This two-day workshop focused on practical feline medicine skills. Day one covered respiratory disease, offering tips for managing cats in respiratory distress and hands-on training in thoracocentesis, chest drain placement, and performing blind BALs. Day two included practical sessions on placing feeding tubes and case-based discussions on managing feline diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis. Participants gained key skills in managing respiratory disease, placing and caring for oesophagostomy and nasogastric tubes, and adopting a modern approach to diabetic management using Freestyle Libre, CGM-guided insulin adjustments, and new SGLT2 inhibitors. The workshop also built confidence in using bedside thoracic ultrasound as a rapid, practical tool for diagnosing and managing common feline thoracic conditions.

Dr. Ryan Cattin

 BVSc (dist), MANZCVS, FANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)

Ryan graduated from Massey University in 2011 and started out his veterinary career in general practise in Whangarei. He then completed a three year internal medicine residency at the Veterinary Specialist Group. He has been working as an internal medicine specialist the Animal Referral Centre in Auckland since 2018. Ryan loves dogs, but has always know that cats are better. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys playing guitar, piano and outdoor activities with his family.

Feline Medicine Masterclass NZ (October 2025)