2026 BARC Behaviour and Rehabilitation Conference

The SBCV introduces 2026 BARC: Behaviour and Rehabilitation Conference – Diagnosing & Treating Lameness and Behaviour Like A Pro, which focuses solely on the latest diagnostics, treatment options, and research for veterinarians interested in all aspects of behaviour and rehabilitation.

Please click here for the program.

BARC is an in-person conference in Richmond, BC, CANADA, on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026. BARC invites North American general practice veterinarians to learn right here in Canada, in Richmond, BC, where the Salish Sea meets the mighty Fraser River in the Strait of Georgia. BARC is presented by the Society of BC Veterinarians with the guidance of David Lane, DVM, DACVSMR, CVSMT, CCRT, CVA; Claudia Richter, DVM, DACVB; and Elizabeth Pask, PhD, DVM, CCRP.

This program has been RACE approved for 24.5 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval, with a maximum of 14.5 hours available to any individual attendee. Our continuing education is developed for veterinarians and is aligned with the expectations of a regulated profession; however, we do not restrict attendance by non-veterinarians.

Ticket price is $1385.00 (Canadian dollars) for both days, and includes lunch and refreshments. Price is subject to applicable taxes. Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable.

SBCV members (SBCV dues-paying veterinarians residing in BC) attending 2026 BARC are eligible for a discount. Please contact us for a discount code by email to [email protected] or phone at 604.283.3073.

We have reserved a limited number of rooms at a special conference rate (you must ask for the 2026 BARC Behavior and Rehab Conference rate prior to August 12, 2026). Reservations can be made directly with Sheraton Reservations at 1-800-663-0299 or through this link: Book your special rate here

Info: Tethered cord syndrome is a newly recognized condition in dogs that results from tension on the end of the spinal cord, leading to a combination of chronic pain, gait changes, transient paresthesias, and behaviour disorders. This lecture will discuss occult tethered cord syndrome in dogs, reviewing the common clinical signs and presenting histories in dogs. We will then discuss MRI findings suggestive of Tethered Cord Syndrome, as well as why this disease is so difficult to diagnose. Medical management will be briefly covered, followed by current surgical approaches and outcomes. Throughout the lecture clinical cases will be presented to highlight the wide variety of clinical presentations, surgical findings, and long-term outcomes of these patients.

Info: "Behaviour in the Golden Years: Assessing and Managing Behavioural Change in Geriatric Dogs" – Dogs are living longer than ever, which is a wonderful thing! As they age, behavioural changes are common—but not always simply because of “old age.” This two-hour presentation will explore the complex interplay between aging, pain, medical comorbidities, and behaviour in geriatric dogs, providing a practical framework for clinical assessment in general practice. Participants will learn how to differentiate primary behavioural conditions from behaviour secondary to pain, sensory decline, cognitive dysfunction, and systemic disease, and how to incorporate behavioural screening into routine senior examinations. Emphasis will be placed on case-based decision-making, client communication, and multimodal treatment strategies that improve patient welfare and strengthen the veterinarian–client bond.

Info: "Evidence-Based Updates in Canine and Feline Pain Management: IA Therapies, New Data on Epidurals for Lumbosacral Disease, and Critical Appraisal of Bedinvetmab and Frunevetmab" –
This two-hour presentation will review current evidence surrounding intra-articular therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), 2.5 per cent polyacrylamide hydrogel (Arthramid), and tin-117m radiosynoviorthesis (Synovetin OA), with emphasis on mechanisms of action, safety profiles, case selection, and expected clinical outcomes. Attendees will receive a focused review of foundational epidural therapy principles in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral disease, along with emerging research evaluating outcomes in working dogs and performance populations. The session will also critically evaluate clinical trial data, post-marketing surveillance findings, and evolving regulatory guidance related to anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies (bedinvetmab and frunevetmab).

Info: Feline aggression toward people is a common behavioural concern that can significantly impact the human–animal bond, sometimes leading to relinquishment or even euthanasia. Through the lens of a detailed clinical case, this lecture will examine the various underlying causes of feline aggression and their behavioural presentations. Participants will explore practical, evidence-informed strategies tailored to support cats whose behaviours are often misunderstood. A structured treatment plan will be outlined, including behavioural therapy, environmental modification, and, when indicated, appropriate pharmacologic interventions.

Info: This lecture will discuss how to use the basic neurological exam to determine if a patient’s gait is neurological and how to localize the problem. It will utilize videos and case examples to highlight common neurological exam findings. We will then discuss which imaging modalities can be used for the most common acute myelopathies, such as IVDD, FCE, and ANNPE.

Info: "Nutraceuticals for Mobility: What’s the Latest Evidence? (2026 Edition)" –
In this session the speaker will review common terminology related to Nutraceuticals. The speaker will also review updates in research on Glucosamine/Chondroitin, Omega-3’s, UC-II, eggshell membrane, and fortetropin and ursolic acid.

Info: "Medical Disorders and Behaviour – The Connection Between Behaviour and Physical Disease" – This session examines the bidirectional relationship between medical disorders and behavioural changes in dogs, emphasizing how pain and discomfort can alter behaviour and contribute to medical problems. Participants will review pathophysiological mechanisms linking medical dysfunction to behavioural presentations. The lecture will outline a diagnostic approach to differentiate primary behavioural disorders from medically driven behavioural changes. Attendees will learn to identify red flags for underlying disease, prioritize appropriate diagnostic testing, and make treatment decisions for their patients.

Info: This two-hour session will provide a structured and clinically relevant overview of psychopharmacological treatment in dogs. Emphasis will be placed on the mechanisms of action of different medications and on drug selection based on clinical symptoms and evidence in the scientific literature. The speaker will review safety considerations and multi-drug treatment planning for different psychopharmacological medications. By the end of this session, participants will be able to formulate a treatment plan for common behavioural disorders in their canine patients.

Info: "Musculoskeletal Examination Techniques of the Back, Shoulder, and Hind Limb – Part I" –
The session will cover the relevant anatomy and physiology of the myofascial system and vertebral column, before delving into the mechanics of performing a detailed physical examination of the canine back. It will also focus on how to perform a detailed examination of the canine hip and stifle region, including research on the interplay between hindlimb and lumbopelvic positioning, and how to best perform an examination of the shoulder region, including physical examination techniques, diagnostic rule-outs, and treatment options.

Info: "Musculoskeletal Examination Techniques of the Back, Shoulder, and Hind Limb – Part II" –
The session will cover the relevant anatomy and physiology of the myofascial system and vertebral column, before delving into the mechanics of performing a detailed physical examination of the canine back. It will also focus on how to perform a detailed examination of the canine hip and stifle region, including research on the interplay between hindlimb and lumbopelvic positioning, and how to best perform an examination of the shoulder region, including physical examination techniques, diagnostic rule-outs, and treatment options.

Info: "Canine Spinal Radiographs, Patterns, Pitfalls, and Practical Tips and Canine Appendicular Radiography from Acquisition to Interpretation" – This lecture will cover SI joint interpretation and pathology. This will provide a practical guide to spinal radiography for canine patients, covering both acquisition techniques and a structured interpretation paradigm, while emphasizing the inherent limitations of radiographs compared to cross-sectional imaging modalities. This lecture will also provide a practical guide to acquiring and interpreting diagnostic radiographs of the major appendicular joints with a focus on optimizing image quality. A structured interpretation paradigm will be provided to differentiate degenerative from aggressive disease processes, before diving into joint-specific pathologies, including elbow dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, bicipital groove sclerosis, osteochondrosis dissecans and coxofemoral dysplasia.

Info: "Understanding and Treating Canine Fear, Aggression, and Reactivity: From Triggers to Treatment"–
Fear, aggression, and reactivity account for the majority of cases referred to specialized canine behavioural medicine services. This lecture will review the underlying causes, risk factors, and the most common behavioural presentations. Emphasis will be placed on practical, evidence-informed recommendations for families. The speaker will also discuss the development of a structured treatment plan, including behavioural therapy, environmental modification, and appropriate pharmacologic interventions.

Info: "Drivers of Aggressive Behaviour and Strategies for Mitigating These Factors in Clinic" –
Fear and pain are well-established primary drivers of aggressive behaviour in veterinary clinical environments. This presentation will review the neurobiological and behavioural mechanisms through which fear and nociception contribute to aggressive responses and will outline evidence-based strategies for mitigating these factors across the veterinary care continuum—from initial patient visits and routine sterilization procedures to the handling of medically compromised animals. Additionally, we will examine current best practices for the assessment and management of aggressive behaviour when it emerges, with emphasis on early detection, environmental modification, humane handling protocols and pharmacological interventions.

Info: "Solving A Puzzle: Considering Pain and Behaviour Together Using A Case Study on Interdisciplinary Medical Approaches"–
Follow a patient presenting with a behavioural concern and treated collaboratively for orthopedic and behavioural disease. General practitioners will learn how they can handle such cases as a first line of veterinary care.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, 7551 Westminster Highway, Richmond, Canada

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