SCVMA and Hill’s Present:

 

The Whole Kit and Caboodle:

A Comprehensive Feline Medicine Symposium

 

 

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**Click Here to Register**

 

 

Sunday April 19th 2026 

 

Provided FREE for SCVMA Members!

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Doors Open at 8:15 for Registration and Breakfast
**Breakfast and Lunch Included**

 

6 hours of CA Statutorily Approved CE

 

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Renal. Skin. Urinary. Orthopedics. Neonatal kittens.
Because caring for cats means caring for the whole cat.
Join us for a comprehensive feline medicine deep dive with practical insights you can use Monday morning.

 

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SPEAKERS and TOPICS:

 

 

CKD, Phosphorus, & Calcium: A Complex Relationship

• Define and explain the pathophysiology of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) in feline patients.
• Learn to perform a comprehensive diagnostic assessment for CKD, including the use of specialized biomarkers like FGF-23 and ionized calcium (iCa).
• Evaluate nutritional management strategies for CKD-MBD, focusing on the roles of dietary phosphorus restriction and appropriate Ca:P ratios.
• Understand the indications, mechanisms, and proper dosing of various phosphate binders in managing hyperphosphatemia.

 

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Managing Senior Cats with Comorbidities: An Integrated Approach

• Overview of diagnosis of common conditions present in senior feline patients.
• Create logical treatment plans for senior cats suffering from multiple conditions.
• Identify which conditions require immediate or prioritized treatment.
• Choose appropriate nutrition and manage diseases with conflicting dietary requirements

 

Presented By: Dr. Lisa Restine, DVM, DABVP (Feline)

Bio: Dr. Lisa Restine grew up in New Jersey and earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Rutgers University. She received her DVM degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Southern California in 2014. Dr. Restine had been practicing feline medicine exclusively at a cat-only practice in San Antonio, Texas since graduation and achieved board certification with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in feline medicine in 2020. In 2022, Dr. Restine started work at an ER/Specialty Center and practiced on both dogs and cats in an emergency setting. However, her real passion is feline medicine, and she has dedicated many hours to lecturing other veterinarians on both a national and international level, as well as being a co-editor of a veterinary feline textbook.

Outside of work, Dr. Restine has a strong interest in all things active – she is often found running or hiking and is currently enjoying the challenge of training for a marathon. Caring for her five cats takes up the rest of her time. Dr. Restine is passionate about feline medicine and sharing her love of practice and knowledge to help improve feline care – she is excited to be a part of the Hill’s team as the Associate Feline Professional Veterinary Affairs Manager.

 

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Feline Facial Dermatoses: Getting the Diagnosis on the Nose

Attendees will learn about common dermatologic conditions which manifest with prominent facial lesions. Attendees will also lean preferred strategies for diagnosis, differentiation and treatment of these conditions

 

Presented By: Dr. Trenton Ewing, DVM, DACVD

Bio: Dr. Ewing received his veterinary degree from Iowa State University before pursuing a rotating internship at IndyVet in Indianapolis, Indiana. He then began his dermatology specialty training with an internship at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and a residency at Animal Dermatology Clinic in Pasadena, California where he still works today. He has published on a variety of subjects including cutaneous lymphoma, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and venomous insect immunotherapy. In his free time, he enjoys judo, watching hockey, and traveling with his wife.

 

 

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Nutritional Management of Feline Cognitive Dysfunction and Degenerative Joint Disease

Learn about Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) and Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) and the impact these disease processes can have on our pets. This presentation provides clinical signs, tips for diagnosing, and touches on potential treatment modalities. This presentation also discusses numerous research studies and the insights gained from results. Learn how early intervention and nutrition can help improve the lives of aging pets!

 

Presented By: Anna Biesbrock, MS, DVM

Bio: Dr. Biesbrock (Dr. Bees) is a veterinarian, scientist, and educator dedicated to advancing preventative medicine, public health, nutritional management of health, and mental health awareness within the veterinary profession. A UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Dr. Bees is currently a regional veterinarian for Hill’s based out of the greater Los Angeles area. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Bees obtained a Master of Science in Biology, conducting research in an agricultural entomology lab with her work culminating in a published thesis. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her feline companions, Hazel and Harvey, spending time in her garden, and enjoying the beach whenever possible.

 

 

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Supporting Neonatal Foster Kittens: Navigating GI Challenges and Cleft Palates 

• Identify key risk factors contributing to neonatal kitten morbidity and mortality.
• Explain common gastrointestinal challenges and the role of foster parent husbandry in kitten Gl health.
• Guide caregivers in age-appropriate feeding practices, supportive care techniques, biosecurity and husbandry.
• Demonstrate and teach principles of safe orogastric tube feeding.
• Develop care plans for kittens with cleft palates during the pre-surgical period.

 

Presented By: Hannah Shaw, aka The Kitten Lady

Bio: For those not familiar with Hannah Shaw, better known as “The Kitten Lady”, you can check her out at https://www.kittenlady.org/.

Hannah Shaw is an award-winning kitten rescuer, humane educator, and New York Times bestselling author who has dedicated her life to innovating kitten care and protecting the most vulnerable felines.  Her project, Kitten Lady, provides educational media, training resources, and instructional workshops that help individuals and animal shelters learn how to save the lives of kittens–in a fun and engaging format.

Shaw is the author of Tiny But Mighty (Penguin Random House, 2019), Cats of the World (Penguin Random House, 2024), Kitten Lady’s Big Book of Little Kittens (Simon and Schuster, 2019), Kitten Lady’s CATivity Book (Harper Collins, 2022), the Adventures in Fosterland chapter book series (Simon and Schuster, 2021 – 2025), and Cat Got Your Tongue? (Penuin Random House, 2025).  She has been featured as an expert on Animal Planet and has received several awards for her advocacy work, including the 2019 Cat Advocate of the Year award by ASPCA.

Kitten Lady has amassed a viral social media following of over 4 million engaged cat lovers.  Shaw shares inspiring, instructional and adorable content on her Instagram and Facebook, and a library of educational videos about kitten care through her YouTube channel which are used as a training resource for rescues, shelters, and foster parents across the globe.

Shaw is also the founder of Orphan Kitten Club, a 501(c)3 charitable organization transforming the landscape of kitten welfare in America through shelter grants, ethical pediatric research and the hands-on care of vulnerable neonates.  Since 2019, her nonprofit has provided more than $3 million in targeted funding to shelters to build innovative programs that save little lives.

She lives in California with her husband Andrew Marttila, their cats, and an endless rotation of foster kittens.

 

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