Feline medicine conference heads to Latvia
Feline behaviour, neurology and "Hollywood glamour" are all set to feature at the next International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) Congress, which is heading to Riga, Latvia in June this year.
Delegates will benefit from a range of lectures on feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), paralysis and seizures, among many others, as well as a glittering themed party in the grand hall of the historic Riga Latvian Society House.
World leader in the field of FIC, Tony Buffington from the Ohio State University, will discuss the development, prognosis and management of the condition.
In a series of lectures, he will also explore the environmental enrichment options for confined cats, as well as the use of evidence-based medicine to aid decision-making in practice. For a deeper understanding of clinical nutrition, delegates can opt to attend the masterclass.
Rita Goncalves from the University of Liverpool will look at the management of hepatic encephalopathy, and the infectious, metabolic and toxic causes of neurological disease.
Additionally, the surgical management of portosystematic shunts and laryngeal paralysis will be covered by John Williams of North West Surgeons UK, who will also host a masterclass in abdominal surgery during the event.
European veterinary specialist in neurology, Laurent Garosi, will cover a number of topics, such as the management of traumatic brain injury, acute spinal injury, evaluating the paralysed cat and approaches for wobbly, weak or seizuring cats.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones during three free drinks receptions and the main Hollywood glamour themed party.
In addition, no lectures are scheduled on the Saturday afternoon of the event, allowing delegates the opportunity to explore the city. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Riga is the European Capital of Culture for 2014.
The conference will be held from June 18-22 at the Radisson Blu Latvia Hotel - one of the defining landmarks in Riga's skyline.
For the full scientific programme, or to register, go to www.icatcare.org/vets
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
