The Funnest Vet
Conference 🦎

During this hands-on lab, performed multiple times at previous international conferences, we will focus on (1) the main surgical techniques that are performed on the intestinal tract in rabbits, including enterotomy, enterectomy and appendectomy, (2) on the two different approaches to liver lobectomy (midline vs paracostal) and the different options to provide hemostasis during liver lobectomy (encircling ligature, passing needle technique, others) and (3) on the approach to cholecystectomy. Guillotine liver biopsy will be also performed. A 1-hr lecture will introduce the topic, followed by 3-hr wetlab. Workshop will be performed on cadavers.

Exotic mammal patients such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and chinchillas are now routine in clinical practice, yet formalized procedural training for veterinary technicians remains limited. This cadaver-only wetlab combines structured didactic education with repetitive, anatomically accurate skill practice to establish foundational proficiency in small mammal vascular access and injection techniques. The lab begins with a technician-centered lecture co-instructed by a dual-credentialed DVM and RVT, emphasizing comparative anatomy, sedation and stress considerations, vessel fragility, catheter sizing by species, and complication prevention. Following instruction, participants rotate through cadaver-based skill stations to practice IM and SC injections, IV catheterization, and intraosseous catheter placement (tibial and humeral).

One hour of didactic lecture followed by 3 hours of hands-on experience performing dental procedures on rabbit cadavers. Procedures include, but are not limited to incisor trimming, cheek teeth occlusal adjustment, incisor extraction, and cheek teeth extraction. Odontogenic abscess management may be included depending on cadaver availability.

This wet lab repeats laboratories done here in the past, and also at other venues including VMX. Using ECM cadavers we will learn and practice a variety of techniques in various exotic mammal species, focusing on non-carnivores such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents and sugar gliders. With enough room, we can open this to more participants than the typical 20 or so. We will try to expand the species in the lab, understanding acquiring non rabbit/rodent species may be challenging.

Endotracheal intubation provides airway control and improves patient safety. However, small exotic mammals – especially rabbits and rodents – can seem nearly impossible to intubate. Lab participants will learn how to overcome the obstacles to intubation in these species. Didactic lecture will be followed by on-screen demonstration of rabbit/rodent glottal anatomy and various blind and visual intubation techniques including blind intubation with and without a tracheal guide (catheter or wire), direct visual intubation using laryngoscope or otoscope, side-by-side intubation with the aid of an endoscope, and over-the-endoscope intubation. Participants will then practice these on rabbit cadavers and a variety of other small exotic mammal cadavers.

Ear diseases are a common presentation in rabbits and rodents. Unfortunately, most of the time medical treatment is unrewarding. Depending on the location of the disease, the surgical technique could be challenging. After a theoretical presentation of 1 hour, participants will practice and learn for 3 hours how to perform otectomy, ear hematoma surgery, partial ear canal ablation, bulla osteotomy, myringotomy on rabbits, guinea pigs and rats. These techniques will be performed by the participants under the direct supervision of the lab instructors.

Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are the most common reptile pet in the United States, and as such they are commonly presented to the reptile veterinarian for care. Many clients want advanced care as they would for other pet species. Periodontal disease is a unique condition that affects these animals (along with other reptiles with acrodont dentition). Despite the fact that most practitioners routinely perform dental scaling and polishing on small animal patients, many are apprehensive about doing the same in reptiles. This lab will teach participants how to overcome these reservations and become confident in performing dental procedures and other procedures involving the head of the bearded dragon. Didactic lecture will instruct participants on how to perform these procedures, followed by spending the majority of the time in lab practicing these procedures on bearded dragon cadavers.

Turtle shell repair most applicable to freshwater hard shelled and box turtles will be demonstrated and materials necessary for 8 different repair options with comparisons based on species, area of placement, materials and tools, removal method will be demonstrated; participants will then have 8 stations to complete on their turtle shell which will be shared with a single lab partner. Tips and tricks for recommended diagnostics prior to shell repair, shell preparation, preliminary fixator application and fixator removal will also be reviewed. Participants may take their shell home for memory support of materials needed and methods suitable for use and for demonstration to clients at their practice, if local state and federal regulations allow.

Surgical intervention to manage disease involving lizards can be performed routinely in general practice. The objective of this laboratory is to introduce and expose clinicians to the different surgical techniques frequently utilized in lizards. In this laboratory, the following procedures will be performed: intraosseous catheter placement, exploratory celiotomy, liver biopsy, intestinal resection and anastomosis, enterotomy, cystotomy, and ovariosalpingectomy or castration. Procedures will be performed on cadavers and each pair of participants will share one lizard specimen.

This wetlab is designed with the reptile clinician in mind. Lab participants will learn a variety of practical and surgical skills, ranging from routine to emergency practices. Skills include, but are not limited to, tail amputation, cloacal prolapse fixation, skin biopsy, tracheal wash, enema, follicle check, positioning for radiographs, stimulating defecation in lizards, addressing aural abscesses in chelonia, spectaculotomy in snakes, fluid administration, intubation, toe amputation, probing snakes, and IO catheter placement. Skills to be learned and practiced will be based on cadaver availability, and the lab will end with a detailed necropsy and celiotomy (spay/biopsy procedures can be attempted based on availability).

In this hands-on workshop we will demonstrate proper necropsy skills of fish. You will perform external/internal examination, detailed dissection, and proper tissue sampling for diagnostic testing. Using the microscope to evaluate samples and learn normal. Learn how to perform clinical skills: skin scraps, gill clips, fin clips, venipuncture, diagnostic sampling, etc.

In this hands-on workshop we will demonstrate how to properly sedate and perform a physical exam on fish. These skills gained in this lab can be used in several species of fish. The goals of the lab include: 1. Safely calculate, prepare, and administer MS-222 sedation for individual fish. 2. Recognize stages of anesthesia and monitor sedation depth. 3. Perform a complete sedated physical exam on a fish. 4. Collect basic diagnostic samples (skin scrape, gill clip, fin clip). 5. Perform gill endoscopy. 6. Gain familiarization with the use of ultrasound on fish. 7. Discuss and/or assist with recovery and monitor return to normal behavior.

This wet lab is designed to give participants hands-on practice with common sampling techniques used in reptiles and exotic companion mammals. Using ballistic gel models covered with real rabbit and snake skin, attendees will be able to experience how different skin types affect needle placement, control, and overall technique in a way that closely mimics live patients. Participants will rotate through guided stations to practice fine needle aspirates, fluid collection, and basic ultrasound-guided targeting. The models are designed to simulate realistic tissue resistance and allow repeated practice without the need for live animals, helping build confidence and technical skill in a low-pressure environment. This approach focuses on improving practical, everyday clinical skills while highlighting important differences between reptile and mammal handling and sampling techniques.

The goal of this workshop is to offer hands-on experience and guidance for participants to learn how to approach hematology in both common exotic species, and species they may have never seen before. With a combination of lecture and wet lab time, this workshop will cover common venipuncture sites, laboratory techniques, multiple white blood cell count methodologies, cell differentials, and how to get the most out of the smallest blood sample.