Ben Sykes, one of the world’s foremost experts on equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), will deliver four 1-hour lectures on this topic at the University of Illinois Annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians. His talks anchor two days of equine-focused veterinary continuing education within the broader conference encompassing a wildlife/exotic medicine track, small animal specialty tracks in oncology, dermatology, neurology, and anesthesia, and more.
Fall Conference delivers an outstanding value, with more than 40 educational sessions for only $375, including continental breakfasts and lunches both days. The event will be held on Thursday and Friday, September 17 and 18, at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign, Illinois.
Lectures by Ben Sykes
Dr. Sykes, who is boarded in large animal medicine with both the American and the European Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine, is the lead author on the consensus statement on EGUS issued by the European College of Equine Internal Medicine. He is a sought-after speaker at conferences worldwide on equine health and consults with international companies on the development and commercialization of equine products.
In the relatively intimate setting of the 2026 Annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians, he will speak on the following topics:
- Can All Behavioral Problems Be Blamed on EGUS?
The current body of evidence says no. Dr. Sykes will present a range of differentials and diagnostic approaches to the horse with a behavioral problem. - An Update on EGUS Treatment Options
This talk will take an evidence-based approach to selecting drug treatments for EGUS, including options that hit the market recently. - EGUS Prevention Beyond Free Choice Hay and No Carbs
After 20 years of following this standard recommendation for EGUS management, the prevalence of disease has changed little. Dr. Sykes will offer a practical “tool-kit” approach. - Managing Refractory Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD)
With EGGD treatment success rates around 60%, Dr. Sykes will discuss moving beyond a “treatment” approach to a long-term “management” approach.
More Equine Continuing Education
In addition to the sessions from Dr. Sykes, an array of equine specialists with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine will cover:
- Emerging gastrointestinal diseases
- Managing a septic joint
- Managing a neurological equine herpesvirus outbreak
- Managing the pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction patient
- Updates on endometriosis
- Updates on equine osteoarthritis
- Interpreting venograms of the foot
A 3-hour pre‑conference interactive workshop, 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, highlights the value of the veterinarian-farrier collaboration in delivering comprehensive equine hoof care. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and farriers may enroll to work through real‑world scenarios with expert guidance.
More at Fall Conference
Beyond the equine track, the conference offers practice-focused learning in small animal health topics, avian/wildlife/exotics, and practice management.
- Small Animal: A full day on oncology, including the latest on immunotherapies and a cytology workshop, plus sessions on atopic dermatitis, management of seizures, small animal CPR, opioid alternatives, CBD for pain, and more
- Wildlife/Exotics: Rabbit medicine, reptile physical exams, surgical neutering for small mammals, and more
- Practice Management: Using AI in practice, strategies for boosting appointments, liability issues in veterinary medicine, leadership lessons from Dr. Joe DiPietro, former president of the University of Tennessee system, and more
For the full conference schedule, list of speakers, hotel venues, and registration link, please visit: vetmed.illinois.edu/fall-conference/.
Featured image: AVMA Trust
