Casey Brechtel, DVM, PhD (Texas), an AVCA Certified Doctor, graduated from Colorado State in 1991.  After completing a surgical internship at Illinois Equine Hospital in Chicago he entered a private equine sports medicine practice, serving as show veterinarian on California’s “A” Hunter/Jumper show circuit.

In 1995, Dr. Brechtel left practice to pursue a PhD in Molecular Biophysics at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he studied bacterial and mammalian GABA transport proteins, and participated in an NIH toxicology training program.

In 2000, Dr. Brechtel served as Interim Director of Research at Critical Care Research in California, before settling down once again in Texas.  Since then he has managed his family’s four (human chiropractic clinics, completing his own training in Animal Chiropractic in 2004.

Garry Dulgar, DC (Florida), an AVCA Certified Doctor, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Baldwin-Wallace College, and his DC degree from Logan College.  He was a Rhodes Scholar Nominee,  did research at Case-Western Reserve University under the National Science Foundation, and submitted a paper on “Brain Nucleic Acids and Learning” to the Neurosciences Research Program at MIT.    He is certified as an animal chiropractor; past Board member, Examiner, lecturer and lifetime member of the AVCA; and was an instructor at Options for Animals.  He is a member of the ACA, FCA, FCER and IAATH.  He is licensed by the State of Florida Department of Professional Regulation as an equine chiropractor with licenses at Tampa Bay Downs, Calder, and Gulfstream race tracks.

Soft Tissue Advanced Basic Technique – Canine and Equine – Lecture and Lab w/Ava Frick, DVM:  A soft tissue chiropractic approach to animal health care, the Advanced Basic Technique lecture and lab will include not only the sacropelvic and cervical components of the treatment protocol, but more importantly will emphasize the overall effect of the treatment procedures when used in conjunction with other chiropractic interventions in improving animal health and performance.

The Holistic Healer:  The animal chiropractor is not just a doctor, but ultimately a healer.  In this session doctors will learn those practical techniques that contribute to the development of a “healing presence” by the doctor that can be applied immediately upon their return to clinical practice so as to optimize the outcome of the doctors’ treatment of the animal patient.

Ava Frick, DVM, (Missouri) an AVCA Certified Doctor, earned her veterinary degree in 1980, AVCA certification in Animal Chiropractic in 1997, and proficiency certification in Herbal Phytotherapy in 2006.  She served on the AVCA board of directors for three years and is an AVCA Lifetime Member.

Dr. Frick’s Animal Fitness Center is a cutting-edge holistic animal rehabilitation facility with a special focus on eliminating pain and balancing the autonomic nervous system.  She is recognized as the world’s leading authority on the application of microcurrent therapy in animals.  In 2006, Ava was selected by the Hartz Mountain Corporation as their ‘Veterinarian of the Year Runner-Up’.  This award was established to honor veterinarians who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to patients, their families and to their communities.  

A highly respected public speaker, radio talk show host, and published author, Dr. Frick’s new book Fitness in Motion, published by Lyon’s Press, November 2007.

Current of Injury, a Scientific Connection to Innate Intelligence:  Daniel David Palmer knew something existed in a body that guided healing.  He called this “Innate Intelligence.”  In the 1960s-80s Robert Becker, MD researched what guides tissue healing and identified what others in the past had only alluded to.  He found that elusive force that D. D. Palmer used to explain the effects of his adjustments and called it “Current of Injury.”  This presentation will review the science behind current of injury, how it functions in all bodies, when it works, why it sometimes fails, and what we can do to improve its potential in our chiropractic patients. 

Rehabilitation Exercises for Improving Function in Small Animal Patients:  The dog can’t walk very well; you have adjusted the back and then what?  There are many safe and effective exercises the client can be trained to do with the dog (or cat) between visits to improve proprioception, coordination, and strength.  These rehabilitative exercises are for animals with back injuries, paresis or paralysis. To get started the only additional equipment needed (besides your hands) would be a few balls.  Building from one visit to the next is important and this series of exercises are successful, time tested and used by many doctors.

Stretching Exercises for Horses: Are They Effective?  Speaker will present research in both animals and humans that support the use of stretching exercises in horses as a means of increasing range of motion, improving body flexibility and posture, and preventing injury by strengthening the supportive tissues.

Soft Tissue Advanced Basic Technique – Canine and Equine – Lecture and Lab w/Garry Dulgar, DC

Donna Gigliotti, DC (New York) has been working on animals in conjunction with local veterinarians since 1997 when she received her basic certification in animal chiropractic from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). Dr. Gigliotti has completed a 700 + hour course in advanced animal neurology which will eventually lead to a master’s degree. 

Over the years, Dr. Gigliotti has completed numerous seminars and classes in neurology, biomechanics and energy therapies.  She has also trained with leading practitioners in those fields to improve her knowledge and skills.

Dr. Gigliotti uses a combination of techniques and modalities to help your animal achieve its maximum health potential.  Some of these include:  Gait and Biomechanical Analysis, Musculoskeletal Evaluation, Functional Neurology, Neurofascial release, Receptor Based Therapy, Jaffe-Mellor Techniques.

Sacral-Occipital Technique (SOT):  Fundamental concepts of Sacral-Occipital Technique (SOT) will be explored and how to apply those concepts to your work with animals.  Among the topics that will be discussed, are Cervical Spinal Fluid (CSF), R & C Factors, cervical-lumbar connection, and how to determine the major subluxation.

Michael W. Hall, DC (Texas), is a renowned chiropractic neurologist who has been providing chiropractic care for nearly two decades.  He is well known within the medical community in Dallas and in the chiropractic community both domestic and internationally.  He has earned a diplomat from the American Board of Chiropractic Neurologists (DABCN), and in 2008 was named a fellow by the International Academy of Chiropractic Neurology (IACN).  Dr. Hall is a popular and highly admired chiropractic educator and lecturer, talking often about the importance of brain health.  His specific intellectual interests lie in cerebello-cerebral neuroplastic integration and clinical manifestations thereof, whether biped or quadriped.  In addition to his practice, Dr. Hall teaches cllinical neurology, advanced diagnosis, and case management at Parker college of Chiropracic in Dallas, Texas.  He regularly lectures both naionally and internationally for Parker Seminars, as well as various state, national, and international associations.  A 1990 magna cum laude graduate of Parker, Dr. Hall has taught post–doctoral clinical neurology diplomate and certification programs since 1993.  In addition to awards of appreciation and distinction, he has earned numerous certificates in specialized areas, including cervical spine trauma, rehabilitation and technique.

Chiropractic Clinical Neurology for the Animal Practitioner:  This presentation will address contemporary research that centers around the vertebral subluxation as it relates to lameness of the animal. Dysafferentation, gait disorder, and muscle imbalance may well be attributed to dysfunction of the vertebral motion unit.  Receptor activation, tract facilitation, and labeled line theory application will be covered. Neuroplasticity, transneural degeneration, and hemispheric integration will be addressed. Joint mis-alignment and localization of neurologic dysfunction will be the primary emphasis of this presentation.

Attendees will be given a “refreshed” understanding of functional neurology, and will learn the importance of proper joint alignment as it relates to motion and neurologic dysfunction, how subluxation alters neural function, the concepts of diaschisis, neuroplasticity, and transneural degeneration, and will gain a greater understanding of the ramifications of vertebral subluxation and neurologic dysfunction.

John J. Hanover, DVM (Illinois), an AVCA Certified Doctor, has practiced in the field of veterinary medicine for almost 20 years.  University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine 1991, graduating with honors.  Certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (1999), the Chi Institute in Veterinary Acupuncture (2001), and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS, 2003).  He runs an integrated veterinary practice incorporating conventional medicine and complimentary holistic modalities.  Dr. Hanover also focuses on nutrition to promote healing with the emphasis on gastrointestinal health and the immune system in his patients.  Dr. Hanover is a third generation veterinarian, been involved in every aspect of his family’s animal hospital from a very young age.  Dr. Hanover, his fiancé, Misty, and his daughter, Ariel, all enjoy spending time together with their pets, a rescue mix breed dog, Chi (meaning energy), and Piglet, a pony.  Dr. Hanover’s hobbies include spending time with his family, traveling, cooking, skiing, scuba diving and animal rescue work.

Adjustment Interference – Gut and Endocrine System Dysfunction Contribute Toxins:  Toxins contribute to many of the musculoskeletal problems we are trying to correct.  A large majority of these toxins come from an unhealthy gastrointestinal tract and/or endocrine dysfunction.  These conditions create a pro-inflammatory state, increase toxins in the body, and affect cellular health.  These conditions will continuously interfere with the healing process and chiropractic adjustments if not identified and corrected.

Amy Hayek, DVM (South Carolina), an AVCA Certified Doctor, graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in 1986 and an MA in 1987.  Following a career in university teaching, graduated Colorado State University veterinary school in 1998.  Certifcation in veterinary acupuncture with the Chi Institute, 2000.  Certificate in spinal manipulative therapy from the State of Wisconsin (Healing Oasis Wellness Center).  Certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, 2004.  Completed the HOWC program for Advanced Chiropractic in Neurology.  Currently she practices near Charleston, South Carolina where she owns a veterinary clinic.  Dr. Hayek uses applied kinesiology, herbal therapies, nutritional toxicology and restructuring, dentistry and hoof balance to treat the performance horses and dogs in her practice.  She has co-written a book on environmental influences and equine nutrition as it affects the health of the horse.  She is the single mother of one son, Robert; 5 dogs, one cat and one horse.

Neuromuscular Rehabilitation:  The missing link in every equine and canine rehabilitation program begins in the brain.  The capability of the animal to return to normal function, to recover from athletic events and to reach its athletic potential depends on the ability of the nervous system to drive the musculoskeletal system to its maximum potential without irreversible injury.  By addressing the weaknesses in the neurofunction of the animal, these can be exposed and treated to gain the maximum function of the animal.  This is the basis of evolution and survival, and when applied to rehabilitation programs, attains the utmost in athletic potential.  This seminar will address neuroanatomy, metabolic capacity, sensory input, and the relationship between the muscle and the brain.

Equine Podiatry and its Relationship to Chiropractic Adjustment:  Sensory input from the environment is the driving force that builds motor function in the brain, which in turn develops strength in muscles that help in maintaining more effective reflexes and responses to other environmental stimuli.  In humans, most touch sensory organs are concentrated in our fingertips.  In horses and dogs, the same is true.  Meisner’s corpusles, Pacinian corpusles and sensory nerves are located in the heel and frog region of the hoof of the horse and in the digital pads of the dog.  This can be altered by unbalanced hoof trimming, peripheral loading devices, and poor blood flow.  Attendees will be exposed to neurology and anatomy of the foot, biomechanics of the equine foot; the theory that normal anatomy, balance and trim is necessary to achieve normal muscle function of the leg; and the theory that normal anatomy, balance and trim is necessary to achieve normal anti-gravity posture, and normal metabolic function.

Rachel Heart, DVM (Illinois), an AVCA Certified Doctor,.  A 1985 graduate McGill University in Montreal, Quebec with a BSc.in Biology and received her DVM in 1991 from Tufts Cummins School of Veterinary Medicine in Massachusetts.  Her career since graduation has been dedicated to working with sport horses all over the United States.  Ten of these years were spent working on the backside at racetracks in California, Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, Florida, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  Dr. Heart left the track in 2001 to focus on other disciplines.  She opened Heart Equine, spring of 2008.  Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture (Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) in 2005.  Currently working on her Masters in Chinese Herbal Medicine (Chi Institute).  Certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (Healing Oasis Wellness Center) 2007.  Certification by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, 2008.

Clinical Applications of Tensegrity: Beyond the Motor Unit w/Michael Buskohl, DC:  Using the principles of tensegrity, activity induced injuries in the horse can be reduced by increasing the horse’s ability to absorb and distribute force.  This lecture is an introduction to the priniciples that make this possible and the clinical presentations.  By taking a “whole-istic” look at how the horse produces and distributes forces, one becomes able to treat and prevent stress induced injuries.

Doug Lawson, DC, MSc (Alberta) is the husband of the charming and intelligent Maria Lawson, a volunteer with the AVCA. They have two delightful children, the older a professor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and the younger a team leader specialist with WestJet airlines.  Doug and Maria have over 40 years of experience in examination design and implementation.  Doug has a Master of Science degree from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine, and Medical Education Research Unit. His area of special interest was in psychometrics.  As a second generation chiropractor, Doug has contributed as the Chair of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and Chief Executive Officer. He was also the Registrar of the College of Chiropractors of Alberta.  For his service to the chiropractic profession he has been recognized with a lifetime honorary member of the College of Chiropractors of Alberta, an honorary member of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, and the Medal of Merit of the Canadian Chiropractic Association.  He has published over fifteen articles in peer reviewed journals and sits on the editorial board of three journals.  He volunteers as the public member on the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission. Doug also is a long-time volunteer for The Arthritis Society.

Professional Practice Analysis Workshop: This is you the AVCA Certified Doctor defining your profession.  The workshop will review the process and results of the professional practice analysis (PPA) of the AVCA.  The PPA will be used as a building point to develop recommendations to the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) and to the AVCA on the topic of examination content (blueprint) and style, and on topic of research capacity within the animal chiropractic community.  “Sex” will also be one of the topics.  If time is available, workshop attendees will be given the opportunity to practice their new understanding of “sex” within the safety of the workshop.

Robert Ness, DVM (Illinios), an AVCA Certified Doctor, graduated University of Illinios College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990, with a strong interest in avian and exotic pet medicine.  His first employment was as an associate veterinarian for the only Chicago all avian and exotic pet practice at the time.  He later served as head exotic veterinarian for a prominent group of Chicago area veterinary practices.  Llimitations of standard conventional care for chronic diseases and common problems encouraged, Dr.Ness began exploring the realm of holistic medicine.

Dr. Ness started Ness Exotic Wellness Center, June 2002, as an alternative to the tyical veterinary hospital.  He continues to develop his wealth of knowledge by adding new and innovative treatments to his practice.  He is widely respected and regarded in the field of Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine, especially in the field of Holistic Therapy.  He is presently one of the very few practitioners in the country practicing Holistic Therapy for Avian and Exotic Pets.

Chiropractic Care In Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine:  An overview of how chiropractic care is employed in an exotic pet practice with specific examples on common conditions.  A discussion on adjusting pet birds, reptiles, ferrets and other small mammals.  Specific cases will be presented as well as an opportunity for the audience to present scenarios and discuss chiropractic applications.

Chiropractic Care of Pet Rabbits:  A variety of disorders and conditions in commonly encountered in pet rabbit medicine benefit from chiropractic adjustments.  A few of these conditions include torticollis, hind limb paresis and spondylosis.  Others conditions and diseases that may be less obvious include GI stasis and cystic calculi, which benefit from chiropractic care as an adjunctive therapy.

William Ormston, DVM (Texas), an AVCA Certified Doctor, graduated from Iowa State University in 1988.  Dr. Ormston has worked in or owned mixed animal practices.  He attended Options For Animals, becoming AVCA certified in 1998.  In 2004, he completed his degree in Veterinary Homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy.  Dr. Ormston is an instructor in the Parker Chiropractic College’s Post Graduate course in animal chiropractic.  He teaches biomechanics, gait analysis and saddle fit as well as Equine sports medicine rehabilitation at North Central Texas College.  He speaks nationally and internationally on movement and gait analysis in both horses and dogs.  He has authored 3 books on complimentary therapies and is a regular contributor to several publications.  He has teamed with Sports Motion, Inc to bring affordable gait analysis to the animal world.  Teaming with Port Lewis he developed

a unique approach to saddle fit.  His family includes Riley, Philip, Jessica and a varying number of dogs and cats.

Show Me Saddle Fit Lecture and Lab: The goals of this lecture are to teach the attendees the signs of an ill – fitting saddle, and while introducing some basic tools for telling if a saddle fits today, help the attendees understand the complex process of saddle fitting.  The functions of the saddle are to provide a stable base of support for the rider. (safety and security), distribute the weight evenly across the parts of a horse’s body not involved in forward motion and allow the horse to move independently from the rider.  Attendees will be able to identify signs of saddle fit problems, be able to list several factors involved in proper saddle fit, learn that saddle fit requires a horse, rider and movement to be complete, will learn several techniques to help their clients identify whether the saddle fits, and will learn how to correct common saddle fit errors

AVCA Chicken Stew – Animal Chiropractic Technique:  These sessions, equine and canine, are meant to allow AVCA Certified Doctors to present new techniques, different listings, technique modifications, and pearls of practice so that all AVCA animal chiropractic professionals will gain from your experience.

Robin Robinett, DVM (Texas), an AVCA Certified Doctor, has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A &M University.  She worked as a research assistant at MD Anderson Cancer Center for two years, before returning to Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1989.  Dr. Robinett opened a small animal and equine ambulatory practice in 1991.  In September 1996, she was certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.  In May 1997 she did veterinary relief work and started a mobile veterinary chiropractic practice.  In 2008, she became certified in veterinary acupuncture by the Chi Institute in Florida, and opened Veterinary Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Clinic, PC that fall.  She has lectured on animal chiropractic to veterinary associations, colleges and lay groups.  Dr. Robinett has competed in hunter, dressage and three day eventing.

Physical Rehabilitation as it relates to Animal Chiropractic:  Rehabilitation is the return to normal function and the animal patient may need additional help to acheive this goal.  There are many modalities used in physical therapy that can easily be incorporated into the veterinary chiropractic practice as they relate to the health of the subluxation.  This lecture will go into detailed descriptions of certain modalities and will include case studies.