AAVA Annual Meeting
Registration Open
*Content available to registrants through 8.31.25
Access Available to Registrants Through
August 31, 2025
Welcome
AAVA is offering On-demand CE. If you missed joining us at the AAVA Annual Meeting in Seattle, here is your chance to view 28 hours of the meeting! If you were able to be with us in-person, this is your chance to view those presentations you may have missed or to review your favorite lectures! All 28 hrs. are RACE and IVAS approved. Registration is now open until August 28, 2025. Content will be available to registrants through August 31, 2025.
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Eastern Medicine therapies for Common Performance Horse Concerns: Neck, Feet, Back, Sacroiliac Joint and Gluteal Muscles
Speaker: Lori Bidwell, DVM, DACVAA, CVA, CVTP
Dr. Lori Bidwell is a 2001 graduate of Michigan State University, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and a certified veterinary acupuncturist. She did her internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, and completed her anesthesia residency at Michigan State University. She was the head of anesthesia at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and Lexington Equine Surgery and Sports Medicine and has been on faculty at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2015 she co-founded East West Equine Sports Medicine, a sports medicine practice that covers veterinary services for hunter/jumper circuits on the West and East Coasts. Dr. Bidwell also consults in anesthesia for equine practices, teaches part of a study abroad program in Thailand and South Africa and speaks and teaches nationally and internationally. Dr. Bidwell competes with her horses in the amateur jumper divisions.
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Treatment of Equine Protozoal Myelopathy
Speaker: Julia Christopher-White, DVM, MS
Dr. Julia Christopher-White, received her DVM from Kansas State University in 2011. Following graduation she completed an internship at Interstate Equine Hospital with Dr. G. David McCarroll, Dr M. Schoonover, and Dr. T. Bliss, in Goldsby, OK. Upon completion of her internship, Dr. Christopher-White, stayed on as an associate until 2013. After leaving Interstate Equine, Dr. Christopher-White, started White Equine Veterinary Services, in Purcell, OK, with her husband Dr. David White. She completed her veterinary acupuncture certification through IVAS in 2016. Her professional interests involve the use of chiropractic and acupuncture in horses for optimization of athletic performance. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her husband and son taking care of their cow/calf operation, mountain biking, hiking, and traveling.
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Acupuncture to Aid With Oncology Treatment Side Effects
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Integrative Therapies to Help Support the Immune System in Our Oncology Patients
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Integrative Therapies to Help Alleviate Suffering in Our Oncology Patients
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Tui’Na Techniques and Locations for Pets With IVDD, Osteoarthritis, Gastrointestinal Issues and Cancer Side Effects That the Practitioner or Pet Parent Can Perform – With Dr. Lorrie Hale-Mitchell
Speaker: Autumn Dutelle, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Oncology, CVA, CVFT, CVTP
Dr. Dutelle attended Colorado State University for both her undergraduate Bachelor’s degree as well as her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a rotating internship in Tampa, FL and her residency in medical oncology at the Veterinary Cancer Group in southern California. Following her residency training, she completed her acupuncture accreditation through the Colorado Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians course in Colorado.
Dr. Dutelle has spent the majority of her career working in small animal private specialty hospitals practicing as an integrative oncologist. Over the years, she has gained additional certification through Chi University in veterinary acupuncture, food therapy and Tui na. She joined the Louisiana State University VTH as faculty in Medical Oncology in January 2024 where she practices to date.
She has an interest in “outside the box” strategizing for her patients, which led her to become an integrated practitioner. She is also interested in nutrition and the gastrointestinal microbiome and adult education. She is currently working on her Certification in Post Graduate education through the Royal Veterinary College.
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Use of Acupuncture in Equine Species to Successfully Treat Two Neurologic Cases and Two Anhidrosis Cases
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Tui’Na Techniques and Locations for Pets With IVDD, Osteoarthritis, Gastrointestinal Issues and Cancer Side Effects That the Practitioner or Pet Parent Can Perform – With Dr. Autumn Dutelle
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Multi-Modal Treatment for Small Animal Geriatric Patients, It’s Not a Magic Bullet or Even A Magic Injection
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TCVM Exam Refresher
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Use of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Treatment of Wildlife From Louisiana
Speaker: Lorrie Hale-Mitchell, DVM, MS, CTCVMP, CTPEP, CCRT
Dr. Hale graduated from the University of Illinois and spent 12 years as a general practitioner before leaving private practice and teaching clinical skills at UIUC. In 2012, she completed acupuncture certification training at Chi Institute (now University) after her husband came home with another antique vehicle, and realized she wanted something for herself.
In 2016, Dr. Hale joined the faculty at Louisiana State University Vet Med to start a clinical skills program and expand the Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. Dr. Hale decided that her education needed expanding if she was going to help make this a world-renowned service with her colleague. She started her Master’s in TCVM that year with Chi University. She completed her degree in 2020 with herbal research in alligators. During her training she completed certifications in Chinese Herbal Therapy, Food Therapy, Tui-na, and Palliative and End-of-life Care, making her one of three Certified TCVM Practitioners in the state of Louisiana. She is also a board member of and a Charter Fellow of the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine. In late 2019, Dr. Hale became Service Chief of the Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation service at LSU and is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor. This service is an elective rotation for clinical year students from LSU and is also open to other vet school clinical year students.
As an adjunct Clinical Associate Professor with Chi University, Dr. Hale also provides acupuncture training in canine and equine species for veterinary students at LSU and Ross University. She has a strong passion for teaching and sharing her Integrative training with others. In 2024, she was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in TCVM by the WATCVM. Her proudest achievements however are the numerous veterinary students who have completed integrative training during veterinary school or sought the training after graduation because of exposure to the benefits of Integrative Medicine during their clinical year.
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Comparison Among Acupuncture Techniques on Tissue Perfusion Outcome in Back-Shu Association Point
Speaker: Shantel Julius, DVM, MS-TCVM, CCRP, CVA, CVSMT, fCoaC, CTCVMP, CTPEP
Dr. Julius completed her undergraduate degree in veterinary technology at North Dakota State University, where she worked in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory and was part of the McNair Scholars Program, performing research involving selenium and its effect on growth and cellular proliferation. She then attended the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her DVM in 2011.
Upon graduation, she worked in small animal general and emergency practice. Following the tragic death of one of her own dogs after taking a prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, she began her training in integrative medicine. She is certified canine rehabilitation therapy, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui-Na, food therapy, and end-of-life care. Dr Julius also completed a Master of Science in TCVM.
In 2018, she left general practice and has her own house-call integrative practice in Hastings, Minnesota. In addition to her clinical practice, she is the President-Elect of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. Dr. Julius spends her free time competing in dog sports, and has won several national agility events with her mini schnauzers.
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Fascinating Fascia: Unveiling the Hidden Marix
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Seeing the Light-Using Laser for Acupuncture
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Neurodiversity in a Neurotypical World
Speaker: Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVC
Dr. McCauley has had a lifelong passion to help as many pets as possible live an Optimum Quality of Life. After graduating from Colorado State School of Veterinary Medicine, she spent six years in general practice and quickly became a pioneer in the field of Veterinary Rehabilitation. She went on to open the first Veterinary Rehabilitation Clinic in 1998 and design the first underwater treadmill for dogs.
Dr. McCauley was on faculty at Canine Rehabilitation Institute for 14 years and has taught thousands of veterinarians and other rehabilitation professionals the art of Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. She is certified in Acupuncture and Chiropractic therapy and Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Dr. Laurie is an international lecturer and contributing author in many textbooks and journals. She was awarded the Iams AARV Award of Excellence in the Field of Rehabilitation and the AHVMA Holistic Practitioner of the Year Award. She has stepped in as the head of the Integrative Medicine department at the Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. McCauley owns Red Tail Rehab, a mobile canine rehabilitation practice and Optimum Pet Vitality, a teaching platform for veterinary professionals and pet parents, helping pets achieve Optimum Health.
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Problems in the Gene Pool: Using TCVM to Treat Jing Deficiencies
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Managing ACL Injuries With Acupuncture
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Treating Elevated Temperatures and heat Stroke With Acupuncture
Speaker: Jared Mitchell, DVM, CVMA, CVA, CVFT
Dr. Jared Mitchell graduated from Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. He owns Mitchell Animal Clinic in Mobile, Alabama. Wanting more for his patients, he began incorporating holistic modalities into his practice. Dr. Mitchell’s first journey into the holistic world began by incorporating essential oils into the treatment of his veterinary patients. Dr. Mitchell has advanced training in essential oils through the Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy Association. He is also certified in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese food therapy, and Chinese herbal medicine through Chi University and is currently enrolled in their Masters of TCVM program. Dr. Mitchell has published articles for several peer reviewed journals including: the Innovative Veterinary Care journal and the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Mitchell plans to continue contributing articles and educating colleagues on holistic and integrative veterinary medicine. Dr. Mitchell is also very passionate about promoting acupuncture and integrative medicine and hopes to help usher in acupuncture as a board-certified specialty with the AVMA in the future. In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 daughters, spending time at the beach, and kayaking the beautiful natural springs of Florida.
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Acupuncture Was Used to Treat Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome
Speaker: Julie Rydell, DVM, CVA
Dr. Julie Rydell is a compassionate veterinarian with 10 years of general practice experience, specializing in acupuncture and integrative medicine. A 2014 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and a 2015 graduate of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, Dr. Julie is committed to providing the highest level of integrative care. She and her husband Dr. Drew own and operate Garden Island Veterinary Medicine, a full service mobile integrative medicine practice on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Outside of working hours, she enjoys spending time in nature with her ‘ohana. Dr. Julie is a business owner, wife, and a mother to two young sons as well as her dog Roo and two kitties.
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Integrative Treatment of EPM and Associated Toxic Scar Formation in a QH Gelding
Speaker: Chase Ratliff, DVM, CVA, AVCA Certified
I graduated from Texas A&M in 2009 and have been in mixed animal practice since that time. I received certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 2016 and from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2022. My professional interests include stretching and rehabilitation exercises in small animal and equine, as well as the identification and treatment of pathology in the myofascial meridians.
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Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain in the Canine and Equine
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Acupuncture Points Accessing Myofascial Kinetic Lines to Achieve Chiropractic Adjustments in the Equine
Speaker: Rick Schafer, DVM, MS, CVA
Dr. Rick Schafer graduated from Texas A & M Universities Veterinary Program. He was awarded the Small Animal Veterinarian of the year by the state of Texas in 1989. He was certified in Acupuncture by IVAS in 1994 and was the US IVAS Course Coordinator for over 25 years. He has been actively involved with IVAS and served on the IVAS Board of Directors as the Treasurer for over 6 years. He is the Owner of All Creatures Acupuncture where he treats horses in Texas, Colorado, and Indiana and one of veterinarians for the Texas State Aquarium.
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Beyond Dry Needles: Practical Alternatives for Acupoint Stimulation
Speaker: Aja Senestraro, DVM, CTCVMP, CVPP, CHPV, CVA, CVTP, CVFT, CVCH, CCRP, CAC-IVCA
Dr. Aja Senestraro owns and operates Sea to Sky Holistic Vet, an integrative house call practice in Seattle Washington. She has certifications in pain management, hospice and palliative care, as well as all branches of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. She also has certifications in myofascial trigger point therapy, spinal manipulation, and rehabilitation. She combines all of these modalities with conventional medicine to create integrative treatment plans tailored to each patient and client.
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The Tesla Healing Formula
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Energy Medicine techniques to Enhance Acupuncture and Related Therapies Practice
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Understanding the Endocannabinoid System and How it Can Benefit the Practice of Acupuncture and Related Therapies
Speaker: Susan Wagner, DVm, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)
Dr. Susan Wagner is a veterinary neurologist whose work acknowledges the spiritual interaction between people and animals. Dr. Wagner is co-author of Through A Dog’s Ear: Using Sound to Improve the Health and Behavior of Your Canine Companion, and is an active speaker in the areas of energy healing, sound therapy, and self-discovery. She is a Healing Touch for Animals® practitioner, and also has a strong interest in wellness for veterinary professionals. Dr. Wagner co-founded the integrative medicine program at MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets, and is adjunct faculty at The Ohio State University. She is also faculty with the College of Veterinary Integrative Therapies.
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CUT THE CRAP! “Balance Acupuncture Used to Treat a Horse With Chronic Diarrhea”
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“LIVING WELL, ON THE EDGE, With Bladder Caner” Says the Scottish Terrier!!
Speaker: Joan Winter, DVM, MS, TCVMP, FAAVA, CVA, CVC
Dr. Winter earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Magnum Cum Laude in 1976 from San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California. She received her Masters in Pharmacology and Toxicology, 1981 from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Winter received her DVM with honors in 1984 from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Winter received her Traditional Chinese Veterinarian Medicine Practitioner from CHI University. Dr. Winter is also a Fellow of the AAVA and is certified in Balance Acupuncture.
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The Neurophysiology of Reflex Loop Modification by Acupuncture
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The Linking of Neuro-Anatomy and Fascial Planes in the Horse and Dog
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The Tail DOES Wag the Dog Myofascia and Nerves
Speaker: Bonnie Wright, DVM, DACVAA, CVMA, CVPP, CCRP, CCRT
Dr. Bonnie Wright was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She accomplished her DVM at Colorado State University and a residency in Anesthesia and Critical Patient Care at The University of California, Davis. She has lived in Colorado since 2001, and part-time in Hawaii since 2017.
Dr. Wright is board certified in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. She has earned certificates in Medical Acupuncture, Veterinary Pain Practitioner, Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and advanced training in canine musculo-skeletal imaging and regenerative medicine.
She works and teaches in the areas of anesthesia, pain medicine, the science of non-pharmaceutical pain medicine, evidence-based acupuncture, regenerative medicine and rehabilitation. She is the lead faculty for the Evidence Based Veterinary Acupuncture program.
She has two adult sons, several wonderful dogs, half of a horse, and an unknown number of wild hogs. She spends time exercising and building her off-grid Hawaiian farm with her wife and scent-trained service dogs.
