Essential Surgical Procedures: Urinary Obstruction & General Practice -Ectomies

December 3-5, 2026

Join us for 3 full days of lecture and laboratory focused on soft tissue procedures such as: feline perineal urethrostomy, cystotomy, and ureteronephrectomy. Learn how to systematically explore the abdomen and improve visualization to avoid complications and optimize success. Practice essential general practice procedures such as anal sacculectomy, regional mastectomy, digit amputation, and salivary gland removal. We will also learn how to correctly complete 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 usually work in pairs to practice procedures on cadavers in afternoon laboratories with guidance from ACVS- and ACVECC-certified instructors.

Date: December 3-5, 2026
Venue: Viticus Group, Oquendo Center | Las Vegas, NV
Category: Surgery - Soft Tissue
Enrollment Capacity: 32
CE Hours: 24
Cost: $3,200
Instructors:
Nancy Zimmerman, DVM, MS, DACVS
Sarah Evans, DVM, DACVS
Ingar Krebs, DVM, DACVS (SA)
Clara Moran, DVM, DACVS (SA)
Ronald Olsen DVM, MS, DACVS (SA)
Jennifer Mahon, DVM, DACVECC

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Join us for 3 full days of lecture and laboratory focused on soft tissue procedures such as: feline perineal urethrostomy, cystotomy, and ureteronephrectomy. Learn how to systematically explore the abdomen and improve visualization to avoid complications and optimize success. Practice essential general practice procedures such as anal sacculectomy, regional mastectomy, digit amputation, and salivary gland removal. We will also learn how to correctly complete 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 usually work in pairs to practice procedures on cadavers in afternoon laboratories with guidance from ACVS- and ACVECC-certified instructors.

Learning Objectives

Triage/stabilize patients with urinary obstruction. Become comfortable with anesthetic protocols for patients with urinary obstruction.

Practice urinary-related procedures such as feline perineal urethrostomy, canine scrotal urethrostomy, canine penile amputation, cystotomy, and ureteronephrectomy.

Gain confidence in performing abdominal exploratory and collecting diagnostic samples.

Become comfortable repairing diaphragmatic and perineal hernias.

Learn the techniques for anal sacculectomy, sialoadenectomy, and regional mastectomy.

Practice with specialized instrumentation to increase surgical efficiency and patient outcome.

Learn the approach to the hip and gain confidence doing FHOs in both the dog and cat.

Understand indications for and develop competence placing various tubes/catheters (feeding tube, central line, pig tail catheters, and thoracostomy tubes

Questions? We're here to help

Course Instructors

Hotel and Accomodations

Zimmerman_Nancy_Headshot_2024

Nancy Zimmerman, DVM, MS, DACVS

Sarah Evans Photo-1

Sarah Evans, DVM, DACVS

Ingar Krebs_2020-1

Ingar Krebs, DVM, DACVS (SA)

Moran_Clara_2021

Clara Moran, DVM, DACVS (SA)

Ronald Olsen Photo

Ronald Olsen DVM, MS, DACVS (SA)

Mahon_Jennifer__2024

Jennifer Mahon, DVM, DACVECC

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, 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: To book with promotional rate, 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."

DINING

Our preferred partner hotels have a hot breakfast buffet starting at 6a. Viticus Group does not serve breakfast.
Hot and cold beverages + snacks are available in the lobby during the course.
Lunch will be provided during full lab days (8-hours).
If you have any dietary restrictions, please email Academy@viticusgroup.org so we can inform our catering team.

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.

Shuttle wrap