Course Overview
True integration of conventional (Western) veterinary medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) requires the ability to treat these two seemingly disparate conceptual entities as two interrelated and synergistic parts of an indivisible whole. From pathophysiology to treatment, conventional veterinary and TCVM principles are typically mutually translatable. This course covers key aspects of diagnosing and treating small animal neurologic disorders from this inclusive integrative standpoint. As such, this course provides a complete and clinically relevant overview of localizing lesions, generating differential diagnosis lists, creating targeted diagnostic plans, and devising effective treatment protocols-all from the standpoint of combining conventional veterinary medicine and TCVM at each step. At the end of the course, the practitioner will feel confident in diagnosing and developing treatment strategies for the most common neurologic disorders encountered in small animal practice.
This class will be ideal for anyone who wishes to feel comfortable diagnosing and treating small animal neurology patients from both western and eastern standpoints. This course will both simplify small animal neurology and offer insights into integrative diagnosis and treatment. This course is RACE-approved for 20 CE hours.
Course Objectives
Lesions of the nervous system result in very predictable clinical patterns in dogs and cats. Since TCVM is pattern-based, neurological disorders can be efficiently recognized and categorized. Contrary to the traditional method of learning complex neuroanatomy prior to the neuroanatomic diagnosis, this course tackles crucial aspects first as they relate to the whole. As opposed to treating TCVM as an “add on” to conventional veterinary medicine, TCVM and conventional veterinary medicine are combined for a comprehensive, integrative approach.
The main objectives of this course are the following:
- Learn and identify the correct neuroanatomic and TCVM pattern diagnosis
- Understand of integrative pathophysiologic mechanisms of various neurologic diseases
- Explain diagnostic testing methods in integrative terms
- Provide a variety of integrative treatment options for common small animal neurologic disorders
Advanced Integrative Approach to Small Animal Neurology
Taught in English
For veterinarians & veterinary students only
20 RACE approved CE hours
Curriculum
Small Animal Neurology
Integrative Small Animal Neurology: Introduction and Translation of Basic Physiologic Concepts
1h
Applied Functional Neuroanatomy: Working Knowledge for Clinical Practice
1h
Signalment, History and the Differential Diagnosis
1h
The Neurologic Examination from an Integrative Perspective
1h
Anatomic and Physiologic Mechanisms of Acupuncture
1h
Stagnation in Small Animal Neurology: Anatomy and Physiology of Pain
1h
Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines for Small Animal Neurology
1h
A Dog in Wolf’s Clothing (Actually, Just a Dog): Food Therapy for Selected Neurologic Conditions
1h
An Overview of Tui-na for Small Animal Neurology Patients
1h
Yang in a Box: An Introduction to Photobiomodulation Therapy for Neurologic Problems
1h
Small Animal Qi-Gong: An Introduction to Exercise Therapy for Neurologic Disorders
1h
Seizure Management
2h
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
1h
Inflammatory Disorders of the Central Nervous System
1h
Disorders of the Cervical Spine
1h
Disorders of the Thoracolumbar Spine
1h
Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis
1h
Selected Disorders of the Peripheral Nervous System
1h
Instructors
Curtis Dewey
DVM, MS, CCRP, CTCVMP, DACVS, DACVIM (Neurology)
Dr. Dewey, a renowned speaker in the veterinary field, has made his mark in both national and international circles. Presently, he practices at Elemental Pet Vets, PLLC, focusing on Integrative Veterinary Medicine and rehabilitation therapy. His diverse experience includes roles as a faculty neurologist at Texas A&M University, a staff neurologist at Long Island Veterinary Specialists, and a 15-year tenure at Cornell University. A prolific writer, Dr. Dewey has contributed to numerous journals and textbooks, including "Practical Guide to Canine and Feline Neurology," "Dr. Theresa Fossum’s Small Animal Surgery," and authored "Clinician’s Guide to Canine Acupuncture." An active member of various veterinary associations and committees, he has received notable awards like the 2014 Hills ACVECC Jack Mara Scientific Achievement Award and the NYSVMS Outstanding Service to Veterinary Medicine Award. His research focuses on seizure control, congenital brain and spinal disorders surgery, and integrative treatments for neurologic disorders and pain management.