Minimally Invasive Fracture Repair

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Please RSVP by April 4th

**Our sponsor pays per RSVP. If your plans change, please be sure to update your RSVP accordingly so our sponsor will not be charged unnecessarily. If you need assistance prior to the meeting, please contact Teri Fisher at teri.fisher@vca.com

This lecture will review the basic concepts of bone healing and biologic fracture repair.

Speaker: Sebastian Mejia, DVM, DACVS-SA

Bio: Dr. Mejia earned his veterinary degree from La Salle University in Bogotá, Colombia. After moving to Orange County, CA, he completed the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certification. Dr. Mejia then undertook a rotating internship at the Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG) in Ventura, CA, followed by a surgical internship at VCA ARECA in Mesa, AZ. He furthered his surgical growth and expertise through internships in orthopedic clinical trials and surgical oncology research at Colorado State University where he both authored and published multiple manuscripts in veterinary surgery. Dr. Mejia became boarded soon after completing a surgical residency at the University of Missouri.

Sponsor:

A Practical Approach to Diseases of the Nasal Cavity

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This session provides a practical overview of recognizing, diagnosing, and managing common nasal diseases in dogs and cats through clinical signs, diagnostic strategies, and real-world case discussions.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key clinical signs associated with nasal disease in dogs and cats
• Differentiate between common nasal conditions in small animal practice
• Develop a systematic diagnostic approach to nasal disease
• Review current treatment options and management strategies
• Apply clinical knowledge through case-based discussions

Speaker: Todd Green, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)

Bio: Dr. Todd Green, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), is a board-certified specialist in small animal internal medicine with extensive experience in both clinical practice and veterinary education. After earning his veterinary degree from Ross University and completing advanced training, including a residency and master’s degree at The Ohio State University, he has worked in specialty hospitals across the U.S. and served on faculty at several veterinary schools, including St. Matthew’s University and St. George’s University. Dr. Green has authored scientific papers and contributed to textbooks, with clinical interests in respiratory disease, urology, gastroenterology, and interventional procedures. Passionate about teaching and client education, he is dedicated to advancing patient care while helping pet owners make informed decisions.

Sponsor:

Nasal Tumors Made Clear:

Clinical Red Flags, Workup, and Client Communication

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Nasal tumors can be challenging, and a clear, efficient diagnostic pathway helps teams move from “nasal signs” to a confident plan. In this case-based session, Dr. Sarah Saad will walk through common clinical presentations, practical differentials, and an approach to initial diagnostics. Attendees will also review treatment pathways, including when radiation therapy is recommended, and how to guide clients through expectations, goals of care, and symptom management when definitive treatment is declined.

What you’ll learn:

• Recognize common presentations and key red flags that raise suspicion for nasal tumors
• Build an efficient initial diagnostic plan and prioritize differential diagnoses
• Interpret case scenarios to determine next steps and referral timing
• Explain treatment pathways clearly, including when radiation therapy is appropriate
• Set client expectations for radiation therapy outcomes, logistics, and goals of care

Speaker: Dr. Sarah Saad, DVM, DACVR (Radiation Oncology)

Bio: Dr. Sarah Saad is a proud UC alum, having attended UC San Diego for her undergraduate studies in molecular biology and history, followed by UC Davis for veterinary school. She completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Missouri before returning to UC Davis for a residency in Radiation Oncology. She became board-certified and joined Veterinary Cancer Group in 2022.

Her professional interests include head and neck tumors, particularly thyroid and nasal tumors, as well as the role of radiotherapy in immunotherapy and pain management.

In her free time, she enjoys baking, hiking, and exploring international music.

Sponsor:

Product Primer:

Nutrition as a First-Line Treatment for Acute Diarrhea

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*Speaker will be virtual with Royal Canin reps present to interact with guests

Speaker: Dr. Stephanie Warren, DVM, Royal Canin Scientific Services Veterinarian

Sponsor:

SCVMA and Hill’s Present:

The Whole Kit and Caboodle:

A Comprehensive Feline Medicine Symposium

**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

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.

More Speaker Topics and Details Coming Soon!

Sponsored By:

Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs:

Targeted Therapeutics and Practical Management

**for this meeting only**

Stitches Veterinary Surgery

2211 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815

 Seating is VERY limited- RSVP NOW to save your spot!

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Acute pancreatitis is a common condition in dogs and often presents significant diagnostic and management challenges. Affected patients are painful and clinically variable, owners are understandably anxious, and veterinarians may face uncertainty in choosing the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic path.

This presentation will highlight the latest advances in diagnosing acute pancreatitis and review current, evidence-based recommendations for case management. We will explore the research supporting traditional supportive therapies as well as a targeted treatment option, PANOQUELL®-CA1.

PANOQUELL®-CA1 (fuzapladib sodium for injection) allows veterinarians to offer an innovative solution for the management of clinical signs associated with acute onset of pancreatitis in dogs.

Speaker: Dr. Shereen Burton, MS, DVM

Bio: Dr. Shereen Burton spent her childhood in San Jose, CA where she raised a guide dog for the blind and persistently tried to take home every animal she saw. Throughout middle school and high school, she worked as a veterinary assistant at a local veterinary hospital until leaving for college where she received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Chico State University. Dr. Burton earned her veterinary degree from Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. After veterinary school she moved to Las Vegas with her husband and began working as an associate in a small animal general practice. She joined the US Army Reserves, Veterinary Corps in 2009 to expand her skillset and give back to our community and country.

Throughout Dr. Burton’s career she has been a Medical Director at The Animal Foundation, a large nonprofit open admission animal shelter, and a Medical Director at a general practice in Henderson, NV. She has also worked at Zoetis as a Professional Services Veterinarian for over 5 years, empowering veterinary hospital teams to feel confident and knowledgeable with products and leadership skills throughout California, Arizona and Southern Nevada.

Shereen currently lives in Henderson, Nevada with her husband Jason and two dogs, Winston Gustavo and Clementine Larue. In her spare time, she loves CrossFit, running, hiking and anything outdoors. She is an avid reader and a Star Wars enthusiast. Dr. Burton is Human-Animal Bond Certified, Fear-Free Certified and is Certified as a Compassion Fatigue Professional. Her mission is to provide education and support to veterinary teams through innovative medical products and the power of the human-animal bond.

Sponsor:

From Parrots to Pythons:

Exotic Animal Patients in GP

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Please RSVP by April 15, 2026

This lecture is a deeper dive into the most common exotic patients that will be seen in General Practice. Dr. Pokard will talk about the most common reasons why these animals are visiting the vet and how to properly restrain for an exam.

Location:

OC Veterinary Assistant School- Lake Forest Campus

23161 Lake Center Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Conference Room

Doors Open at 6:00pm

Speaker: Dr. Sydney Pokard, DVM 

Bio: Dr. Sydney Pokard is a small animal and exotics veterinarian. After graduating from WesternU in 2016, she entered private practice, working with small animals, exotics, and wildlife, and joined the teams at two local zoos. After nearly six years at the practice, Dr. Pokard transitioned into relief veterinary work, providing care to exotic animal hospitals, emergency clinics, and wildlife rehabilitation centers both locally and internationally. She is currently pursuing board certification (ABVP) in Exotic Companion Mammals and in June 2024, she opened an open-concept general practice designed to elevate the standard of small animal and exotics care.

Leptospirosis:

Are We Missing Cases?

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During this program, Dr. DeBess will help attendees understand the trends supporting the presence and re-emergence of leptospirosis. This presentation will explore the demographics and risk factors for dogs with leptospirosis. Testing and treatment recommendations will be discussed, as will prevention of the disease. Prevention measures and public health implications for canine leptospirosis will be reviewed with focus and evidence from the Central and Southern California regions.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the evidence for re-emergence of leptospirosis.
• Understand the demographics, risk factors, clinical signs, and outcomes for dogs with
  leptospirosis.
• Describe prevention measures and public health implications for canine leptospirosis.

Speaker: Dr. Emilio E DeBess, DVM, MPVM

Bio: Dr. Emilio DeBess received his DVM and MPVM from the University of California, Davis. Dr. DeBess practiced in a small animal clinic in California while working as an epidemiologist for Modesto, California, in a large outbreak of hepatitis A in humans. He was hired by the Oregon Health Authority and became the state public health veterinarian for Oregon. Dr. DeBess is a past president and board member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council, where he worked on developing prevalence maps for canine influenza and leptospirosis. His emphasis is in infectious and zoonotic diseases and, as one of Oregon’s epidemiologists, has investigated numerous small and large outbreaks of human infectious diseases in the state.

Sponsor: