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VSN Expo 2026: Free 2 CE Webinar on Cushing's Disease Diagnosis and Trilostane Treatment

Published on Jul 14, 2026 12:00 AM
VSN Expo 2026: Free 2 CE Webinar on Cushing's Disease Diagnosis and Trilostane Treatment

The VSN Expo returns on July 26, 2026, powered by DVM Central. In this free CE session, Dr. Patty A. Lathan covers the diagnosis and treatment of canine hypercortisolism (Cushing's disease). She reviews less common clinical signs, compares available diagnostic tests and their accuracy, explains trilostane therapy, and discusses pre-medication plasma cortisol testing as a practical way to monitor treatment. 

Webinar Details:

Date: July 26, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM (US Eastern Time)

CE Credits: 2 RACE-approved CE Credits

Category: Alternative Medicine

Instructor: Patty A. Lathan

Diagnose, Treat, and Monitor Canine Hypercortisolism 

Canine Cushing's disease is a common veterinary disease, yet subtle clinical signs, variable test results, and the need for ongoing treatment monitoring make it a complex condition to manage. Cushing's disease treatment in dogs focuses on accurate diagnosis, individualized trilostane therapy, and routine follow-up.

The VSN Expo features two educational sessions on canine Cushing’s disease. 

  1. Treating Hypercortisolism with Trilostane
  2. Hypercortisolism (Cushing's Disease): Diagnostic Tips and Tricks.

Attendees who participate in both sessions of the DVM Central CE webinar will earn a total of 2 free CE credits. 

Topic 1: Treating Hypercortisolism with Trilostane

The first session focuses on treating canine hypercortisolism with trilostane, covering practical dosing and administration, clinical monitoring, and case-based discussions. It also explains the limitations of ACTH stimulation tests for treatment monitoring and demonstrates how to interpret pre-medication plasma cortisol concentrations to guide patient management. 

You’ll learn:

  • How trilostane works as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme needed for cortisol synthesis
  • Starting dose ranges and the ongoing debate between once-daily and twice-daily administration
  • A monitoring schedule built around ACTH stimulation testing at set intervals after starting or adjusting treatment
  • How to adjust dosing when cortisol results and persistent clinical signs do not line up, including when to split a once-daily dose into two

Topic 2: Hypercortisolism (Cushing’s Disease): Diagnostic Tips and Tricks

The second session explores the diagnosis of canine hypercortisolism through real-world clinical cases. It reviews both common and less frequently recognized clinical signs; explains the use of diagnostic tests such as the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test and the ACTH stimulation test; discusses signs of macroadenoma; and covers differential diagnoses for increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels. 

You’ll learn:

  • Less common clinical signs beyond the classic pot-bellied appearance and thinning haircoat, such as calcinosis cutis, easy bruising, and unexplained panting
  • Pitfalls of the ACTH stimulation test, including timing relative to trilostane dosing and situations where results can mislead
  • Proper use of the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test to confirm diagnosis and help differentiate pituitary-dependent from adrenal-dependent disease
  • Signs suggesting a pituitary macroadenoma, including neurologic changes such as disorientation, circling, or behavior changes that warrant advanced imaging

About the Instructor

Dr. Patty A. Lathan is a professor at Louisiana State University with extensive experience in small animal endocrinology. She has dedicated her career to teaching, clinical practice, and research, with a focus on endocrine disorders such as Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus. She is widely recognized for her contributions to veterinary education and endocrine medicine. 

Register Now

Join the Patty Lathan webinar to learn more about hyperadrenocorticism diagnosis, trilostane therapy, and treatment monitoring. Register today through the Vet and Tech website and earn 2 free RACE-approved CE credits at VSN Expo on July 26, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VSN Expo?

The Veterinary Shopping Network Expo 2026 is a CE event powered by DVM Central, bringing together free RACE-approved webinars for veterinary professionals across a range of clinical topics.

What is hypercortisolism?

Hypercortisolism, commonly called Cushing's disease, is a condition in which the body produces excess cortisol, most often due to a pituitary or adrenal tumor. It can cause increased thirst, urination, appetite, and a range of skin and coat changes in dogs.

How many CE credits does this session offer?

This VSN Expo session offers 2 free RACE-approved veterinary CE credits.

How do I register for VSN Expo?

You can register for the VSN Expo CE session directly through the Vet and Tech website.