Nashville Vet CE Conference 2026
September 18th – 20th, 2026
Flat Faces, Big Challenges: Advances in Brachycephalic Care with Optional Ophthalmic Surgical Wetlab
Music City Center is in the heart of downtown Nashville; our conference is being held in Meeting Room 110 A-B
About
Brachycephalic Anesthesia, Surgery, and Ophthalmology
Optional Ophthalmology Surgical Wetlab
15 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credits, fully accredited through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and AAVSB’s Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) approved. Plus 4 hours for wetlab.
Speakers
Anesthesia – Dr. Denise Radkey, DACVAA (https://www.medvet.com/doctor/denise-radkey/)
Ophthalmology – Dr. Terah Webb, DACVO (https://www.medvet.com/doctor/terah-webb/)
Surgery – Dr. Robert Dudley, DVM, MS, DACVS (Small Animal) (https://www.medvet.com/doctor/robert-m-dudley/)
Conference Schedule & Topics
Friday, September 18, 2026
12:30 – 1:00 pm: Registration outside meeting room 110 A-B; printed notes provided at registration. All lectures are held in meeting room 110 A-B
1 – 4:30 pm: Brachycephalic Canine and Feline Ocular Disease
- Exam techniques & tips
- Corneal ulcers and abscesses
- Dry eye
- Entropion & corrective surgery
- Pugs & pigmentary keratopathy
- Cherry eye & corrective surgery
- Cataracts
- Dermoids
- Retinal detachment
- Feline Eyelid Diseases & Treatments
- Herpes virus
- Corneal ulcers & sequestrums
- Retinal norms & diseases
4:30 – 6 pm: CPR basics, RECOVER updates and crash cart design
- CPR basics and recent RECOVER updates
- Design and organization of a crash cart
- Staff CPR teaching & training tips
6 – 8:00 pm: Welcome reception, dinner, and drinks served
Saturday, September 19, 2026
9 am – 2:30 pm: Brachycephalic Patient Anesthesia and BOAS Surgical Correction
- Brachycephalic BRisk Scoring
- Client Communication
- Anesthetics & Monitoring
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome & Correction
- Postoperative Oxygen Therapy
- Tracheostomy placement & monitoring
- Ventilator cases: indications, preparation
12 – 12:30 pm: Lunch
3:00 – 7:00 pm: Wet lab – Optional. Ophthalmic Surgery for the General Practitioner – Room 110 A-B
Sunday, September 20, 2026
7 – 8 am: Breakfast
8 – 9:30 am: Brachycephalic (non-airway) Surgical Conditions
- Hernia repairs
- Screw tail
- Vulvoplasty
- Humeral condyle fractures
9:30 – 11:30 am: Neuroophthalmic and Otic conditions of Brachycephalics
- Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis
- Otitis media/interna and PSOM
- Facial nerve paralysis
- TECA/BO surgery
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Anesthetic Complications and Emergencies
- Identification of common anesthetic complications, emergencies, and how to manage them
- Interpretation of clinically significant ECG patterns under sedation, anesthesia
Ophthalmic Surgery Wetlab
4 hours of additional CE
This in-depth course will review and provide hands on practice in surgical techniques including:
- Eyelid mass removal
- Laceration repair
- Entropion correction
- Pocket imbrication for cherry eye
- Tarsorrhaphy
- Burr & Grid keratotomy for indolent ulcers
For the wetlab, specific surgical instruments are required. You may bring your own, or if you prefer, you can purchase a new ophthalmic surgery pack or individual instruments from us in advance, which you can use in the lab and keep afterward. Please note that additional instruments will not be available for purchase or use on-site, and the wet lab registration is entirely non-refundable. Be sure to review the required instrument list carefully before registering. If you have questions about the accuracy or functionality of your instruments for the wetlab, please email us at vetquestce@gmail.com.
All additional disposable items will be provided by Vet Quest.
Wetlab Required Instrument List
The wetlab requires the following instruments (not supplied by VetQuest):
- Brown-Adson Tissue Forceps
- Castroviejo Suturing Forceps
- Castroviejo Needle Holders
- Beaver Blade Handle (blades will be provided for the lab)
- Barraquer Wire Speculum, Large
- Stevens Tenotomy Scissors
- Mosquito Forceps, curved, 3 7/8″ overall length
- Troutman-Barraquer-Colibri Utility Forceps
Additional recommended instruments for a complete ophthalmic surgical set (but not required for the lab):
- Desmarres Chalazion Clamp
- Barraquer Wire Speculum, Small
- Jaeger Lid Plate
- Spencer Stitch Scissors
- Plastic Microsurgical Tray
If you would like to purchase any individual instruments, the required instrument pack, or a complete ophthalmic instrument pack, please email us at vetquestce@gmail.com. Instrument orders are due by 8/30/26. Please also contact us if you would like to have your personal instruments reviewed for suitability for the wet lab.
Date
September 18-20, 2026
Registration includes 15 hours of continuing education topics to deepen your knowledge of brachycephalic medicine and surgery. Looking to develop or refine your ophthalmic surgery skills? An optional ophthalmology wet lab is offered during the conference. Printed notes, daily meal, and welcome reception included!
Pricing Options
$995
DVM/VMD registration cost
$895
Tech registration cost with code TECH2026
$1595
Conference cost with Wetlab
This conference is an excellent opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in veterinary medicine. We look forward to welcoming you to this unique blend of education.
More Information
Nashville Vet CE Conference
Nashville is renowned for its vibrant music scene, lively nightlife, and distinctive neighborhoods, such as the Gulch. Visit iconic venues like the Ryman Auditorium or explore the honky-tonks on Broadway for live performances. Visit Percy Warner Park for hiking and picnicking, or take a stroll along the Cumberland River.
Music City Center is located in the heart of downtown Nashville; our conference is being held in Meeting Room 110 A-B. Floor Plans | nashvillemusiccitycenter.com
A room block has not been reserved for this conference; we welcome you to pick the hotel of your choice during your stay. Please book early to reserve a convenient accommodation.
There are numerous local hotels within a short walking distance from the Music City Center. Please visit this link for several hotel options: Hotels | nashvillemusiccitycenter.com
