Kristen Hagler is a highly experienced veterinary professional with 25 years of expertise in physical rehabilitation and two decades of leadership experience. As the director of canine services at Circle Oak Ranch Canine Rehabilitation in Petaluma, California, Kristen oversees clinical operations, drives program development, and mentors multidisciplinary teams. A charter member of the Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) Academy for Physical Rehabilitation, Kristen achieved VTS certification in 2017 and has served two terms as president. She currently chairs the Credentialing, Recertification, and Bylaws Committees and advises the executive board. In 2018, she was honored as the California Veterinary Technician of the Year by the California Veterinary Technician Association.
Technician
Physical Rehabilitation
Thursday, June 18, 2026
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
But Wait, There’s More! Patient Care Beyond Pharmacologicals in Companion Animals
Older pets make up a significant portion of veterinary visits and often require more time and support than a standard office appointment allows. In this session, participants will learn about a range of assistive devices, including harnesses, mobility carts, slings, carpal and hock wraps, and supportive orthotic/environmental modifications aimed at improving the quality of life for aging pets and reducing caregiver burden.
11:25 AM-12:15 PM
Look Ma—No Hands! Practical Functional Outcome Measures for Orthopedic Exams
Postural assessment, functional scoring of daily activities, lameness evaluation, joint range of motion, and muscle girth measurements are all essential tools in physical rehabilitation used to set patient goals and guide treatment plans. Participants will learn the importance of using outcome measurement tools to evaluate joint motion and muscle mass, including how abnormalities affect essential movement patterns in small animal patients, to supplement standard hands-on veterinary examinations.
1:55 PM-2:55 PM
Practical Photobiomodulation (Laser Therapy) and Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy Field Therapy for Pain Management
Photobiomodulation and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy are integral modalities in small animal medicine, with applications in managing both acute and chronic pain, promoting soft tissue and bone healing, supporting neurological function, and enhancing muscle recovery in canine athletes following strenuous activity. This session will cover the therapeutic principles, supporting scientific evidence, as well as commonly used protocols for selected clinical conditions.
3:05 PM-4:05 PM
You Better Not Be Sitting Down for This: Exercise Programs for Arthritis Management
Exercise for pets should go beyond a simple walk around the block to support longevity and maintain mobility. Arthritis affects the composition of synovial fluid, the movement of joint capsules, and overall joint function, which in turn impacts muscle strength and conditioning. Over time, arthritis-related mobility challenges tend to worsen. However, with early intervention, therapeutic exercise can help strengthen muscles and improve range of motion. In this session, participants will learn targeted exercises for different stages of arthritis to help maintain movement and support long-term mobility in small animals
4:15 PM-5:30 PM
Help, My Patient Is Still Lame! Post-Operative TPLO Rehabilitation Considerations to Make You a Hero
Do you have a frustrating post-operative TPLO patient that remains lame, even though radiographs don’t explain the clinical presentation? In this lecture, participants will review canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency and explore additional conditions that may influence surgical outcomes. Topics will include expected joint motion and muscle mass, common post-surgical movement patterns, and strategies to help improve recovery and long-term success after TPLO surgery.
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