Veterinarians are reliant on sophisticated point-of-care blood analyzers to provide rapid and accurate diagnoses. The CBC is a critical component to a sick patient diagnostic work-up, and most often the numerical data alone does not tell the whole story. Those most familiar with their hematology analyzer will be aware of multicolored scattergrams that accompany the reported data, and these graphical depictions provide additional information about inflammation, anemia, thrombocytopenia, cellular reactivity, and hemic neoplasia. In this talk, we will go behind the scenes to better understand the generation of these cytograms and learn to recognize key patterns, changes, and trends to help you solve some of your toughest diagnostic dilemmas.

Learners will explore deepening their knowledge in the management of cases requiring advanced diagnostic imaging skills, with a primary focus on ultrasound. This case-based approach aims to simplify complex cases where ultrasound serves as the first-line diagnostic modality, with CT providing valuable complementary information. Using a selection of challenging cases, participants will gain insights into the decision-making process regarding imaging modality selection—understanding when ultrasound provides sufficient diagnostic information and when CT enhances diagnostic confidence and treatment planning. Cases discussed will include, but are not limited to, portosystemic shunt evaluation, and ectopic ureter work-ups.

During this informal, tag-team speaker, breakfast session, research, public health, and clinical veterinary updates will be provided on current and emerging detection of pathogens of One Health significance- like H5N1 flu, Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp., and others.

The role of dogs and cats in detection and surveillance for viral (influenza) and tick-borne pathogens in the US and Canada will be reviewed and discussed, along with how veterinarians, and their teams, serve to raise awareness, educate and communicate on both veterinary (dog and cat-specific) and human (pet-owner) risk, e.g. raw food diets.