Highlights:

International Veterinary Nursing Conference 2024

#IVNC2024

Key Takeaways from the Lectures

1

Dr. Julie Chen. Topic sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition 

DVM, MS 

Dr. Julie Chen’s lecture covered the latest advancements in nutritional science for optimising gastrointestinal (GI) health. Attendees learned how cutting-edge nutrition can be applied to improve outcomes for GI patients, equipping veterinary nurses with modern tools to combat GI disorders. 

2

Dr. Irene Flickinger. Topic sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition 

Diplomate ECVIM-CA (Oncology), DVM 

Dr. Irene Flickinger discussed feline cancer, emphasising that cats are not just small dogs when it comes to oncology. She reviewed the most common tumour types in cats, their treatment options, and how to ensure quality of life during chemotherapy or radiotherapy. 

Dr. Kate Lin

Dr. Kate Lin. Topic sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition 

BSc DVM

In her session, Dr. Kate Lin explored the integration of nutritional support in cancer management, highlighting how malnutrition affects prognosis and treatment success. Dr. Lin provided practical strategies to optimise clinical outcomes and quality of life through effective nutritional interventions for cancer patients.

Dr. Vicente Soler Rubio

Dr. Vicente Soler Rubio. Topic sponsored by Mars Veterinary Health

DVM, MSc, DECZM (SM), EBVS

Dr. Vicente Soler Rubio gave an insightful lecture on rabbit anaesthesia, focusing on the unique needs of rabbits as prey animals. He offered practical tips for veterinary nurses on ensuring the safety of rabbits throughout anaesthesia, from induction to recovery, considering their physiological and behavioural differences. 

Dr. Hiroki Sano

Dr. Hiroki Sano. Topic sponsored by Mars Veterinary Health

BVSc, PhD, DACVAA, DAiCVS

Dr. Hiroki Sano covered the key aspects of anaesthesia in dogs and cats, with a focus on managing cardiovascular and respiratory risks. Dr. Sano emphasised the importance of thorough pre-anesthetic evaluations, machine checks, and vigilant post-operative monitoring to improve patient outcomes. 

3

Ms. Jasmine Pengelly. Topic sponsored by Animal Industries Resource Centre

Cert IV VN, TAE, DipVN (ECC), AVN

Ms. Jasmine Pengelly’s lecture on Triage and Emergency Recognition sharpened veterinary nurses’ triage skills in various scenarios, including phone and waiting room triage. She taught attendees how to prioritise patient care using classification systems to ensure timely treatment in emergency situations. 

In her second lecture, Jasmine gave a practical overview of blood pressure monitoring in anaesthetised animals, covering both direct and indirect methods. She also focused on understanding and managing hypotension, providing strategies for treating underlying causes to enhance patient care. 

Joshua Steinhaus

By Dr. Joshua Steinhaus

MSc, BVMS, DACVIM, DECVIM 

Dr. Joshua Steinhaus introduced the fundamentals of dialysis in veterinary medicine, explaining when dialysis is necessary and how to discuss options with pet owners. He also shared recent advancements in treating immune-mediated diseases, such as immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. 

In his second lecture, Dr. Steinhaus discussed diabetes management, presenting innovative strategies for monitoring and empowering clients to take an active role in managing their pets’ diabetes. He also explored emerging treatment options that improve outcomes and quality of life for diabetic patients.