S09A - They Said ‘No’ to Referral, Now What?: Conquering Autoimmune Disease

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

8:00 AM – 8:50 AM

Location: Mandalay Bay J, Level 2

Earn 1 CE Hours

Sponsored By

MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH

Presenter(s)

Laura Greene, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) (she/her/hers)

Senior Professional Services Veterinarian - Internal Medicine Specialist
MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH
Raleigh, NC, United States

Moderator(s)

Melissa Bourgeois, DVM, DACVM, PhD

Associate Director, Professional Services
MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH
Cumming, GA, United States

In this case-based session, participants will explore scenarios requiring immunosuppressive medications beyond using glucocorticoids. The pros and cons of these medications will be discussed, as well as tips and tricks for when their use is indicated in different autoimmune disease situations. The goal is for the participant to gain comfort and familiarity with non-glucocorticoid immunosuppression options.

Learning Objectives:

Gain familiarity with the characteristics and contraindications for immunosuppressive medications such as cyclosporine, mycophenolate, and leflunomide
Engage in a step-by-step approach to the management of cases of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated glomerulonephritis, and immune-mediated polyarthritis
Learn a method for communicating with owners about immune-mediated disease to help them understand the difference between the diagnostic investigation of immune-mediated disease and the initial treatments necessary to suppress the immune-mediated disease.