AARV Events

AARV's Fall 2023 Virtual CE Event

October 28, 2023
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Eastern Time
Online

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 28 for AARV's fall continuing education event focusing on Geriatric Rehabilitation! This event will be FREE to AARV members!

This three-hour event will present and explore rehabilitation plans in geriatric companion animals. The event will address physical exercises, strategies, and devices.

Speakers and topics include:

• Amber Ihrke, DVM, DAVCSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVSMT, CVPP, past AARV president: "Rehabilitation of the Geriatric Patient – You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks"
• Kirsten Haeusler, PhD, CCRP, Animal Rehabilitation Specialist: "Enhancing Canine Mobility with Wimba Vets Orthosis: A Revolution in Veterinary Rehabilitation"
• Amber Ihrke, DVM, DAVCSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVSMT, CVPP: "Non-pharmacologic Pain Management for the Geriatric Patient"

Note: This event has limited capacity.

 

Learn About Our Speakers

Amber Ihrke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVSMT, CVPP
Past AARV President

Dr. Ihrke was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She attended the University of Nevada-Reno and received dual degrees in Biology and Veterinary Science in 1992. She attended veterinary school at the University of Missouri and received her DVM in 1996. She began practicing rehabilitation in 2010 and received certification in rehabilitation from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in 2011. She continued her education with Acupuncture certification in 2013 from The Chi Institute, Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (chiropractic) certification from The Healing Oasis in 2015, and Veterinary Pain Practitioner Certification from the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management in 2017. From January 2017-2020, she was a resident of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) and passed the board exam in 2021 to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Ihrke is the medical director of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Homer Glen, IL. In addition, she teaches rehabilitation as a senior faculty member at The Healing Oasis Wellness Center and is a Past-President of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians.

 

Kirsten Haeusler, PhD
Animal Rehabilitation Specialist

Kirsten Haeusler is an animal rehabilitation expert with extensive academic and professional achievements. Her journey began in 2004 with an Animal Science degree from the University of Hohenheim. Fueling her passion for animal behavior, she earned a Ph.D. in the same field in 2006.

In 2008, Kirsten became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) from the University of Tennessee, marking the start of her remarkable career. As a self-employed professional, focussed on evidence-based therapies, collaborating with esteemed vet clinics in Stuttgart, she started to transformed the field. Kirsten's dedication to learning is evident in her pursuit of further education, both in the vet rehab field but also in the human field.

Her expertise earned recognition in 2016 with a part-time research role at the University of Cambridge, contributing to the study of shockwave therapy and gait analysis for dogs. In 2019, she collaborated on a study with the University of Jena, evaluating trotting on pressure-sensitive treadmills versus overground trotting, emphasizing scientific rigor.

In 2021, Kirsten initiated a multicenter canine gait study – Gangwerkenwicklung – with Prof. Martin Fischer of the University of Jena. Her contributions continually push the boundaries of animal movement and rehabilitation.

Recognized by the IAVRPT, Kirsten's legacy as a research and practice pioneer is firmly established. Her journey showcases unwavering dedication to animal well-being through innovative rehabilitation techniques.