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Online Toxicology Symposium 2026

Free for USA and Canada Attendees

  • March 16 to 19, 2026
  • Veterinarians, Vet Nurses, and Technicians
  • Eligible for 5 Structured CPD Points (Race-Approved)

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Event Details

Every March, we shine a light on the hidden dangers pets face from toxin and poison exposure in their environment. 

This year, as part of the Online Toxicology Symposium, VetEducation is proud to partner with the ASPCA Poison Control and the Australian Animal Poisons Centre (AAPC) to bring you five live webinars designed for the entire veterinary team.

Join us March 16-19, 2026 as leading toxicologists from the ASPCA Poison Control and Australian Animal Poisons Centre (AAPC)share the latest research, updates on emerging toxins and new drugs, and clinically applicable approaches for identifying, managing, and preventing toxic exposures in companion animals

All sessions are live and interactive, and yes – they’ll be recorded, so you won’t miss a thing if you can’t make it live

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The Clinical Problem and Case Context

Toxic exposures are a frequent and potentially life-threatening emergency in veterinary practice, often presenting with non-specific or rapidly evolving clinical signs that require prompt recognition and decisive intervention. Veterinary teams are routinely challenged by limited histories, unfamiliar toxins, and the need to balance rapid stabilisation with targeted treatment and client education. This symposium places these real-world challenges into clear clinical context, using practical case-based discussions led by ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experts to illustrate common and emerging toxicities, diagnostic decision-making, and effective treatment strategies—equipping the entire veterinary team to respond confidently when minutes matter.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this 5-part webinar series, participants will have a sound understanding of how to:

Strategic Plan

Develop a staged analgesic plan for a trauma patient, from emergency stabilization through to full recovery, integrating multimodal strategies appropriate to each phase of care.

Evaluate and Select

Evaluate and select from a range of opioid and non-opioid analgesics, considering their mechanisms, synergistic benefits, and limitations within the context of variable hospital formularies.

Design Effectively

Design effective opioid-sparing protocols for acute pain management that utilize local/regional anesthesia, NSAIDs, adjuncts, and novel techniques.

Adapt Techniques

Adapt learned analgesic principles and techniques to their local clinical environment, formulating pragmatic solutions despite resource or drug availability constraints.

Implement Strategies

Implement strategies to identify patients at risk of transitioning from acute to chronic pain and initiate evidence-based preventive and early management interventions.

Event Schedule

5 Lectures | 3 Days

Old Dogs, New Tricks: How Do New Toxin Treatments Measure Up?
  Dr Karla Smith

Species Sensitivities in the Toxin Realm
  Dr Laura Stern

Tox 10: The Chart-Topping Poisons in Aussie Pets
  Pooja Mehta

Spectrum of Care: Appropriate Management of Toxicology Cases on a Budget
  Dr Catherine Dzienisiewski

From Tox to Tail: Toxidromes & RRSIDEAD in Companion Animals
  Pooja Mehta

Why Should I Attend The Toxicology Symposium

The 2026 Online Toxicology Symposium cuts through the hype, to bring you what really matters in toxicology - patient-centred treatment. We’’ answer the questions:

  • Are the new treatments and buzz always better than the tried and tested ones?
  • Are cats small dogs (we think, “no”) and how are they different?
  • What toxins are Australian pets really getting into?
  • Can I practice clinical toxicology on a budget?
  • How do I manage unusual and old toxins found in the farm shed?

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of toxins will be covered during the symposium?
  • Feline toxins
  • Canine toxins
  • Farm toxins
  • New techniques in toxicology
  • Old and tested techniques in toxicology
Yes! We’ll be talking about both canine and feline-specific toxicities, how to recognise them – and how we manage them differently in the 2 species!
Clinical toxicology is usually about treatment – and that’s where the bulk of our discussions will be focusing. But we’ll also talk about the sorts of advice we can give owners to reduce risks for their pets as well.
We’ll be covering a wide range of toxins in the symposium – and along with that, we’ll be discussing how to recognise the toxins we’re covering, and how to manage them to reduce impact on the patient
Yes! Most cases of poisoning are best managed early – so a good part of our discussions will focus on early recognition and emergency treatment.
Absolutely! This symposium is about empowering you with knowledge – whether you’re a seasoned pro – or a new graduate!
Yes! General practices see the vast majority of poisoning cases – so we’ve geared this symposium up not just for emergency centres- but for the front line in general practice too!
Yes. This symposium is RACE Pending ( US and Canada). It is approved for 5 hours of CE in Australia, New Zealand and most other countries.
Yes! All lectures are recorded and will be emailed after the event.
Dr Karla Smith
DVM
Dr. Karla Smith is a Senior Consulting Veterinarian in Clinical Toxicology and Team Leader. She is originally from Winslow Arizona and attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff for her undergraduate degree. She then graduated from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. After veterinary school Dr. Smith worked in small animal practice (general medicine and emergency) until 2004, when she moved to Illinois to work at ASPCA Poison Control. She currently lives in New Mexico with her multiple dogs, enjoys hiking in the mountains, and traveling the world.
Dr Laura Stern
DVM, DABVT

Dr. Laura Stern has been with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 16 years, and is currently the Associate Medical Director for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. She graduated from Michigan State University and is boarded by the American Board of Toxicology and the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. She has spoken throughout the US and authored multiple book chapters and articles on veterinary toxicology.

Dr Catherine Dzienisiewski
VMD, MLAS, DABT
Catherine received her BS in Animal Science from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) and then pursued a Master’s Degree in Laboratory Animal Science (MLAS) from Drexel University. After completion, Catherine worked for Merck and Co. for one year in the manufacturing division, ensuring the safety of common vaccines like Varicella, MMR, Pneumovax (pneumonia), and Black Widow Spider Antivenin. She attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2008. Prior to her position at ASPCA Poison Control, Catherine worked in Emergency and Critical Care for 11.5 years. In addition to working at ASPCA Poison Control full-time, Catherine enjoys spending time with her husband, Ian and her rescued labrador retriever Taylor. Catherine loves to spend time in her garden, reading, all things Taylor Swift, and attending Penn State Football games.
Pooja Mehta
BSc MPharm ANZCAP-Reg. (Toxicol.)
Graduating with a Master of Pharmacy, Pooja’s passion and interest in clinical toxicology developed when she began her role as a specialist in poisons information.

Pooja is extremely motivated to further her professional development in toxicology and provide evidence based practices to all her patients. Her experiences as a poisons information specialist and her love for animals has cultivated her interest in veterinary toxicology. She is driven to improve the health outcomes of poisoned animals and strives to continually improve her knowledge in the management of animal poisonings.

Old Dogs, New Tricks: How Do New Toxin Treatments Measure Up?

  • Dr Karla Smith
  • March 16, 2026
  • 20:00 CDT
The lecture will discuss when newer therapies such as intralipids or cholestyramine are indicated for the treatment of toxicity and when established therapies are completely appropriate. Recent journal articles will be discussed, along with firsthand experience from ASPCA Poison Control. We will also touch on why some new therapies that sound exciting may not be useful in the real world.

To check the time in your zone/country, please click here.

Species Sensitivities in the Toxin Realm

  • Dr Laura Stern
  • March 17, 2026
  • 20:00 CDT
We all know that cats are not small dogs, but why? This lecture will explore species differences between cats and dogs and how that affects their sensitivity to certain toxins. We will take a deep dive into the fascinating physiology that provides our least favorite complications when treating toxicities in our favorite companion animal species. Highlights include: ABCB1-1D genetic mutations, feline erythrocyte sensitivity to oxidative damage, feline specific metabolism defects, and dog and cat specific toxins.

To check the time in your zone/country, please click here.

Tox 10: The Chart-Topping Poisons in Aussie Pets

  • Pooja Mehta
  • March 18, 2026
  • 3:30 CDT
What toxins are Australian veterinarians really encountering in practice? Based on five years of data from the Australian Animal Poisons Centre, Pooja Mehta reveals the most common toxin exposures reported across Australia and New Zealand – and what the AAPC team recommends for managing these cases.

To check the time in your zone/country, please click here.

Spectrum of Care: Appropriate Management of Toxicology Cases on a Budget

  • Dr Catherine Dzienisiewski
  • March 18, 2026
  • 20:00 CDT
The spectrum of care in the management of toxicities refers to the range of strategies used to recognize, assess, prevent, and treat adverse effects of toxicities. The primary goal is to ensure patient safety while maintaining treatment efficacy. It is important to establish key goals for veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of communication, evidence-based medicine, and client-centered decision-making in the treatment of toxicities.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand spectrum of care terminology
  • Understand why spectrum of care is needed in veterinary medicine.
  • Understand appropriate management of toxicology cases on a budget.

To check the time in your zone/country, please click here.

From Tox to Tail: Toxidromes & RRSIDEAD in Companion Animals

  • Pooja Mehta
  • March 19, 2026
  • 3:30 CDT
Rural and agricultural environments pose unique and serious toxicological challenges for veterinary teams – from accidental exposures to deliberate baits like 1080 and PAPP, to high-stakes chemicals such as paraquat.

In this practical and clinically focused session, Pooja Mehta explores how to identify and manage these high-risk toxicities using a toxidrome-based approach and the RRSI (Risk-Resuscitation-Support-Investigation) framework, adapted specifically for animals.

You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to rapidly assess and respond to common rural poisons – even when diagnostics are limited and the clock is ticking. Perfect for clinicians in mixed or regional practice, this lecture combines real-world case insights with structured clinical strategy to help you act quickly and confidently when rural poisonings strike.

To check the time in your zone/country, please click here.