The aims of this session are to evaluate the value of ultrasound in cases that present as abdominal pain, but have a non-GI cause. This session will be case-based to stimulate discussion.

RECOVER is currently preparing newborn resuscitation guidelines for dogs and cats. In this presentation, I will highlight some of the characteristics that make resuscitation of puppies and kittens in their first moments after birth uniquely different from CPR in pediatric or adult animals and I will summarize the current findings of the RECOVER evidence evaluation on the topic. As the physiology of newborn animals in the transition from intra- to extra-uterine life is so fundamentally different to adult dogs and cats, the impact on nearly every aspect of the resuscitation is profound. As a consequence the Newborn CPR algorithm is not at all like the one we are used to for adult animals. To illustrate the differences I will also introduce the current draft of the upcoming RECOVER newborn resuscitation algorithm.

The session will cover the initial evaluation and options for therapeutic interventions in horses and ponies with acute laminitis. The primary focus will be on endocrinpathic laminitis as a primary disease rather than as a sequela to orthopedic disease or systemic illness, but strategies discussed will apply across cases.

Acute diarrhea is a common problem in the emergency room and may also develop in hospitalized patients. There are many potential causes, and ruling out infectious and non-infectious causes can be challenging. There is no consensus on how to manage those patients. A growing interest in the importance of the microbiome and critical illness has led to an interest in the therapeutic effects of probiotics. This talk will discuss the evidence behind using probiotics in acute diarrhea patients.

Cholecalciferol (vitamin D) intoxications are on the rise. This session will discuss why we are seeing more intoxications and what are the best methods of decontamination and treatment.

Most dogs and cats that present with acutely decompensated heart failure survive to hospital discharge. However, some are refractory to initial treatment. In this seminar we will review important diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in the management of patients with refractory heart failure in the ER setting.

Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder in the canine patient. Management of epilepsy is often complicated by availability of effective antiepileptic drugs (AED). Historically, first generation antiepileptic drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide have been used as monotherapy to treat epilepsy due to availability and relative efficacy. However, second generation antiepileptic drugs like levetiracetam are gaining in popularity, but there is a paucity of information regarding efficacy as a monotherapy. The purpose of this session is to review the efficacy of levetiracetam as a primary agent.

Feline urethral obstruction is a common, life-threatening emergency. While inpatient management is standard of care, many clients cannot afford hospitalization. This session provides an evidence-based review of techniques to consider for outpatient management of feline UO.

Neonatal (2-3 weeks of age) and pediatric (< 6 months of age) dogs and cats have physiological differences that affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. Their renal and hepatic systems are relatively immature at birth and progressively reach adult function over time. Though many drugs can be used in this subset of ECC patients, veterinarians should have a basic working knowledge of drugs that are safe to use, those that need to be used with caution, and those that should ideally be avoided. In each situation, a risk/benefit analysis should considered, especially as it pertains to drugs with a narrow safety margin in young animals. Through a case-based approach, we will discuss pharmacologic considerations, various routes of administration, blood product administration, commonly used antimicrobials/antiparasiticides, and analgesics in neonates and pediatric dogs and cats.

Benzodiazepines, mainly diazepam has been a mainstay in the management of acute seizures in companion animals. However, midazolam is emerging as a more ideal benzodiazepine due to its rapid onset of action and short duration which minimizes undesirable side effects. The purpose of this session is to briefly review pathophysiology of seizures and the pros and cons of midazolam and diazepam for seizure management.