medicine
U.C. Davis 

Gary Oswald D.V.M.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Tampa Bay Veterinary Consultants
Oldsmar, FL

 

Seminar Schedule:

Registration:

Monday April 13, 2026 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Welcome reception: Monday April 13, 2026 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Lectures:

 

Monday April 13

Tuesday April 14

Wednesday April 15

1:30 pm – 6:30 pm

8:00 am – 1:30 pm

1:30pm –  7:00 pm

Breakfast

Tuesday April 14

7.15 am – 8.00 am

Seminar Topics:

 

  • Rational approach to chronic diarrhea in dogs

  • Differentiation of feline IBD from intestinal lymphoma – does it really matter?

  • My top 10 pearls in managing esophageal disorders in dogs

  • How I manage hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs

  • What’s the latest in the management of hepatic disorders in cats?

  • Lessons learned in feline pancreatitis

  • How I manage the chronically vomiting dog and cat

  • When should renal biopsy be considered? 

  • Has SDMA become the preferred means of diagnosing CKD? 

  • Should quantitative urine protein values be determined in geriatric patients? 

  • Is blood pressure determination really that important in renal patients? 

  • Which antihypertensive treatment is preferred in CKD – amlodipine, ACE-Is or ARBs? 

  • What are the realistic goals in treating chronic kidney disease? 

  • When should a therapeutic renal diet be started in CKD patients? 

  • This dog/cat doesn’t like oral phosphorus binders. How important is this drug? 

  • Is it just an “Ohio State thing” or are vitamin D, calcium and PTH important in CKD? 

  • Appropriate use of erythropoeitin analogs in anemic CKD patients. 

  • Appropriate use of fluid therapy and appetite stimulants in hyporexic CKD patients. 

  • What are the preferred antibiotics in uncomplicated UTI patients? 

  • How long should antibiotic therapy be administered in uncomplicated UTI? 

  • What predisposing disorders should I look for in patients with recurrent UTI? 

  • How do I select an appropriate antibiotic in recurrent UTI patients? 

  • What follow-up testing is recommended in monitoring UTI treatment? 

  • What do I do when asymptomatic bacteruria is present? 

  • What can be done to prevent recurrent UTI development? 

  • Is oral cranberry effective? What about other drugs or supplements? 

  • Does improving vulvar and vaginal health help reduce UTIs? 

  • When to consider Phenylpropanolamine treatment in UTI patients. 

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Seminar Speakers

  • Stan Marks B.V.Sc., Ph.D. Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (internal medicine and oncology) Diplomate American College of Veterinary Nutrition Professor of Medicine U.C. Davis
  • Gary Oswald D.V.M. Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Tampa Bay Veterinary Consultants Oldsmar, FL

CE Hours

This seminar is approved for 16 CE hrs.  

This program has been submitted for 16 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions, which recognize AAVSB’s RACE approval; however, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and /or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education. Call IVS at 800-487-5650 for further information.

IVS complies with the following guidelines:

  • Mandatory recorded attendance
  • Submission of attendance to AAVSSB RACEtrack program
  • Complete seminar notes
  • Approved for 16 CE hrs by the AAVSB Race program

Accommodations

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

Visit Website
 

There is a Costa Rica of dreams amid the rainforest canopies of Costa Rica´s Green Coast.Natural beauty, endless comfort and adventurous opportunities combine to create a paradise at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. Our hotel grants easy access to local experiences including fishing and hiking through Carara National Park.Our resort offers La Iguana Experience tour to commune with nature. Find time to retreat to our Spa or challenge yourself at our award-winning golf course.Our accommodations feature breathtaking views and hammocks for island-style comfort.When it’s time to refuel, satisfy your cravings at one of our restaurants.Looking to stay active? Attend our workout classes and take a dip in our outdoor pools.A welcoming retreat, rich with a peace-loving culture, where people exude the enduring warmth of Pura Vida.Experience exhilaration and relaxation at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort.

 

Rooms

 
 

Price:

Group Room Rate:

  • Standard – run of house: $298.00 dbl/night plus taxes

  • Ocean view:  $338.00 dbl/night plus taxes.

  • Partial Ocean view with balcony: $368.00  dbl/night plus taxes

 

Additional Taxes & Fees (subject to change without notice):

  • Rate above is subject to applicable state & local taxes, currently 13%
  • Bellman: $5.00 per person round trip
  • Housekeeping: $2.00 per room per day
  • Wireless internet is available in all rooms
  • Charge per 3rd and 4th person in the room is USD $41.00 + tax each. There is no fee for children under 12 years of age when sharing with parents.
  • Maximum number per room is a total of four guests.

Resort fee:

  • Resort fee: $30.00 plus tax per room per night

    High speed internet upgrade.
    15 minutes of free long distance calls to USA or international calls. Use of tennis courts (2 hours)*
    2 tennis rackets and 1 bucket of practice balls (2 hours)*
    Driving range with clubs and 2 buckets of practice balls*
    Valet Parking – 1 vehicle per room.
    Pool floats.
    Daily bonfire with marshmallows.
    1 La Iguana Eco Tour*
    30 min of kayak use**
    30 min of stand-up paddle board use**
    30 min of bicycles use**

    IMPORTANT: *Activities subject to availability and require reservations. For reservations visit our front desk team at the lobby or dial “0” on your phone. Some activities may not be available due to weather conditions. La Iguana Eco Tour is available every day at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, meet at the Golf Pro Shop 10 minutes before the tour departure time. Bonfire from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, subject to availability. Pool floats are subject to availability. *Practice ball buckets are per room per night. **More information at the Experience Center, requires previous reservation, available from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. All the activities are subject to availability.

 

Cancellations:  All reservation requests will require a two (2) night advance payment that will be refundable only if the reservation is cancelled at least 60 days prior to arrival date.  You will be charged for your complete stay if you cancel within 7 days of your scheduled arrival, depart early or are a no-show.

 

Book Accommodations Register Now

Area Attractions

Resort dining

A truly unique dining experience awaits in Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and delicious Mediterranean cuisine in ZOE or discover the delicious local gastronomy at Hacienda Kitchen. Our menus are designed to accommodate special dietary restrictions or allergies.

 

There are also other fine restaurants within walking distance and many more in Jaco Beach (car or taxi)

Experiences

Enjoy every palm-tree lined mile of Jacó Beach from our oceanfront resort in Playa Herradura. Our resort’s premium location is perfect to shop and dine the bustling Los Sueños Marina. For thrill seekers, go ziplining or hiking at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park, within 4.9 kilometers of our hotel. 

Getting There

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

800 meters west of Herradura entrance, Herradura, Costa Rica, 028-4023

Tel: +506 -2630-9000

Distance From Property: 60 Miles
Phone Number: +506 -2437-2400

Visit Website

 
 
Shuttle service:
  • Also there is private shuttle service available at the Hotel:

Transportation Coordinator CTT

Tel: (506) 2630 9062

Los Sueños Marriott Resort

Reservations are best made by email: 

suenosctt@gmail.com

Rates subject to change:

Rates are per vehicle, not per person.

 RATES TO AND TYPES OF VEHICLES FROM THE AIRPORT  

  • CAB SERVICE FROM ONE UP TO THREE PEOPLE $155                                  
  • MINIVAN FROM  4 UP TO  9 PEOPLE $195                                              
  • ELECTRIC OR EXECUTIVE CAR FROM ONE UP TO THREE PEOPLE $170      
  • VIP (TOYOTA PRADO & ELECTRIC SUV) $250      

Registration Fees:

Early Bird: $1215.00

Register by: Feb. 16, 2026

Advanced: $1235.00

Register by:  March 16, 2026

Regular: $1255.00

Register after:  March 16, 2026

Special Pricing:

Veterinary Technicians receive an $80 discount using promo code “techsaver”. Enter the code during checkout in the  submit promotion code box.

Registration Includes:

  • 16 CE hours

  • complete seminar notes

  • submission of attendance to AAVSSB RACEtrack program

  • Breakfast on tuesday and breaks daily

  • Afternoon snacks and refreshments on monday and wednesday

  • Welcome reception for friends & family on monday

Seminar Registration:

Details Price Qty
Early Bird $1,215.00 USD  
Advanced $1,235.00 USD   Goes On Sale
February 16, 2026
Regular $1,255.00 USD   Goes On Sale
March 16, 2026

Add to Calendar

  • Costa Rica
     April 13, 2026 - April 15, 2026
     12:05 am - 7:00 pm

Register online

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

Questions?  

For regular seminars: ivseminars@yahoo.com

Passport Information

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.

Accommodation Registration

Please note:  

  • For the Marriott Resort, the easiest way to reserve your hotel room is to book online thru this link:  

  • If you need extra days beyond april 12 – 15, 2026— please email the hotel
  • Booking Link: click here.

Or call the hotel   +(506) 2298-0844 -international calling rates might apply.

Or recommended by the hotel—-Email:  MHRSCostaRicaReservations@marriott.com

  • Please DO NOT use the form below.  If you are having trouble booking your room thru the above link, please call our IVS Office at (800) IVS-5650

Please only use the hotel request form below, if you are having problems with reserving your room thru the online hotel registration link and are not able to contact our office at 800-487-5650. This form is sent to our office and it will take up to 1 week for our office to receive confirmation from the hotel and then send out a confirmation to you.

Hotel Request Form:* Required Fields

Please note: At this time, we are not able to accept credit card details online. As all hotels require a valid credit card to guarantee your room, after submitting the hotel request form, please call our office at 1 (800) 487-5650 to provide the card number.

Questions?

Please call the IVS travel group at 1 (800) 487-5650 for assistance.

Passport Information

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.