Veterinary emergency, critical care groups hold symposium – September 4 - 8, 2025

Event

The 31st International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium (IVECCS) was held September 4-8, 2025, in San Diego.

Program

This symposium focused on the cardiovascular system. The symposium was conducted jointly by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society (VECCS), American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC), Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses (AVECCTN), Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA), International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM), and Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (AVHTM). Will Flanary, MD, an ophthalmologist, comedian, and podcaster-also known as Dr. Glaucomflecken-presented the keynote lecture, "Wife & Death."

Awards

Ira M. Zaslow VECCS Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Bob Murtaugh

Dr. Bob Murtaugh (Minnesota '80), Austin, Texas. Dr. Murtaugh is the founding dean of the proposed Rocky Vista University College of Veterinary Medicine. Earlier in his career, he served on the veterinary faculty of Tufts University where he founded the emergency and critical care program; was chief of staff at the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital Group in Portland, Oregon; worked for VCA Animal Hospitals as a specialist, medical director, and regional medical director; and was a partner and chief medical officer at what is now known as Thrive Pet Healthcare. Dr. Murtaugh helped establish the ACVECC and has served as its president and as president of the VECCS. He is a diplomate of the ACVECC and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).

Dr. Jack Mara ACVECC Scientific Achievement Award, sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition

Dr. Cynthia Otto

Dr. Cynthia Otto (Ohio State '86), Philadelphia. Dr. Otto is a professor of working dog sciences and sports medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet). Founder and executive director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Dr. Otto launched a long-term medical surveillance study to monitor the health and behavior of the search and rescue dogs deployed following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. She is a diplomate of the ACVECC and American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) and has served as vice president of the ACVECC and as editor of the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.

T. Doug Byars Equine Emergency & Critical Care Educator of the Year Award

Dr. Margaret Mudge

Dr. Margaret Mudge (Pennsylvania '00), Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Mudge is a clinical professor of equine emergency and critical care at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her clinical and research interests include colic, transfusion medicine, sepsis, and neoplasia. A diplomate of the ACVECC and American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), Dr. Mudge serves as a mentor to fellows, residents, interns, and veterinary students.

VECCS Practice Leader of the Year

Galie Bowersmith

Galie Bowersmith, Columbus, Ohio. A registered veterinary technician (RVT), Bowersmith is the hospital director at MedVet Columbus. She previously served the veterinary profession as a veterinary assistant. Bowersmith is passionate about continuous process improvement and is dedicated to creating innovative, strategic solutions to challenges in order to support the delivery of high quality veterinary care.

ACVECC Research Grant Award

Dr. Corrin Boyd, Perth, Australia ($10,000), for "Association between potassium chloride administration, hyperchloraemia, and acute kidney injury in dogs"

ACVECC RECOVER CPR Research Grant Award

Dr. Jacob Wolf, University of Florida ($10,000), for "Use of quantitative pupillary light reflex assessment over standard assessment of neurologic function in post-cardiac arrest patients: A pilot study"

Louise O'Dwyer VTS Aspiration Award, sponsored by AVTAA & AVECCTN

Miklos Roth, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Hungary

Small Animal Resident Abstract Award

A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Maria Guzman, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, for "Effects of non-anticoagulated heparin and unfractionated heparin on platelet-leukocyte interactions, and neutrophil extracellular trap formation in in-vitro model of gram-negative sepsis and inflammation in canine whole blood"

House Officer Poster Abstract Award, sponsored by Animal Blood Resources International

A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Diana Vargas, Auburn University, for "Evaluation of plasma disposition and pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen after rectal, oral, and intravenous single dose administration to healthy adult horses"

Large Animal Abstract Award

A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Kayla Kownurko, Columbus, Ohio, for "Serial postoperative blood and peritoneal fluid lactate analysis in client-owned horses undergoing emergency colic surgery"

Veterinary Case Report Award, sponsored by Animal Blood Resources International

A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Mariana Schlosser, Cornell University, for "Anemia and coagulopathy following feline urethral obstruction"

Technician & Nurse Case Report Award, sponsored by Animal Blood Resources International

A $300 stipend was awarded to Emily Lazarus, Littleton, Colorado, for "Necrotizing Fascitis"

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

Business

It was announced that VECCS has more than 10,000 members. The society held three, in-person continuing education (CE) events in 2025, including the spring symposium in March in Hilton Head, North Carolina, and the spring symposium in April in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Finances continue to be strong. Online CE offerings to membership have risen and will continue to expand. Participation in social media remains strong. The number of staff members has increased and will continue to do so to support ongoing membership and conference initiatives.

The VECCS Gives Committee provided an emergency care and CPR workshop during the symposium for operational K-9s and first responders. This event showcased care for working K-9s and initial, prehospital first aid for injured animals in emergency situations. The committee raised $26,620 via the VECCS Gives Raffle. The entire amount was donated to the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF). Also raised were $4,140 via donations during registration and $11,760 via the IVECCS 5K & Fun Run. The committee donated $172,298 toward disaster relief in 2025.

Officials

Dr. Steven Epstein Dr. Armi Pigott

Dr. Steven Epstein, Davis, California, president; Dr. Armi Pigott, Ithaca, New York, president-elect; Alyce D'Amato, Naples, Florida, treasurer; Dr. Lori Waddell, Richboro, Pennsylvania, recording secretary; Kenichiro Yagi, Ithaca, New York, immediate past president;Dr. Chris Gray, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, chief executive officer; and members at large-Trish Farry, Gatton, Australia; Dr. Gabrielle Riccio, Wauconda, Illinois; and Dr. Céline Pouzot-Nevoret, Marcy-l'Étoile, France

American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

Program

ACVECC held its annual business meeting. The president of the ACVECC, Dr. Bobbi Conner; ACVECC executive director, Dr. Armelle de Laforcade; and ACVECC chief executive officer (CEO), Bailey McMurray, moderated the meeting. The college conducted its certification examination remotely August 28-29, 2025.

New diplomates

ACVECC welcomed the following new diplomates in 2025:

Chloe Apelgren, Madison, Wisconsin
Taylor Baird, Fort Collins, Colorado
Anna Bank, Nevada City, California
Amy Brandon, Athens, Georgia
Hannah Brodie, Potters Bar, England
Kelly Chambers, New York City
Megan Collins, Sydney
Linley Cook, Providence, Rhode Island
Taylor Curley, Scottsdale, Arizona
Atalie Delgado, Long Island City, New York
Rebecca Ewel, Haslett, Michigan
Emily Farmer, Neptune, New Jersey
Alyson Fitzgerald, Garner, North Carolina
Summer Scout Ford, Monrovia, Maryland
Ee Fung Teo, Perth, Australia
Stefania Gelendi, Auburn, Alabama
Satoshi Haginoya, Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Lauren Haire, Gainesville, Florida
Sarah Hayes, Knoxville, Tennessee
Katherine Hedges, High Springs, Florida
Christine Heyward, Como, Australia
Emma Houlton, Mesa, Arizona
Owen Hurst, New York City
Corinne James, Padstow Heights, Australia
Amanda Johnson, Middleboro, Massachusetts
Tomoe Kadowaki, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Victoria Phillips Kastenholz, Pullman, Washington
Kelley Kilpatrick, Madison, Wisconsin
Margaret Kovalsky, Bluffton, South Carolina
Miho Kumamoto, Burnaby, British Columbia
Zachary Lake, Minneapolis
Justin Lam, Seattle
Brandi Lauer, Boston
Claudia Leung, North Ryde, Australia
Kristina Maier-Millar, Carmichael, California
Sabrina Manley, Worcester, Massachusetts
Danielle Martindale, Champaign, Illinois
Clara Mattavelli, Glasgow, Scotland
Alessandro Migliorisi, Fort Collins, Colorado
Cameron Morris, Higham Gobion, England
Julie Nadeau, North York, Ontario
Brooke Newmans, Philadelphia
Lisa Niemann, Winterthur, Switzerland
Courtney O'Connor, Fair Haven, New Jersey
Tess O'Keeffe, Geebung, Australia
William Odom, Boston
Justine Oriel, Davis, California
Jessica Perrucci, Boise, Idaho
Abbey Petronzio, Beverly, Massachusetts
Camilla Quattrini, Athens, Georgia
Ryan Reeves, Farmington, New Mexico
Curtis Rheingold, Philadelphia
Hannah (Burchette) Rhodes, Columbus, Ohio
Cody Riffe, Bryan, Texas
Karina Roinestad, New York City
Jennifer Ruff, Fort Collins, Colorado
Mark Ryan, Camp Humphreys AB
Ashika Seshadri, Salt Lake City
Pei-Tsz Shin, Athens, Georgia
Riley Shugg, Tampa, Florida
Megan Sousa, West Greenwich, Rhode Island
Kelsea Studer, Neptune City, New Jersey
Yu Qing Sun, Hamilton, Ontario
Wendy Tan, Montreal
Bailey Teitge, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia
Richard Trinder, Charlton, England
Claire Tucker, Fort Collins, Colorado
Mara Vernier, McKinney, Texas
John Vietti, Gurnee, Illinois
Alba Planas Vintro, Davis, California
Melody Ward, Meridian, Idaho
Emily Westerback, San Diego
Ryan Wheeler, Fairfield, California
Adam Whitelock, Teneriffe, Australia
Candace Wimbish, Southern Pines, North Carolina
Ella Yarsley, Perth, Australia
Chi Yee, New York City
Jordan Ziegler, Encinitas, California

Business

The college reviewed progress on the 2022-25 strategic plan, highlighting major achievements in education, collaboration, and organizational growth. Updates were provided on the launch of new educational programs, Foundations in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and Veterinary Advanced Trauma Life Support ; expansion of the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) initiative; and enhancements to communication platforms and infrastructure. Committee reports noted increasing credentialing activity; examination restructuring and enhancements; diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; residency guideline updates; and ongoing research and trauma network growth. The ACVECC will begin a new strategic planning process in 2026, with member input guiding future strategic priorities. The college welcomed its first CEO, Bailey McMurray, who joined the ACVECC in April 2025.

Officials

Drs. Bobbi Conner, Blacksburg, Virginia, president; Marie Kerl, Fulton, Missouri, president-elect; Elizabeth Rozanski, North Grafton, Massachusetts, vice president; Scott Shaw, Woodstock, Connecticut, treasurer; Beth Davidow, Seattle, immediate past president; Armelle de Laforcade, Westborough, Massachusetts, executive director; and regents-Drs. Kira Epstein, Athens, Georgia; Rita Hanel, Raleigh, North Carolina; Lauren Harris, Tampa, Florida; Virginia Sinnott, Plymouth, Massachusetts; Deb Silverstein, Cherry Hill, New Jersey; and Annie Wayne, Needham, Massachusetts

Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses

Program

The academy conducted its certification examination remotely. A pinning ceremony and reception were held for the Class of 2025. Angela Rathmann, Corsicana, Texas, was honored as Specialty Technician of the Year.

Business

Committee reports were presented at the business meeting.

Officials

Justin Chandler, Middletown, Connecticut, president; Leslie Wereszczak, Knoxville, Tennessee, president-elect; Marlaina Hrosch, Pleasant Valley, New York, treasurer; Lisa Kernaghan, Mesa, Arizona, executive secretary; Erin Spencer, Derry, New Hampshire, immediate past president; and members-at-large-Dave Cowan, Hillsborough, North Carolina; Chloe Fay, Brighton, England; and Karen Roach, Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia

Program

Members of the academy presented 13 lectures during the symposium. Also on offer were three laboratory sessions.

Business

The AVTAA held its credentialing examination in 2025 and welcomed 19 new members. Members of the board convened for an in-person strategic planning meeting prior to the symposium. An in-person membership meeting was held and livestreamed to members not in attendance. The president of the academy, Anita Parkin, outlined achievements, provided a business and financial update, and discussed future goals and projects.

Officials

Anita Parkin, Kenmore, Australia, president; Nicole Shuey, Portland, Oregon, president-elect; Katie Brakenhoff, Edmond, Oklahoma, treasurer; Darci Palmer, Auburn, Alabama, executive director: Jennifer Sager, Gainesville, Florida, executive secretary; Jody Nugent-Deal, Davis, California, immediate past president; and members-at-large-Sharon Kaiser-Klingler, Whitesboro, Texas; Tasha McNeary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Lanette Jordan, College Station, Texas