Speaker Biography

Kathy Gerken

DVM, MS, DACVECC

Dr. Gerken

Associate Clinical Professor, Emergency and Critical Care at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Katherine Gerken received her DVM from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014, followed by a one-year rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Mississippi State University. She completed a residency in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care as well as a Master’s degree at The Ohio State University in 2018. Dr. Gerken is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.

She is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of the Auburn University Emergency and Critical Care service with the Department of Clinical Sciences. Dr. Gerken has completed additional training with the Hemodialysis Academy and the Institute of Healthcare Communications for Veterinary Professionals.

Read more about Dr. Gerken.

Lectures

  • Friday, October 30, 2026 11:45 - 12:35 a.m. Auditorium

    Breathless: Cardio vs Respiratory Disease in Felines Small Animal I

    Cats in respiratory distress are frustrating when trying to find the cause. Let’s take a look at the common presentations of respiratory vs cardiac diseases and how to gain the most from our presentations and diagnostics.

    1. Discuss the clinical presentation of cats in respiratory distress and identify clinical hallmarks of those with respiratory disease vs cardiac disease.
    2. Develop diagnostic plans to optimize care for these patients in the acute vs progressive settings.
    3. Interpret diagnostics that may give false direction to the underlying disease.