Managing common abdominal problems
January 26–28, 2026
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
Gary & Howard 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 of a Surgeon and an Internist 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
| Registration | Monday January 26, 2026 | 6.30 am – 7.00 am |
| Breakfast | Daily | 6.30am – 7.00 am |
| Lectures | Monday Jan. 26 | 7.00 am – 9.30 am |
| Tuesday Jan. 27 | 4.30pm – 7.00pm | |
| Wednesday Jan. 28 | 7.00 am – 9.30 am | |
| 4.30pm – 7.00pm | ||
| 7.00 am – 1.00 pm |
Accommodations
Late January is the perfect time to visit Lake Tahoe and all the ski areas. Our week day schedule allows you plenty of time to hit the uncrowded slopes. We have again selected the Hyatt Resort because of its spectacular location on the north shore close to Squaw Valley, Alpine Village, Northstar, Incline Village, Diamond Peak & Mt. Rose.
Discover an alpine paradise at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. Nestled within the Sierra Mountain Range, our AAA Four Diamond hotel is a stunning lakeside destination for year-round adventure. Ease tired muscles with a deep-tissue massage in our Stillwater Spa, or relax in the heated pool.
You’ll find that our mountain retreat is the perfect destination to connect with family – and yourself – while enjoying the natural wonders all around our remarkable Lake Tahoe resort. From delicious cuisine and inviting guestrooms to luxurious amenities and services, you’ll experience an incomparable escape. Relax in the heated lagoon-style pool, sample our restaurants and lounges and take in gorgeous mountain views.
Price
Group room rate: $199.00 dbl/night plus taxes
Additional fees (subject to change without notice):
- State and local taxes are currently 13%
- $15.00 Resort fee plus tax per room, per day (reduced from $50.00 for IVS attendees). And includes the following amenities:
Entrance to 24-hour Fitness Center; year round heated pool access; 800/888/local call access fee waived; welcome glass of champagne upon PM check-in; in-room safe, refrigerator and coffeemaker; 24-hour Business Center use; s’mores kit; fitness classes; ski valet; individual unlimited GoPro Camera usage; individual snowshoe rentals; $5.00 Casino match play coupon. (Subject to change; experiences based on availability), Diamond Peak Ski Shuttle
- Rollaway bed: $20.00 per day (based upon request
- Self parking fee ($29.00 per day) has been eliminated for IVS attendees
- An additional per person charge at $25.00 per room, per person, per night for Triple and Quadruple occupancy applies to persons 18 yrs. and older staying in the room.
Suggested Gratuities:
- Housekeeping: $2.00 per room, per day
- Porterage: $10.00 per person, round trip.
Check-In: 4:00pm; Check-Out: 11:00am. Early check-in is based on a “space availability” basis only. Late check-out is provided based upon availability through authorization from the Front Desk on the day of departure.
Terms:
Deposit:
You will be charged one nights room, resort fee and tax prior to your arrival to guarantee the room.
Cancellations:
You have up to 14 days prior to cancel without penalty. Cancellations made within 14 days prior to arrival will be charged for your complete stay. No-shows & early departures will be charged for their complete scheduled stay. For cancellations, please call IVS 800-457-5650.
Things To Do
The ultimate mountain vacation awaits you at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. Surrounded by a stunning mountain landscape and endless recreation, you’ll find the perfect alpine setting and world-class amenities at our Lake Tahoe destination. Enjoy swimming in the heated pool with poolside service, soaking in a hot tub, and working out in the StayFit™ Gym. Relax with a healing massage or luxurious treatment at Stillwater Spa.
When you’re ready to explore the area, you’ll find fun activities – from skiing to hiking to shopping and golf. Whether you’re an adventurer, a skiing bum, or a relaxation addict, there’s a world of exciting things to do in Lake Tahoe all around us. Explore popular Lake Tahoe ski resort and attractions such as Sand Harbor, Edgewood Golf Resort, Tahoe Rim Trail, Donner Lake and Squaw Valley USA. Learn more
Spa
Towering pines line a secluded beach, creating a perfect natural backdrop for contemplation and meditation at Stillwater Spa at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. Located in a deep mountain valley and surrounded by breathtaking lake vistas, it is the ideal place to relax and unwind. Enjoy a full menu of spa services from deep-tissue massage to cleansing facials.
The Spa is very popular-so reserve your services early!
Restaurants
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort offers a diverse dining scene with seasonal menus and locally-sourced foods. Wake up to a decadent breakfast buffet at Sierra Cafe or order up room service. For dinner, enjoy fresh Italian cuisine at Osteria Sierra.
Meet friends at Sports Bar for a cold brew or glass of wine at the Lobby Bar. For a feel of the Old West, sip an aged bourbon at massive wooden bar and leather bar stools at Cutthroat’s Saloon.
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: $1155.00
Advanced: $1175.00
Regular: $1195.00
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
Deposit:
You will be charged one nights room, resort fee and tax prior to your arrival to guarantee the room.
Cancellations:
You have up to 14 days prior to cancel without penalty. Cancellations made within 14 days prior to arrival will be charged for your complete stay. No-shows & early departures will be charged for their complete scheduled stay. For cancellations, please call IVS 800-457-5650.
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.