Masterclasses and Workshop

Sunday 24 August

UPAV Masterclass Day

9.30am - 4.30pm  

Meeting Room M5 - M8 

Cairns Convention Centre 

VetEd points: 5.5  

Join us for a full day of UPAV masterclasses, before the conference officially kicks off! 

Our international keynote speakers Dr Nico Schoemaker and Dr Yvonne van Zeeland will be presenting two masterclasses: 

Applying critical thinking and clinical reasoning in exotic animal medicine

In the exotic companion practice, veterinarians are commonly faced with many diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in treating a great variety of relatively small-sized species. In particular, the lack of available scientific information and inability to perform certain diagnostic tests or treatment modalities may discourage veterinarians from practicing evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM). Veterinarians are, however, encouraged to think out of the box and apply knowledge obtained from other species. During this process it will become clear that, by following the basic tenets of problem-oriented medicine, critically appraising the current literature as well as applying sound clinical reasoning, a high quality of EBVM can be delivered. When the principles of evidence-based veterinary medicine are applied, whereby the best available research evidence, the perceived value of the pet and expertise of the clinician are integrated, our patients will be provided with the best possible care which is tailored to the individual patient and is satisfactory for the clinician, the owner, as well as the patient. In addition, this process will stimulate us to critically evaluate the choices and decisions that are made on a day-to-day basis, thereby enabling us to work according to the highest standards of care and advance the field of exotic animal medicine. The goal of this interactive masterclass is to encourage veterinarians to apply evidence-based veterinary medicine in their exotic animal practices.

Management and approach to avian endocrine diseases

Compared to mammals, birds, including parrots, seem to seldom suffer from endocrine disorders.  Hypo- and hyperadrenocorticism, as well as hyperthyroidism and thyroid neoplasia, have rarely been recognized in live birds. Hypothyroidism is suggested to occur more often, but in many cases lack of appropriate testing prevents a definite diagnosis from being made, thereby keeping the number of confirmed cases low. Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, on the other hand, is among the most common endocrine diseases seen in parrots which are fed diets low in calcium and/or vitamin D. In addition, a poor calcium:phosphorus ratio may result in osteodystrophy or hypocalcaemia. Imbalanced diets may furthermore result in iodine deficiency and goiter, most commonly seen in budgerigars. Pituitary neoplasia and diabetes mellitus are also recognized in this species, but do also occur in other parrot species. In many cases, ante mortem diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disease remains challenging because of the limited pathophysiologic knowledge, unavailability of validated tests and lack of information on appropriate dosing regimens in birds. However, by remaining alert to the possibility of a potential underlying endocrine disorder and using the knowledge obtained from other companion animals, endocrine disease in parrots may be more readily recognized, diagnosed and treated. During this masterclass an overview of the avian endocrine system will be given with an up to date knowledge on diagnosis and treatment of endocrine diseases in these species.

Dr Hamish Baron will also present a masterclass on: 

Bones, Beaks & Beyond: Orthopaedic Mastery in Avian and Exotic Species 

Summary of Masterclass 

Orthopaedic surgery in birds and exotic pets presents a unique and rewarding challenge for veterinary practitioners. This intensive masterclass is designed for veterinarians looking to expand their surgical skill set and clinical confidence when managing fractures and musculoskeletal injuries in non-traditional species. 

Led by Dr Hamish Baron, one of only a handful of registered avian specialists in Australia, this session will cover the principles of orthopaedic assessment, diagnostic imaging, surgical planning, and fixation techniques tailored to the anatomical and physiological differences of birds, reptiles, and small mammals. The lecture will highlight common fracture presentations, decision-making around conservative versus surgical treatment, and strategies to reduce anaesthetic and postoperative complications. 

Participants will gain practical insights into the use of intramedullary pins, external skeletal fixators, locking plate systems, and bio-compatible materials such as PEEK implants. Through case-based discussion and surgical videos, the masterclass will provide evidence-based guidance on improving outcomes in even the most delicate patients—from companion parrots to exotic pet species. 

Whether you’re an experienced exotics vet or a general practitioner with a growing caseload of avian and unusual pets, this session will enhance your ability to confidently approach orthopaedic cases, optimise healing, and deliver high-quality care to these complex species. 

Ticket Includes:  

  • Full day masterclass 
  • Morning tea and lunch 

Pricing: 

  • Non-AVA Member: $940 
  • AVA Full Member or Associate Member: $625 
  • SIG Full Member or Associate Member: $500 

Friday 29 August

Occupational Wellbeing Workshop  

9.30am - 1.30pm 

Meeting Room M1 

Cairns Convention Centre 

Douglas Nichols is a Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 14 years of experience working in the field of Mental health. Douglas specialises in trauma informed integrative existential analysis and Logotherapy, with a history of treating substance use disorders, disordered gambling, carer fatigue, and trauma presentations.  

In 2022 Douglas established Kindred Counselling and Psychotherapy in response to a notable absence of specialised support for veterinarian staff experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue, as well as those grieving the loss of companion animals. 

This year Douglas’ workshop will focus on the identification, assessment and management of Burnout, Chronis Stress, and secondary traumas. Offering contemporary psychological frameworks and practical skills to mediate the risks and impact of occupational stressors within the animal welfare professions.  

Douglas is currently living in far North Queensland where he splits his professional time between his private practice and ecosystem conservation and regeneration. 

Ticket Includes:  

  • 4-hour workshop 

  • Morning tea and lunch 

Pricing: 

  • Non-AVA Member: $420 

  • AVA Full Member or Associate Member: $280 

  • SIG Full Member or Associate Member: $225 

 

Friday 29 August 

Dermatology Masterclass       

9.30am - 12.30pm 

Meeting Room M7 & M8 

Cairns Convention Centre 

VetEd points: 3 

Join Dr Sue Paterson for a dermatology masterclass which will cover three different subjects. 

Dr Sue Paterson is a RCVS and European Board-Certified Veterinary Dermatologist.  She is an elected Fellow of the RCVS for her contributions to clinical practice in the field of Veterinary Dermatology.

Biofilms - how to recognise and treat

A biofilm is any group of micro-organisms in which cell:cell adhesion occurs as well as adhesion to a surface. Cells are embedded in a self- produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance Whilst most clinicians recognise that Pseudomonas spp. often forms biofilm infections most people forget that many if not all of the dermatological pathogens we commonly encounter produce biofilms. This session will discuss the diagnosis and therapy of biofilm infections with particularly emphasis on cases of otitis externa. 

Psychogenic dermatoses in cats 

Psychogenic dermatitis (PD) is one of the most challenging feline dermatoses for the primary care clinician to diagnose and treat. PD can be divided into four specific categories, psychophysiologic disorders, primary and secondary behavioural disorders and cutaneous sensory disorders (Virga 2003). This session will approach the investigation of the four different categories including, how they manifest and how they can be diagnosed and managed in a primary care setting.

Challenging otitis cases - case discussion 

This session will take the form of an interactive case based discussion session and will consider some of the more unusual and challenging cases of otitis externa and media in both the dog and cat. 

Ticket Includes:  

  • 3-hour masterclass 
  • Morning tea and lunch 

Pricing: 

  • Non-AVA Member: $465 
  • AVA Full Member or Associate Member: $320 
  • SIG Full Member or Associate Member: $250 

Friday 29 August

Endocrinology Masterclass    

1.30pm - 4.30pm 

Meeting Room M7 & M8 

Cairns Convention Centre 

VetEd points: 3 

Join Dr Patty Lathan for an endocrinology masterclass.  

Dr Patty Lathan specializes in endocrinology, specifically adrenal function testing, diabetes mellitus, and the mitigation of side effects of glucocorticoids. In the masterclass Patty will cover the following: 

Feline acromegaly and hyperaldosteronism 

These weird feline endocrinopathies are not so rare anymore. We will discuss what causes them, how to recognize them, and treatment options. 

Hypothyroidism update 

We will review diagnostics involved with hypothyroidism, tricky diagnostic findings, and how to adjust medication.  

How I work up hypercalcemia 

Working up patients with hypercalcemia can be frustrating. We will discuss differentials and use a case to show how I go through the workup of these patients. 

Ticket Includes:  

  • 3-hour masterclass 
  • Lunch and afternoon tea 

Pricing: 

  • Non-AVA Member: $465 
  • AVA Full Member or Associate Member: $320 
  • SIG Full Member or Associate Member: $250 

Proudly sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim