TITLE: Conservative Management of IVDD: Focus on Return to Mobility
HOURS: Thurs. May 1st, 2:15pm - 6:30pm OR Fri. May 2nd, 8:30am - 12:45pm
WORKSHOP RATING: ★ DVM/VMD, CCRP, CCRT, CCAT, PT ★★ VT
MAX PARTICIPANTS: 20 (10 Spaces Remaining)
CONTACT HOURS: (4.0 RACE approval pending)
DESCRIPTION: This workshop presents and practices medical and rehabilitation management for canine intervertebral disc diseases. We review and practice with neuro-localization and physiotherapy modalities to treat spinal hyperesthesia. Lab focuses on learning and utilizing motor/core strengthening and gait retraining techniques with postural and proprioceptive exercises. Lab time is also spent on the importance of and emphasis on owner education for lifestyle management and assistive device applications, many of which are used in the lab portion of the course.
Learning Objectives
- The participant will gain an understanding of intervertebral disc disease (Hansen’s Type I and II, and ANNPE) of the disease process, animals impacted, and recent research
- The participant will gain an understanding of how to treat acute and chronic conditions from a physical rehabilitation standpoint
- The participant will gain an understanding of how to incorporate multimodal approaches to the dog with intervertebral disc disease and comorbidities such as disuse atrophy, recurrent urinary tract infections, and skin infections
- The participant will gain an understanding of the various assistive devices available for dogs with intervertebral disc disease
- The participant will understand the other important factors that need to be incorporated with treating the dog with intervertebral disc disease
Workshop Agenda
- Review of types of intervertebral disc disease
- Diagnosis and clinical presentations
- Current research on rehabilitation and regaining of motor function and pain management
- Brief review of other common canine myelopathies (DM, FCE, LS Stenosis, Wobbler’s)
- Assistive devices and carts
- Treatment approaches to the dog with intervertebral disc disease
- Acute vs. Chronic
- Setting clear goals and expectations for owners
- Reviewing the importance of nursing care and support for common comorbidities
Cancellation Policy and Refund Request
To request a refund, please complete and postmark this Workshop Cancellation Form by March 28, 2025. Refunds exclude a $25 processing fee.
Conservative Management of IVDD
Samantha Wong, DVM, CCRP, CVA , Integrative Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Garden State Veterinary Specialists, Eatontown, NJ
Dr. Samantha Wong was born and raised in New York City. She received her BSc. in Animal biology at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, followed by her DVM at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada. She returned to the Tri-State area to complete a rotating internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ, and a surgical internship at the Veterinary Medical Center in Long Island, NY.
Dr. Wong then completed a three-year residency in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Animal Medical Center in New York City training under Dr. Leilani Alvarez. Her advanced special training in Integrative Medicine allows her to utilize veterinary acupuncture, nutrition focused on weight management, nutraceuticals, assistive devices (orthotic braces, prosthetics, and assistive carts) with formal physical rehabilitation. Her special interests include geriatric and palliative care, soft tissue and sports injuries, and neurologic rehabilitation.