Essential Surgical Procedures - Airways and Amputation
December 4-6, 2025
Join us for 3 full days of lecture and laboratories focused on soft tissue procedures such as: Corrective techniques for stenotic nares and elongated soft palates. Become more comfortable with feline perineal urethrostomy and cystotomy. Learn how to place various tubes and catheters including tracheostomy and thoracostomy tubes, pig tail catheters, and central lines. We will also spend a day learning various amputation procedures (limb, tail, digit) and reviewing techniques to relieve tension and close problematic wounds. There will also be an opportunity to practice bandaging techniques. Instructors have extensive experience in private practice and academia and utilize interactive clinical presentations to introduce laboratory procedures and provide applied context for perioperative management. Our team includes specialists in small animal surgery and critical care to address different perspectives of relevant pathology, patient stabilization methods, and surgical technique. Participants will have ample time in laboratory to practice procedures on cadavers with guidance from ACVS- and ACVECC-certified instructors.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Join us for 3 full days of lecture and laboratories focused on soft tissue procedures such as: Corrective techniques for stenotic nares and elongated soft palates. Become more comfortable with feline perineal urethrostomy and cystotomy. Learn how to place various tubes and catheters including tracheostomy and thoracostomy tubes, pig tail catheters, and central lines. We will also spend a day learning various amputation procedures (limb, tail, digit) and reviewing techniques to relieve tension and close problematic wounds. There will also be an opportunity to practice bandaging techniques. Instructors have extensive experience in private practice and academia and utilize interactive clinical presentations to introduce laboratory procedures and provide applied context for perioperative management. Our team includes specialists in small animal surgery and critical care to address different perspectives of relevant pathology, patient stabilization methods, and surgical technique. Participants will have ample time in laboratory to practice procedures on cadavers with guidance from ACVS- and ACVECC-certified instructors.
Learning Objectives
- Gain confidence with triage and stabilization of those patients in respiratory distress.
- Practice tracheostomy and learn how to place chest tubes quickly and safely.
- Learn techniques to correct Stenotic Nares, Elongated Soft Palate, and Everted Laryngeal Saccules.
- Understand the best methods to repair various types of Diaphragmatic Hernias.
- Gain more confidence with patients who present with urinary obstruction and become familiar with the method of placing pig tail catheters to divert urine when a urethral catheter cannot be placed.
- Practice Feline Perineal Urethrostomy.
- Learn how to safely and efficiently complete various types of amputations (limb, tail, digit), and how to manage wound closure to achieve tension-free, cosmetic outcomes
Questions? We're here to help
Access the Support Center at support.viticusgroup.org or submit a ticket to email support@viticusgroup.org.
LAB INSTRUCTOR
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Nancy Zimmerman, DVM, MS, DACVS
Hotel Accommodations and Travel
You asked, we listened. Viticus Group has added NEW partner hotels for 2025, Hampton Inn - Las Vegas Strip South and Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Strip South. Special lodging discounts are available to participants attending courses at the Viticus Center. Please make these arrangements and add promo codes below to book your stay.
BOOKING YOUR HOTEL STAY
- Hampton Inn - Las Vegas Strip South: To book with promotional rate, please use code. Go to main hotel website, go to the page to book a room, click on "Special Rates" then enter 3458691 into the field titled "Corporate Account".
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Strip South: Go to main hotel website, go to the page to book a room, click on "Special Rates" then enter 3458691 into the field titled "Corporate Account".
PACKING TIPS
- Scrubs are available upon your arrival if needed.
- Closed-toe shoes are required during labs.
- A light sweater for indoor areas.
- Plenty of sunscreen.
- Electronic charging device to power up.
- Valid ID - We highly recommend you carry your ID at all times in Las Vegas.
TRANSPORTATION DETAILS
- Airport Pick up: Available on request, 24 hours, 7 days a week. Please contact the hotel at once you've retrieved your luggage, and your hotel will let you know where to wait for the shuttle.
- Transportation from your hotel to the Harry Reid Airport: You will need to sign up at the front desk. These shuttles run once an hour. They will ask you to sign up no less than 2 hours before expected departure.
TRANSPORTATION
Viticus Group transportation includes shuttle pick-up prior to the start of your course start time and a short ride to the Viticus Center. At the close of each day, our shuttle will take you back to the Hotel.
Last Day Transportation: Shuttle provided both to the airport, and back to the Hotel. (Luggage storage available on campus)
If you are a Las Vegas local, or are driving yourself to the course, please arrive to the Oquendo Campus 30 minutes before the start time.
** Please refer to the agenda and email updates for transportation times.**
Public transportation in Las Vegas is limited.
If you are staying somewhere other than our preferred partner, you will need to arrange for your transportation to and from the Viticus Center. If you are renting a car, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and several other hotels on the strip may charge for parking. Other transportation options for getting around are taxi service, Uber and Lyft.