Technician

* Working Schedule (subject to change)

Friday, October 30, 2026

9:45 - 10:35 a.m. Terrace III

Form, Function, and Temperament - Clinical Awareness Through Breed Insight

This session examines how breed shapes patient care through three lenses: visible conformation, hidden genetic predisposition, and inherited behavior. Attendees will leave able to identify conformational and genetic risks across common breed types, recognize conditions that produce no exam findings, and advocate more effectively for the patients in front of them.

Rachel Mikulencak, LVT, AAS

10:45 - 11:35 a.m. Terrace III

Veterinarians, Clinics, and Wildlife...Oh my...

Triage and treatment of injured, orphaned, and ill native wildlife require many considerations including biosecurity, federal and state regulations, and proper housing. Different species present with various conditions which could put your domestic and exotic patients at risk in a clinic setting. This lecture will cover common injuries, diseases, and conditions of presenting wildlife, as well as considerations for technical/clinical staff, clinic setup, and how to work with your local wildlife rehabilitator.

Stephanie Kadletz, CWR (Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator), CET (Certified Euthanasia Technician)

11:45 a.m. Terrace III

Grey Muzzles, Golden Hearts Caring for the Geriatric Patient

This presentation will cover how to interact with senior patients in the clinic, what questions to ask the client about the senior patient, and treatments available for senior patients. The goal is to provide a better understanding of how senior pets should be treated in the clinic and know their multiple medical options.

Courtney Burbage, LVT

12:35 p.m. Terrace III

LUNCH

1:45 p.m. Terrace III

When the Fur Hits the Fan: The Wild World of Emergency Veterinary Medicine Technician's Role

This presentation will discuss identifying common emergencies presented to the clinic and initial steps on how a technician should triage and care for those emergencies. It will include case report examples.

Courtney Burbage, LVT

2:45 p.m. Terrace III

Technician's Guide to Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease

Lecture Objectives 

  • Understand the anatomy and function of the canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).
  • Recognize the causes, risk factors, and clinical signs of CCL disease.
  • Identify common diagnostic methods used to evaluate CCL injuries.
  • Review surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.
  • Understand the veterinary technician’s role in patient care before, during, and after surgery.
  • Discuss rehabilitation, pain management, and client education to optimize recovery.
  • Recognize potential complications and appropriate postoperative monitoring.
Aimee Powell, BBA, AAS, LVT

3:45 p.m. Terrace III

Colic: What Is It? How Do We Treat It? A Technician's Role In Triage and Treatment

Attendees will learn how to recognize, triage and treat colic in horses and understand the different types of colic seen, as well as client education in post colic care.

Shelby Harkins, AS, BS, LVT, VTS (LAIM-E)

4:45 p.m. Terrace III

Ophthalmology topic

Emma Collins, DVM

Annual Conference lectures are the property of the speaker and/or Auburn University. Recording and/or redistribution in any manner or for any purpose is strictly prohibited. Registration is nontransferable and CE credit will only be issued to conference registrant. Conference content is available to registrant only.