Recapping #WVC2025
Our Tucson-based veterinarians, Doctors Walter and Holly Merker were in Las Vegas last week for one the largest and longest-running veterinary conferences in the country, WVC.
Dr. Walter’s Presentations
WVC offers hundreds of educational opportunities for veterinarians from all over the country and beyond, and our very own Dr. Walter was invited to lead a four-hour laboratory session on Monday and gave four 50-minute lectures on Wednesday on the topic of tortoise care.
“The goal of my lectures was to try and have veterinarians feel more comfortable seeing and treating tortoises in their practices,” said Walter. With an audience of more than 70 people, he reviewed:
The diverse types of tortoises found all over the globe and specific traits for each
A mix of mustard, collard, and dandelion greens can form a good base, and certain pelleted foods can also be beneficial for herbivores.
For omnivorous tortoises, occasional low-fat, high-fiber canned dog food might be appropriate.
Housing is another critical aspect of tortoise care. Substrate choice is important, with options like Reptisoil or peat moss mixed with sand being suitable, while play sand and cypress mulch should be avoided.
For burrowing species, providing a secure burrow is necessary, while others may require shade or insulated hides.
Additionally, proper lighting, including UVA and UVB sources, is vital for maintaining your tortoise's health.
What We Learned
In addition to sharing their knowledge, Holly and Walter attended other lectures, new equipment demonstrations, and general practice tips. Holly attended a series of lectures on how to better utilize OGAH’s ultrasound machine for both thoracic and abdominal imaging.
Holly was able to attend several lectures on her favorite subject- dermatology. She learned about some new allergy treatments on the market and was happy to meet one of her dermatology idols, The Derm Vet, in person!
Did You Know…
Walter and Holly lived and practiced in Las Vegas after graduating from Vet School! While there they also:
Visited their old stomping grounds and favorite lunch spot, Settebello's
Saw Walter's brother and his family who live in Las Vegas
Had breakfast at their favorite morning spot, Egg Works
If you visit us soon, ask us about our trip and about the new equipment / products we brought home with us to Tucson, AZ!
