A Day in the Life of… Our Brachycephalic Dogs in Practice

Join us for a focused live CPD event exploring the unique challenges and advancements in managing brachycephalic dogs in veterinary practice. These breeds come with inherent challenges, and this comprehensive program is designed to help you do your best for them. Gain practical strategies, evidence-based insights, and updates to better understand and manage their unique needs across a variety of clinical scenarios.

Expand each section to see a full lesson synopsis and learning outcomes for each session! This event will provide you with 8 hours of CPD.

In addition to the live sessions, there will also be a panel discussion at the end of the day to answer any questions that you may have and to further support you to consolidate your learning. If you are dealing with any tricky cases in your practice, why not bring those along with you as well!

Once you have signed up to this event, you will also receive 12 months access to all of the content. Each session will be recorded and uploaded after the session – so you can watch the content back as many times as you want.

Secure your spot for this exclusive live CPD event to gain actionable skills and engage with industry experts. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your approach to brachycephalic patient care and connect with peers in a collaborative learning environment.

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Live Clinical Programme08:30 - 17:30

Introduction to the day

08:30-08:45

Dr. Scott Kilpatrick & Dr. Katie Ford

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Kickstart the day with an overview of the program, highlighting how these sessions will address the distinct needs of brachycephalic patients in practice.

Session 1: Practicalities of managing brachycephalic patients

08:45-09:35

Dr. Felipe Marquez Grado (Anaesthesia Specialist)

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Explore the practical aspects of working with brachycephalic patients, from preoperative preparation and minimizing stress to anaesthetic protocols. This session includes discussions on the use of omeprazole, gastroesophageal reflux management, oxygen therapy, and strategies for keeping patients calm during their stay.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand effective preoperative preparation for brachycephalic dogs.
Learn strategies for minimizing stress and managing gastroesophageal reflux.
Explore the role of oxygen therapy and postoperative care.

Session 2: Gastrointestinal challenges in brachycephailc patients

09:40-10:30

Dr. Scott Kilpatrick (Internal Medicine)

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This session focuses on gastrointestinal issues unique to brachycephalic breeds, including vomiting, regurgitation, and conditions like granulomatous colitis. Gain actionable strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of these challenging cases.

Learning Outcomes:

Recognize gastrointestinal conditions commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds.
Understand advanced treatment protocols for regurgitation and vomiting.
Learn approaches to managing granulomatous colitis.

Break

10:30-11:00

We will be right back!! It's time to grab refreshments for the upcoming sessions!

Session 3: Advances in BOAS and surgical interventions

11:00-11:50

Professor Jon Hall (Soft Tissue Surgery Specialist)

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Delve into surgical advances for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), including tracheostomy tube placement and updates in BOAS surgery. This session highlights techniques and considerations for optimizing patient outcomes.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand recent advancements in BOAS surgeries.
Learn indications and techniques for tracheostomy placement.
Develop comprehensive pre- and postoperative plans.

Session 4: Dermatological challenges in brachycephalic breeds

12:00-12:50

Dr. Victoria Robinson (Dermatology Specialist)

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Address dermatological issues in brachycephalic breeds, including atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions. This session provides practical management tips and treatment updates tailored to these breeds.

Learning Outcomes:

Identify common skin problems in brachycephalic breeds.
Explore advanced treatment strategies for atopic dermatitis.
Develop proactive management plans for dermatological health.

Lunch break

12:50-13:30

We will see you after lunch for more great sessions!

Session 5: Ophthalmological considerations in brachycephalic patients

13:30-14:20

Dr. Georgina Fricker (Ophthalmology Specialist)

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Explore the unique ocular challenges faced by brachycephalic breeds, including conditions related to their anatomical predispositions. This session covers diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care for common ophthalmological issues.

Learning Outcomes:

Recognize ocular conditions specific to brachycephalic dogs.
Implement effective diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Educate clients on preventive care for better eye health.

Session 6: Nutritional controversies in brachycephalic patients

14:30-15:20

Georgia Woods-Lee RVN. VTS (Nutrition)

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Navigate the Pros and Cons of Raw Feeding and Obesity in Brachycephalic Breeds. This session provides an evidence-based approach to the unique dietary needs of brachycephalic breeds, focusing on raw feeding and obesity management. It also explores effective client communication strategies to support informed decision-making.

Learning Outcomes:

Analyze raw feeding trends, obesity risks, and their implications.
Develop breed-specific nutritional recommendations, including weight management strategies.
Communicate nutritional advice effectively to clients.

Break

15:20-15:45

We will be right back!! It's time to grab refreshments for the upcoming sessions!

Session 7: Neurological and spinal challenges in brachycephalic patients

15:45-16:35

Dr. Debbie James (Neurology Specialist)

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Discuss the decision-making process and management of spinal and neurological diseases in brachycephalic dogs. This session highlights breed-specific challenges, diagnostic advancements, and treatment options.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand neurological and spinal conditions in brachycephalic breeds.
Explore diagnostic tools for early detection and intervention.
Develop treatment plans for optimal patient outcomes.

Final Panel Discussion: Expert Q&A

16:35-17:30

All speakers

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Bring your questions to this interactive discussion, where speakers will share their experiences, address common challenges, and offer practical advice for managing brachycephalic patients in practice.

Meet the speakers

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Scott Kilpatrick

Director, Internal Medicine Specialist

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Scott graduated from Edinburgh Vet School in 2007. Initially, he worked for the PDSA, before taking a Senior Veterinary Surgeon position with Vets Now in Edinburgh in 2010. Scott started his residency in internal medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 2012 after completing a year as a Teaching Fellow in Anatomy and Physiology. He completed his residency in 2016 after finishing his Masters in the pathogenesis of canine liver disease and has since been working in referral practice. Interventional radiology is something that really interests Scott, and he spent some time in 2018, working in this area at UC Davis in California. Scott has created and delivered a Post-graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency Medicine in association with the University of Chester. In 2023 he was awarded Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) for his meritorious contribution to clinical practice.

Felipe Grados

Anaesthesia Specialist

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I discovered my passion for anaesthesia already as a veterinary student. I got the chance to learn and be involved with it while doing placement in a first opinion clinic at the same time as I study for my degree. I then qualified from the University of Leon (Spain) in 2011, which I followed with a Master’s Degree in Research. I then moved to UK to pursue the exciting path of specialisation. I completed an internship in Small Animal Anaesthesia at the University of Liverpool in 2015, which I followed by a ECVAA residency in Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Edinburgh. After completing my residency in 2018, I worked for two years at Dick White Referrals as a clinical fellow. In 2020 I moved to Wear Referrals, where I currently work as a clinician in Veterinary Anaesthesia. I was awarded my ECVAA diploma in 2021.

Jon Hall

Surgery Specialist (Soft Tissue)

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Jon was born into primary care practice and spent several years working as a small animal GP after graduating in 2004. He became an ECVS specialist in small animal surgery in 2015 and has worked at the RVC, the University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh. He is a Professor in small animal surgery at the University of Nottingham, a Fellow of the Royal College and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He loves a good bit of surgery and being in a lucky position to help out colleagues with their surgical conundrums and through teaching. Jon has worked on call for his whole career and spent a few months working in a dedicated emergency clinic. He has been a lecturer and examiner on the BSAVA CertECC and helps train Vets Now graduates on practical approaches to emergency surgeries. These experiences mean that he can empathise with colleagues working sole charge OOH and those having to fit in emergencies either in their busy daily routine or through the night with work the following morning! Experiences that encourage a certain pragmatism.

Victoria Robinson

Dermatology Specialist

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Victoria Robinson (Tori) qualified from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, in 2008. After several years in general practice, she completed a rotating internship at The University of Liverpool. After a year at Rutland House Referrals in St Helens, she started her specialist training at The Dermatology Referral Service in Glasgow in 2017 with Peter Forsythe and Hilary Jackson completing her residency and passing ECVD boards in 2020. She re-joined the Dick Vet in 2022 as senior lecturer. Outside of work, Tori enjoys running, Pilates and paddleboarding when not kept busy with her family and dog, Lucy.

Georgina Fricker

Ophthalmology Specialist

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Georgie graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2005. She worked for 3 years in general practice before joining a referral centre in 2008 with the aim of specialising in ophthalmology. In 2011 she was awarded the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology and she commenced an ECVO Residency Programme in 2012, becoming a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2016. She was admitted to the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Panel in 2018 and was appointed to the ECVO Communications Committee in the same year. Georgie joined the Ophthalmology Team at DWR in 2020; her particular interests include corneal and intraocular surgery which she enjoys teaching to Residents.

Katie Ford

Veterinary Surgeon

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Katie graduated with distinction from the University of Liverpool in 2012. Since then she has continued to work in small animal first opinion practice, gaining her RCVS Certificate in Internal Medicine in 2017. Realising the power of preventative mindset strategies through her career and journey, she trained as a coach and in CBT, and now teaches other professionals how to use these techniques to thrive in the veterinary world. She regularly helps individuals and companies on topics such as gratitude, self-worth and dealing with imposter syndrome. She was the keynote speaker at BVNA 2020, and has spoken on stages across the world. Aside from being a personal development and human potential enthusiast, she co-runs a virtual event company and can be seen behind the scenes masterminding tech on many events in the veterinary space.

Georgia Woods-Lee

RVN CertCFVHNutrition VTS (Nutrition)

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Georgia Woods-Lee qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2004. In 2015, Georgia joined the ROYAL CANIN® Weight Management Clinic at the University of Liverpool, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, where she is now dealing exclusively with pet obesity care and nutrition. Georgia was awarded her Certificate in Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition in 2017, the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in nutrition certificate in 2019 , and her BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (Top-up) degree in 2022. In 2023, Georgia was appointed as clinical lead for the Weight Management Clinic and currently works as an academic researcher whilst working towards a PhD in pet obesity.

Debbie James

Neurology Specialist

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Dr. Debbie James is from Victoria, B.C. and moved back to Vancouver Island to establish a neurology and neurosurgery service at WAVES Veterinary Hospital. Debbie received her DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College. In 2003, she completed her neurology/neurosurgery residency at the University of Georgia and became board certified (DACVIM – Neurology). She was a faculty member at the University of Georgia until she moved to Toronto in 2005, where she was a medical and surgical neurologist at a multi-specialty referral hospital for 12 years. Following this, she worked in a multi-specialty hospital in Vancouver, BC. For the past 3 years, Dr. James has been practicing neurology and teaching neurology residents at the Animal Neurology and Imaging Center in New Mexico and Arizona. She is a regular speaker at conferences and enjoys teaching and sharing her knowledge with colleagues and students. In her spare time, she can be found on a mountain bike or a surfboard somewhere in the world, outside exploring BC with dogs Roo and new addition Tommy.

ticket prices

Ticket	Price
Veterinary Surgeon	£350	purchase ticket
Veterinary Nurse/Technician	£250	purchase ticket

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A Day in the Life of… Our Brachycephalic Dogs in Practice

Live Clinical Programme08:30 - 17:30

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