Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Professor of Orthopedics
Colorado State University
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Anesthesia & Analgesia
Adjunct Professor of Anesthesia & Pain Management
Washington State University
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Clinical Behaviorist
St. Augustine, FL
A veterinary orthopedist, a behaviorist and a pain management guru sit down together…
It sounds like the ‘lead in’ to a joke, but in reality you play all 3 roles in your practice most every day. Sure…you might have 3 separate appointments…a lame puppy, another with a behavioral issue and another who requires pain management, but more common is that single case that requires you to understand animal behavior as you seek to find the source of discomfort and, then effectively treat it. You are wearing all 3 hats in a single appointment!
Rocky, your star client’s fractious German Shepherd, is lame. You’d love to be able to gain Rocky’s trust to the point that he’ll reliably tell you where he is painful….but you’d also like to survive the interaction and not elevate his level of anxiety in his future visits to your clinic. The art of the meaningful canine lameness exam (what Dr. Ross Palmer calls the “Tell me where it hurts exam”) is MUCH more than a checklist of orthopedic manipulations. Come enjoy the intersection of perspectives of an orthopedist and a behaviorist as Dr. Terry Curtis offers her insights and tips and how this challenge might best be conquered (you can be sure that Dr. P will learn a thing or 2!). Dr. Tamara Grubb will share powerful strategies for pain management of both acute traumatic pain and chronic pain states resulting from osteoarthritis, cancer and more.
Registration: |
Monday, November 9, 2026 | 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm |
Welcome Reception: |
Monday, November 9 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm |
Breakfast: |
Tuesday, November 10 Wednesday, November 11 |
7:15 am – 8:00 am 7:15 am – 8:00 am |
Lectures: |
Monday, Nov. 9 |
1:30 pm – 6:30 pm |
These 3 specialists have more in common than might initially meet the eye….come learn from this dynamic trio and return home with some very new perspectives, ideas, and techniques to improve the lives of your patients, your colleagues, and your job satisfaction. In addition, Dr. Curtis will speak to how behavioral cases are different from your “average” case, as well as cover the basics of learning, anxiety, human-directed canine aggression, and behavioral medications. Dr. Grubb will provide you with practical applications of some of the latest pain management research findings and Dr. Palmer will demonstrate priceless new tips on gait evaluation and orthopedic palpation. This innovative seminar is sure to entertain while offering real world solutions to the nagging challenges you face daily.
The Veterinarian’s Dilemma — we must interact with our patients (PE, blood draws, ortho exam, rads, etc), but we don’t speak the same language
How behavior cases/clients/patients are different
Language & Learning – Why it’s so important
Understanding Anxiety
Human-Directed Aggression: Why Dogs Bite People
How to evaluate canine gait for lameness – new, easy to do tricks
How to do an orthopedic exam – video demonstrations
Ideas for Happy Vet Visits
Pre-visit strategies for reducing patient anxiety
Pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical options to allay patient anxiety, fear, and stress
The Art of the meaningful ortho exam (“Tell me where it hurts”)
Pain and its intertwined relationship with patient anxiety, fear, and stress
Pain management
Behavioral Medications – Feeling More Comfortable About the Tools in Your Toolbelt
Comprehensive management of OA
Ross Palmer, D.V.M., MS.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Professor of Orthopedics
Colorado State University
Tamara Grubb D.V.M., Ph.D.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Anesthesia & Analgesia
Associate Professor of Anesthesia & Pain Management
Washington State University
Terry Marie Curtis
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Veterinary Clinical Behaviorist.
St. Augustine, FL.
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:
Speakers are recognized specialists
Mandatory recorded attendance
Submission of attendance to AAVSB RACEtrack program
Complete seminar notes
Approved for 16 CE hrs by the AAVSB Race program

This will be our 10th Fall visit to the newly renovated Casa Marina Resort.
Opened on New Year’s Eve of 1920, Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a flawless merging of old Key West ambiance and contemporary luxury. Immerse yourself in a restful haven where emerald lawns meet a blue Atlantic – welcoming stunning sunrises each day. Come to the “house by the sea” enveloped in breezy elegance and shaded by graceful palms.

Enjoy a taste of tropical living at the legendary Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Nestled along the southern edge of the island – spanning more than 1,100 feet of private beach, Casa Marina’s modern accommodations provide a luxurious hideaway for travelers. Listed in the National Register for Historic Places, this landmark resort has attracted business tycoons, artists, and dignitaries since the 1920’s because:
It’s located on the largest private beach in Key West, Florida
It’s a short walk from Southernmost Point U.S.A, the Key West Aquarium, Ernest Hemingway’s House and President Truman’s House
Only minutes from the vibrant attractions and nightlife of Duval Street and historic Old Town
With easy access to world-class water sports, including deep-sea fishing, wind surfing, and diving in America’s only living barrier reef
And, it’s only three miles from Key West International Airport (EYW)


Revel in the island charm of Key West that has inspired artists and writers since the 1920s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places , Casa Marina combines timeless service with modern comfort and style. Lose yourself in our Mediterranean-style accommodations. Delight in the 311 non-smoking guest rooms and suites at our beachfront hotel – where a historical sense of time is artfully combined with an intimate sense of place. Indulge in an exquisite selection of beachfront accommodations.
Key West view room:$509.00 dbl/night plus taxes
Ocean View with Balcony: $649.00 dbl/night plus taxes
Additional Charges (subject to change without notice):
You will be charged a deposit of one nights room and tax.
Cancellations: 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.
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!
New dining experiences allow guests to be truly immersed in the Key West island experience. Choose the historic Flagler’s ballroom and terrace, the vibrant Canary Room lobby bar, the elevated barista experience at Morrison’s Market, and the beachfront sophistication of Dorada

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
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!
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.
Spa Al Mare awaits your arrival.
Key West can be accessed by air with frequent flights into Key West Airport. In the terminal you can then contact the hotel from the phone to arrange for Resort transportation. Or grab a cab- pricing is the same for either transport group. Or you can rent a car from Miami and travel Hwy. 1 over the Keys to Key West. (About a 3 to 4 hour spectacular drive.)
Arriving at the Key West Airport- set outside and grab a cab or uber to the Casa Marina. There is no hotel shuttle available.
Veterinary Technicians receive an $80 discount using promo code “techsaver”. Enter the code during checkout in the submit promotion code box.
16 CE hours
complete seminar notes
submission of attendance to AAVSB RACEtrack program
welcome reception on monday
breakfast and breaks tuesday & wednesday
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-
Questions?
For regular seminars: ivseminars@yahoo.com
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.
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.