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Soft Tissue Extravaganza: Building Confidence in Common and Challenging Soft Tissue Procedures

June 10 - 12, 2027

Registration Deadline: June 3, 2027

Enroll now

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Soft Tissue Extravaganza is a three-day, practical and immersive course designed to build confidence in the diagnosis, surgical planning, and management of common (and occasionally challenging) soft tissue surgical conditions in dogs and cats. From the acute abdomen and gastrointestinal emergencies to feline urinary and reproductive surgery and complex head and neck procedures, this course focuses on the practical techniques and decision-making skills that clinicians can take directly back to practice.

Each day combines focused, clinically relevant lectures with an intensive hands-on laboratory, giving participants the opportunity to learn and practice surgical techniques including gastrointestinal surgery, gastropexy, splenectomy, perineal urethrostomy, subtotal colectomy, radical mastectomy, brachycephalic airway surgery, arytenoid lateralization, salivary gland surgery, and TECA-BO. With an emphasis on surgical tips, troubleshooting, and avoiding common complications, the Soft Tissue Extravaganza is designed to help veterinarians become more confident, capable, and comfortable tackling soft tissue surgery in everyday practice.

Soft Tissue Extravaganza: Building Confidence in Common and Challenging Soft Tissue Procedures

Date: June 10 - 12, 2027
Venue: Viticus Group, Eastern Center | Las Vegas, NV
Category: Surgery
Enrollment Capacity: 48
CE Hours: 24
Cost: $3,360
Instructors:
Katy Townsend, DVM, BVSc(hons), MS, DACVS-SA

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Registration Deadline: June 3, 2027

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Apply a systematic approach to common soft tissue surgical emergencies, including the acute abdomen, GDV, gastrointestinal foreign bodies, intestinal disease, and splenic disorders, to develop an appropriate surgical plan.
Perform and apply key surgical techniques for abdominal and gastrointestinal disease, including abdominal exploration, gastrotomy, enterotomy, intestinal resection and anastomosis, intestinal biopsy, gastropexy, and splenectomy.
Recognize and surgically manage common feline surgical conditions, including urethral obstruction, urolithiasis, megacolon, and mammary neoplasia, and perform procedures such as perineal urethrostomy, cystotomy, subtotal colectomy, and radical mastectomy.
Develop a practical approach to common head and neck surgical disorders, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, laryngeal paralysis, sialoceles, and end-stage otitis, and select appropriate surgical interventions.
Demonstrate hands-on proficiency in foundational and advanced soft tissue surgical techniques through cadaveric laboratory exercises, including airway surgery, arytenoid lateralization, TECA-BO, salivary gland surgery, and management of common abdominal and feline surgical conditions.

LAB INSTRUCTORS

Instructor Portrait In Teal Circle On Navy Square

Katy Townsend, DVM, BVSc(hons), MS, DACVS-SA

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HOTEL AND TRAVEL TIPS

Hampton Inn Las Vegas Strip South Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Strip South


HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRAVEL TIPS

Make your trip to the Viticus Center easier with preferred hotel rates, convenient transportation options, and everything you need to know before you arrive.

Preferred Hotel Rates Available

Viticus Group participants receive special lodging discounts at our preferred partner hotels near the Viticus Center. Use Corporate Account Code 3458691 when booking.


BOOKING YOUR HOTEL STAY

Hampton Inn - Las Vegas Strip South

Visit the hotel website and begin your reservation. Under Special Rates, enter 3458691 in the Corporate Account field.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Strip South

Visit the hotel website and begin your reservation. Under Special Rates, enter 3458691 in the Corporate Account field.


DINING & REFRESHMENTS

  • Preferred partner hotels offer a hot breakfast buffet beginning at 6 a.m. Viticus Group does not serve breakfast.
  • Hot and cold beverages and snacks are available in the Viticus Center lobby during your course.
  • Lunch is provided during full, 8-hour lab days.
  • Have dietary restrictions? Email Academy@viticusgroup.org before your course so our catering team can prepare accordingly.


WHAT TO BRING

  • Closed-toe shoes are required during labs.
  • Scrubs are available upon arrival if needed.
  • Bring a light sweater or jacket for cooler indoor spaces.
  • Pack sunscreen for time outdoors in Las Vegas.
  • Bring a phone charger or portable power bank.
  • Carry a valid photo ID with you while traveling in Las Vegas.


AIRPORT & HOTEL TRANSPORTATION

Airport Pickup:
Hotel airport pickup is available upon request, 24 hours a day. Once you have retrieved your luggage, contact your hotel for shuttle pickup instructions and the designated waiting location.

Hotel to Harry Reid International Airport:
Reserve your return shuttle at the hotel front desk. Shuttles typically run once per hour, and guests should sign up at least 2 hours before their desired departure time.

SHUTTLES AND TRANSPORTATION

website still of van


TRANSPORTATION

Viticus Group provides complimentary transportation between our preferred partner hotels and the Viticus Center during your course.

Daily Shuttle Service

Morning shuttle service is provided from our preferred partner hotels before the start of your course. At the end of each course day, shuttle service will return you to your hotel.

Last-Day Transportation

On the final day of your course, transportation is available to Harry Reid International Airport or back to your preferred partner hotel. Complimentary luggage storage is available at the Viticus Center during the course day.

Driving Yourself?

If you are a Las Vegas local or plan to drive yourself, please arrive at the Oquendo or Eastern Campus at least 30 minutes before your course start time.

Please refer to your course agenda and email updates for specific shuttle departure and transportation times.


OTHER TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Public transportation options in Las Vegas are limited. If you are staying somewhere other than one of our preferred partner hotels, you will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from the Viticus Center.

Rental cars, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available throughout Las Vegas. If renting a vehicle, keep in mind that Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and other Strip properties may charge for parking.

Soft Tissue Extravaganza: Building Confidence in Common and Challenging Soft Tissue Procedures

June 10 - 12, 2027

Registration Deadline: June 3, 2027

Enroll now