Dr. Ryan Gibson is a veterinary educator and neurologist from Auburn University. His teaching focuses on foundational neuroscience, applications in clinical neurology, and microanatomy. His virtual consulting services (The Brain Dogtor LLC and CortexVet LLC) are aimed at improving access to care for neurological patients and supporting general practitioners. Dr. Gibson collaborates with researchers in exploring new drugs for neuropathic pain, translating the age of the neurological system across species, seizure therapies, and veterinary education. He also founded Pet Parent Educators, which aims to increase client education following the diagnosis of chronic conditions, such as seizures and diabetes.
1:30 PM–2:30 PM
The IVDD Umbrella: Breaking Down the Many Types of IVDD
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) isn’t a single disease; IVDD represents multiple conditions that can have a range of severity. This session helps general practitioners better understand the full IVDD umbrella, encompassing acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusions secondary to chronic protrusions and all the other conditions in between. We’ll break down the types of disc disease, review the clinical signs that help differentiate them, and discuss realistic diagnostic and treatment pathways across the spectrum of care. By demystifying what does (and doesn’t) require referral, surgery, or advanced imaging, this session equips practitioners to manage IVDD cases in their own clinic confidently.
2:40 PM–3:40 PM
Liars and Cheats: Conditions That Look Neurologic but Aren’t!
This case-based approach examines conditions that appear to be neurological but aren’t. We delve into the best ways to distinguish between neurological and orthopedic conditions, identify uncommon conditions in dogs, and determine which deficits are to be trusted most and which ones should be approached with caution. The goal in this session is to help you avoid getting tricked!
4:15 PM–5:30 PM
The Art of Seizure Therapy
This lecture focuses on approaching the diagnostic workup and therapy of seizures from a place that balances the contextual factors of the patient and the owners while also considering the veterinary literature and “best practices.” We will explore the common seizure medications and discuss times when they may be our first-line therapy and the limitations of each in this role.
8:00 AM–9:15 AM
Feline Neurology: An Overview of Common Conditions
This talk highlights the approach to the feline neuro exam and discusses typical and atypical conditions in feline patients. This talk will include the feline neuro exam, seizure and seizure-like events, as well as some feline-specific spinal conditions of which to be aware.
9:25 AM–10:40AM
Neuro-Ophthalmology: Anatomy and Neurologic Conditions of the Eye
The eyes are the windows to the brain! In this session, we review the neuro-ophthalmological functions of the eyes, the complex neuroanatomy of vision, and the pupillary light reflexes. This session will also highlight conditions that can lead to various abnormal neurological presentations of the eye.
10:50 AM–12:05 PM
Neurolocalization: Back to Basics
Practice makes perfect! This lecture is a case-based approach to neurolocalization beyond T3-L3 myelopathies and the forebrain. Focusing on more complex and atypical neurolocalization, this case-based series aims to help practitioners when things get a little unusual.
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