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Equine All-Inclusive Safari Event - 6 Days of Lectures, Practical Sessions & Amazing Wildlife

Sun, 17 November, 2024 - Sat, 23 November, 2024

Species

Equine

Contact Hours

18 Hours

Early Booking Deadline

Sun, 18 August, 2024

Registration Deadline

Sun, 10 November, 2024

Language

English

Sponsors
Discipline

Anaesthesia & Pain Management

Diagnostic Imaging

Internal Medicine – Endocrinology, Haematology, Infectious Diseases, Parasitology & Oncology

Neonatology

Orthopaedics

Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy / Physical Therapy

Sports Medicine

Industry Partners

Global

Veterinary Partners

Global

The registration deadline has been extended as this event will definitely take place!

 

EVENT DESCRIPTION

VetPD has combined an exhilarating week-long safari experience at the Mongena Game Lodge**** in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, near Johannesburg, South Africa, with a total of 25 hours of safaris, 30+ hours of cutting-edge lectures / case discussions and 30+ hours of practical sessions / wetlabs on live horses and specimens for attendees to choose from. The following internationally renowned speakers will be involved with this event and lectures/wetlabs will be aimed at experienced general and advanced practitioners:   Lee Clark (Consultant, UK), Dr. Nathan Slovis (Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, USA), Dr. Cooper Williams (Equine Sports Medicine of Maryland, USA), Dr. Andrew Harrison (Worcester Racecourse, UK), Vicky Savage (Three Counties Equine Hospital, UK), Yolandi Smit (University of Pretoria, South Africa) & Duncan Prinsloo (Embriosem Veterinary Practice, South Africa).

The Dinokeng Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve, 1 hours' drive from Johannesburg International Airport. There the ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard & rhinoceros) roam wild and free in the 18,500-hectare game reserve.  Bass fishing and the obligatory swimming pool will provide you with the ideal environment to relax with your friends and accompanying partner/guest. The lectures and wetlabs will be held at Mongena Game Lodge.  Guests will be staying at one of the following stunning Lodges within the Dinokeng Game Reserve, a short scenic drive from Mongena Game Lodge:  Little MongenaChameleon Bush Lodge and Siyaya Game Lodge.

From Mon – Thu there will be a total of 4-5 hrs per day of sunrise- and sunset safaris and the lectures and practical sessions will be held between 10.15am – 3.30pm.  Every day attendees can choose from several streams of highly illustrated lectures (in English) or wetlabs on a wide range of disciplines and topics.  The evenings will be free for leisurely wining and dining, to meet up with old friends and to make new ones.

The 30+ hours of cutting-edge lectures / case discussions and 30+ hours of practical sessions / wetlabs on live horses and specimens in true small groups will cover the following disciplines (program to follow soon):

  • Orthopaedics (incl. Objective Gait Analysis, Rehabilitation, Back & Sacroiliac Conditions) 
  • Pre-Purchase Examination: Orthopaedic Approach, Ultrasonography, Heart Murmur 
  • Physiotherapy (incl. Evaluation, Treatment, Exercise Programs) 
  • Musculoskeletal Imaging: Ultrasonography & Radiography 
  • Diagnostic Imaging: Abdominal & Thoracic Ultrasonography) 
  • Sports Medicine (incl. head shaking & muscle disorders) 
  • Anaesthesia and Analgesia (incl. Regional& Local Techniques, CRI, Pain Management) 
  • Neonatology (incl. Emergencies Triage, Diagnostics & Management) 
  • Internal Medicine: Field Procedures incl. Endoscopic Techniques, Biosecurity 
  • General Practice: Emergencies& Top Tips

During the course open and frank discussions are encouraged and the speakers will share their personal experiences with attendees, be it successes or failures.  There will be plenty of opportunities to discuss diagnostic/therapeutic strategies and cases with the speakers during the lectures or the dedicated case discussions.

On Friday there won’t be any lectures or practical sessions, which will allow attendees and their partners/guests to relax at the pool, go for a bush walk or go on a daytrip to explore this beautiful region.

Daytrips to 'Adventure with Elephants', 'Food for Rhinos, an exclusive Hot Air Ballooning Safari over the Cradle of Humankind', Horse Back Riding and the 'Cheetah & Lion Sanctuary' to name but a few can be organised through our partner 'Dinokeng Events' (Subject to availability and surcharges (transfers & entrance at cost) apply).

With regards to the practical sessions, please note that spaces are limited. We will allocate spaces on a first come first serve basis so make sure you register early.

*The event fee includes airport transfers, accommodation, all meals (incl. tea/coffee and one soft drink per meal), transfers between lodges and the sunrise and sunset safaris from Monday to Thursday, all lectures and wetlabs as well as extensive course notes and a certificate of attendance. Attendees can choose to stay in a single room or can share a room with another attendee at a reduced price.  Attendees are also welcome to attend the course with a partner/guest (special guest price available).  The course fee does not include flights or alcoholic drinks. Rooms are allocated at the discretion of VetPD. Early course registration is recommended as there are only a limited number of places available.


Additional Terms & Conditions:

  1. VetPD Ltd, accepts liability for the course program only (lectures & practical sessions)
  2. Liability for airport transfer, accommodation, meals and all other pre-booked components (safari activities etc.) rest with the Mongena Game Lodge. Cancellation of these components of the course is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Mongena Game Lodge.
  3. Attendees are expected to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance in the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to attendees falling ill or having to cancel their trip to South Africa.

Lee is a Chartered Physiotherapist qualifying in 1997 from the University of Teesside in the UK. He worked in the NHS for 2 years whist training to become a Chartered Animal Physiotherapist, graduating in 1999 as a Cat A member of ACPAT. He then completed a 2-year postgraduate course in manual therapy/sports at Glasgow University in 2001. Lee has completed numerous other courses in many different techniques such as Acupuncture, Laser Therapy, Neurology, Kinesiotaping, Saddle Fitting and Manipulation. In 2011 Lee was appointed the Official Team Physiotherapist for the British Equestrian Team responsible for treating the horses and riders and has worked at numerous European and World Equestrian Games including WEG 2014. In 2012 he was selected to be one of the physiotherapists at the London 2012 Olympic Games providing treatment for horses travelling from all over the world to compete. Lee now continues to combine human and equine work, dividing time equally between Darlington Physiotherapy and Sport Injury clinic specialising in the treatment of riders, and The Equine Physiotherapy Clinic which specialises in rehabilitating horses after serious injury.

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Andrew qualified from Liverpool University in 1988 and joined the practice in 1993. His particular interests are veterinary anaesthesia, internal medicine and echo-cardiography. He has been awarded the RCVS Certificates in both Equine Practice and Veterinary Anaesthesia.

Andrew is the senior veterinary surgeon at Worcester Racecourse and is also a registered examiner with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in Equine Veterinary Nursing and for the veterinary Certificate In Equine Practice. He is a former President of BEVA, a role which saw him deeply involved in championing the health and welfare of horses throughout the world.

Outside the practice, Andrew enjoys road cycling and rowing.

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Vicky is a specialist in Equine Internal Medicine with a particular interest in equine critical care and neonatology. She graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2013 and spent the following year in mixed practice in Yorkshire. She then completed an internship in equine medicine and critical care at Scone Equine Hospital in Australia. It was during this time her interest in all aspects of equine medicine, but particularly neonatal care and stud medicine were established. After her internship, Vicky shuttled between Northern and Southern hemisphere breeding seasons as a stud vet for two years before embarking on a residency in Equine Internal Medicine at the University of Bristol, which she completed in July 2020. During this time she also undertook research into equine acute kidney disease and trigeminal-mediated headshaking. She joined the team at TCEH in October 2020. Vicky has been awarded an RCVS certificate in advanced veterinary practice and holds a masters degree in veterinary parasitology.

Outside of work, Vicky enjoys running and can be found on nearby trails accompanied by her over-enthusiastic collie and slightly disgruntled westie. She also enjoys kitesurfing, snowboarding and riding when time allows.

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Dr. Nathan Slovis is the Director of the McGee Center and a Member of the Practice. He is a native of Annapolis, Maryland. He received his Bachelor of Science from Radford University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University, interned at Arizona Equine Center and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis.

Dr. Slovis has published over 50 manuscripts in both national and international peer reviewed veterinary journals. He is a frequent speaker at many national and international veterinary conferences. He is the Editor of both the Atlas of Equine Endoscopy and The Atlas of Diseases/Disorders of the Foal both distributed by Elsevier. He has also authored numerous book chapters related to Equine Neonatology, Equine Neurology, Hyperbaric medicine, and infectious diseases. He implemented the current Infectious Disease and Equine Emergency Response Programs at Hagyard and holds the position of Infectious Disease Officer and Equine Emergency Response Co-Director. He is also a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist and a Member of the Veterinary Infectious Disease Society.

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Dr. Yolandi Smit qualified from the University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science in 2009 and joined the University as an intern in Equine Medicine and Surgery in 2010. She completed her MSc during her internship. After completing the internship, Dr. Smit spent two years in a Equine private practise before returning to the University in 2013 as a resident (MMedVet) in Equine Surery. She is currently a lecturer in equine surgery for under- and postgraduate students. Dr. Smit has three publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Smit’s MSc degree focused on radiographic changes in yearling thoroughbred horses at sales, for which >500 prepurchase radiographs were evaluated.  Her research expanded further to evaluate intra-articular platelet-rich plasma in osteoarthritic joints to explore future treatment protocols for horses affected by osteoarthritis. Her specific interest in wildlife lead to the first publication of an osteochondroma in a white rhinocerus.

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Dr. Cooper Williams grew up in Cecil County Maryland where he learned to play polo and train polo ponies with his family. He ultimately obtained a five goal rating, and played professionally for five years. In 1984 he graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He accepted a post graduate internship at Delaware Equine Center, where he developed their ultrasound imaging program. In 1987 he moved to Maryland where he worked for two years at Maryland Equine Center, also developing their ultrasound imaging program. In 1989 Dr. Williams started his own practice, focusing on diagnostics and sports medicine in equine athletes. After 3 years of rigorous study, learning in depth about advanced diagnostic imaging, Dr. Williams passed his examination and was certified by the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP) in 2009 and has continued on as a certified instructor with ISELP, teaching other equine veterinarians all over the world. In August 2014, Dr Williams successfully passed his examination and is officially a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, continuing on as an active committee member. In 2017, Dr. Williams along with his associate Dr. Magda Stewart started Equine Sports Medicine of Maryland, an extensive lameness, regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, and imaging consultation practice. They also actively perform field research on a variety of sports medicine topics. He is an active lecturing member of the High-Performance Equine Sports Medicine Group. Dr. Williams is also one of the founding members of the Equine Spine Initiative, an international group formed in 2022 by Dr. Kevin Haussler focused on improving our understanding of the Equine Spine. He continues as a member of their Board of Directors. He was an early orthobiologic researcher, specifically in the use of extracellular matrices and was on the veterinary advisory board for ACell, Inc., a tissue engineering company. Dr. Williams actively lectures on a variety of sports medicine topics and teaches hands on ultrasound imaging and “whole horse” examination courses worldwide. Cooper is married to his best friend and lifemate Trish. Trish and Cooper have two daughters and reside on a small farm in Hampstead, MD. In their spare time Cooper and Trish enjoy their farm and spending time with family and friends.

More Info

Please download the Program PDF to view it: Download PDF

Venue

Dinokeng Game Reserve (Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport)

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel to Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa

  • Vaccination

Mongena Game lodge is located in the Dinokeng Game Reserve and one of the biggest lodges in the area. Dinokeng Game Reserve is in a malaria free area. Check your government advice on vaccination etc as it differs for country to country.

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis Ahepatitis Btyphoidcholerayellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Shot lasts 2 years.

  • VISA

The following link shows a list of countries exempt from requiring a VISA when traveling to South Africa: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries. This list may change without notice so check just before your trip.

To apply for a VISA, click the following link: https://ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit/home

If your country is not on the list, please use this link for the PDF form: VISA Form

Forms need to be emailed to VisaVerifications@dha.gov.za

 

Money and tipping

The local currency is South African Rand (ZAR). For currency conversion to your local currency click here: https://www.xe.com

It is advisable to exchange money into local currency – either at the airport or in your country ahead of the event. However, there is a shop with an ATM nearby, where the rangers or VetPD can take you too.

There is no expectation of tipping at Mongena Game Lodge. The guideline is voluntary tipping of 10% on service fee/food/beverages.

Generally speaking, if you purchase anything at Mongena or wish to tip the staff, these charges can be added to your room and you settle your room bill at the end of your trip by credit card (or cash if you wish).

 

WiFi

There is WiFi available at Mongena Reception, conference room and guest rooms.

Voltage

Plugs Voltage from US https://en-us.wikiconnections.org/power-supplies/continents/africa/what-can-i-connect-to-a-south-african-power-supply

Dress Code

The entire event is very casual. For wetlabs, shorts and t-shirt are perfectly fine. We recommend closed toes shoes when choosing wetlabs with live horses.

For dinner, the dress code is also very casual.

During the early morning and evening safaris a warm jumper, cardigan or coat is useful to have as it can get quite cold on the open plan jeeps.

Have any unwanted textbooks?

"VetBooks for Africa“: a group of veterinary students from the vet school at Onderstepoort does a tour of some neighbouring countries, visiting vet schools and charities. The main purpose behind the trip (other than offering the students an opportunity to visit the countries and making connections) is to distribute veterinary textbooks to them. They collect books on an ongoing basis, and would be very happy to receive any unused text books. There is a short video of their last trip at  https://youtu.be/i9fqrtFlamU

 

Don’t forget to pack: Top tips

  • Adapters (South Africa is different from the rest of the world, but most rooms have European plugs)
  • Sun cream
  • Bathing Suit
  • Insect spray
  • Binoculars
1 Vet - All Inclusive

Destination Event

USD 4211.26

1 Vet & 1 non-Vet Guest (no CE)

Destination Event

USD 5020.70

2 Vets - shared room, all inclusive

Destination Event

USD 7645.90

1 Physio - All Inclusive

Destination Event

USD 4211.26

1 Physio & 1 non-Vet Guest (no CE)

Destination Event

USD 5020.70

2 Physio - shared room, all inclusive

Destination Event

USD 7645.90

If the options you are looking for are unavailable, please contact us.

No tax will be added unless you are a UK taxpayer

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