A must-attend event as UPAV Conference welcomes reptile expert Dr Doug Mader

With a bona fide reptile guru as the keynote speaker, this year’s Unusual Pet & Avian (UPAV) Conference is shaping up to be a don’t miss occasion. Canberra will be brimming with exotic veterinarians in late November, as the UPAV Conference conveniently follows the Association of Avian Veterinarians Committee (AAVAC) Conference in the same venue.

However, Dr Daniella Hsu, UPAV Conference Convenor and veterinarian with The Unusual Pet Vets emphasises the conference isn’t just for those who regularly work with exotic animals. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about some of the common conditions in unusual and avian species, as well as explore management and diagnostic options. Plus, it’s a great chance to network with exotic vets that are local to you and build relationships with us. We’re always open to helping other vets!” she says.

“For rural and regional vets, it’s especially valuable, as many clients can’t always travel to an exotics clinic. The conference will help them handle initial triage and stabilisation procedures.”

^{Image: Dr Doug Mader}

The star attraction of the event is Dr Doug Mader, a triple board-certified veterinary specialist from the USA, with nearly 4 decades of experience. Daniella describes his book Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery (now in its 3^rd edition) as the “reptile bible”, for exotics veterinarians. “Dr Mader is worshipped, like an idol! It’s incredibly exciting to have such a renowned clinician come to Australia, and I can’t wait to meet him and pick his brain,” Dr Hsu enthuses.

Dr Mader will lead 2 masterclasses and present 6 lectures over the 3-day event:

Masterclasses:

• Chelonian Coelomic Surgical Approaches
• Surgery of the Reptile Head Masterclass

Lectures:

• Treatment Techniques in Reptiles
• Reptilian Emergency and Critical Care Procedures
• Why Won’t My Reptile Eat?
• Metabolic Bone Diseases in Reptiles
• Reptile Neurology – Cranial Nerve Examination
• Crocodilian Medicine

Joining Dr Mader is an impressive lineup of presenters covering a diverse range of species and showcasing the latest from the exotic world. “There will be a lot of case presentations from the past year, new information that hasn’t yet been published,” notes Dr Hsu.

^{Image: Dr Daniella Hsu}

The conference also offers a full-day stream for veterinary nurses, providing a unique opportunity for them to network and share knowledge in a relatively specialised field. Dr Hsu encourages everyone to join in on the Unusual Quiz, a highly anticipated conference tradition. “It’s a lot of fun, with friendly competition. It’s become an annual highlight,” she says.

The 2024 UPAV Conference will take place from 25-27 November at the Canberra Rex Hotel. Visit the UPAV Conference website to learn more, including the complete 3-day scientific program.

Enjoy early bird pricing - register before Monday 28 October!