Essential Surgical Procedures: Gastrointestinal -Otomies & -Ectomies

November 15-17, 2026

Registration Deadline: November 8, 2026

Join us for 3 full days of lecture and laboratories focused on soft tissue procedures such as gastropexy, splenectomy, and intestinal resection and anastomosis. Learn how to systematically explore the abdomen and improve visualization in order to avoid complications and optimize success. We will also practice additional soft tissue surgeries, including anal sacculectomy and sialoadenectomy. Participants will use instruments such as vessel-sealing devices and staplers to increase efficiency and reduce patient morbidity. The program also includes a full day dedicated to amputation procedures (limb, tail, digit) and performing an FHO on both dogs and cats. Instructors bring extensive experience from private practice and academia, using 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, offering multiple perspectives on pathology, patient stabilization, and surgical technique. Participants will have ample time in the laboratory to practice procedures on cadavers with guidance from ACVS- and ACVECC-certified instructors.

Course Location:
Viticus Group Nashville Center 1
811 Royal Parkway, Nashville, TN 37214

Date: November 15-17, 2026
Venue: Viticus Group Nashville Center 1
Category: Surgery - Soft Tissue
Enrollment Capacity: 32
CE Hours: 24
Cost: $3,200
Instructors:
Brea Sandness, DVM, BS, DACVS
Mary Ergen, DVM
Krista Cioffi, DVM, DACVS
Amie Csiszer, DVM, DACVS
Courtney Gilbreath, DVM

Registration Deadline: November 8, 2026

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Join us for 3 full days of lecture and laboratories focused on soft tissue procedures such as: gastropexy, splenectomy, and intestinal resection and anastomosis. Learn how to systematically explore the abdomen and improve visualization in order to avoid complications and optimize success. We will also practice other soft tissue surgeries such as anal sacculectomy and sialoadenectomy. Practice using instruments such as vessel-sealing devices and staplers in order to increase efficiency and reduce patient morbidity. We will also spend a day learning various amputation procedures (limb, tail, digit) and completing an FHO on both the dog and cat. 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 performing gastrointestinal procedures such as gastrotomy, intestinal resection & anastomosis, and gastropexy.

· Gain confidence with amputations (limb, tail, digit), soft tissue mass removals and skin defect closure.

· Practice the approach to the hip and learn how to perform an FHO.

· Learn techniques for anal sacculectomy and management of salivary mucocele

· Gain confidence with triage and stabilization of trauma patients. Practice procedures such as placement of central lines, autotransfusion, and feeding tubes.

Questions? We're here to help

Course Instructors

Hotel and Transportation

Brea Sandness, DVM, BS, DACVS - Coordinator

Mary Ergen, DVM

Courtney Gilbreath, DVM

Amie Csiszer, DVM, DACVS

Krista Cioffi, DVM, DACVS

Hotel and Transportation Information

Preferred hotel options are available for WVC Academy Nashville participants, with select properties located within walking distance of the Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Participants walking between nearby hotels and the Viticus campus should be aware that rain is possible; please plan accordingly.

Hotels - Book Your Stay

Viticus Group has secured preferred rates at the following partner hotels for WVC Academy Nashville participants. Please click the blue links to book your stay.

Stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport

• 832 Royal Parkway, Nashville, TN 37214

• Located adjacent to Viticus Group Nashville Center 1.

• Closest access to the training facilities.

• Preferred rate: $139 or 15% off, whichever is lower.

• Rates available through Dec. 31, 2026.

• Airport shuttle service is available. Please arrange airport transportation directly with the hotel; shuttle schedules and availability may vary.

• Transportation between the hotel and Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 will not be provided, as the facility is within walking distance.

Stay at Element by Westin

• 2825 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

• Located approximately 0.5 miles from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1.

• Convenient access within walking distance.

• Preferred rates: January–March $119, April–October $139, November–December $119.

• Rates available through Dec. 31, 2026.

• Airport shuttle service is available. Please arrange airport transportation directly with the hotel; shuttle schedules and availability may vary.

• Transportation between the hotel and Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 will not be provided, as the facility is within walking distance. Complimentary hotel shuttle service is available to and from the airport and to and from locations within a 2-mile radius of the hotel, including Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Shuttle service must be scheduled in advance with the hotel front desk.

Stay at AC by Marriott Nashville Downtown

• 410 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203

• Located downtown, 4 blocks from Broadway.

• Approximately 7.2 miles from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1.

• Preferred rate: 12% off the best available rate.

• Rates available through Dec. 31, 2026.

• High-demand blackout dates may apply.

• Participants staying downtown will need to arrange their own transportation to and from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Transportation options may include taxi service, Uber, or Lyft.

Stay at Springhill Suites by Marriott Nashville Downtown

• 410 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203

• Located downtown, 4 blocks from Broadway.

• Approximately 7.2 miles from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1.

• Preferred rate: 12% off the best available rate.

• Rates available through Dec. 31, 2026.

• High-demand blackout dates may apply.

• Participants staying downtown will need to arrange their own transportation to and from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Transportation options may include taxi service, Uber, or Lyft.

Stay at Caption by Hyatt

• 118 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203

• Located in The Gulch in downtown Nashville.

• Approximately 9 miles from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1.

• Convenient access to restaurants and entertainment.

• Preferred rates: January–March $179, April–June $199, July–August $179, September–December $199.

• Rates available through Dec. 31, 2026.

• Participants staying downtown will need to arrange their own transportation to and from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Transportation options may include taxi service, Uber, or Lyft.
Transportation

Airport Transportation

Element Nashville Airport and Home2 Suites both offer airport shuttle service. Please arrange airport transportation directly with your hotel. Shuttle schedules and availability may vary.

Hotel Transportation to Viticus Group Nashville Center 1

Element Nashville Airport:
Transportation between the hotel and the Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 will not be provided, as the facility is within walking distance. Complimentary shuttle service is available at the hotel both to-and-from the airport, and to-and-from locations within a 2-mile radius of the hotel, including the Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Shuttle service must be scheduled in advance with the hotel front desk.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport:
Transportation between the hotel and the Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 will not be provided, as the facility is within walking distance.

Staying Elsewhere

If you choose to stay at Caption by Hyatt or another hotel in the Broadway or downtown areas, you will need to arrange your own transportation to-and-from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Transportation options may include taxi service, Uber, or Lyft.

Essential Surgical Procedures: Gastrointestinal -Otomies & -Ectomies

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Learning Objectives

Questions? We're here to help

LAB INSTRUCTOR

Essential Surgical Procedures: Gastrointestinal -Otomies & -Ectomies