We are excited to host the 2026 Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Seminar on small animal mobility at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine on Saturday, December 5, 2026. This small animal clinical nutrition symposium offers 4.5 hours of continuing education credit. 

Micheal Jaffe DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS will be presenting

• Multimodal Management of Canine Osteoarthritis. 
• Beyond Pain Meds: How Nutrition Supports Cats with Osteoarthritis.

Dr. Michael Jaffe is a Professor of Small Animal Surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated vet school from the University of Missouri. After graduation, he worked as a primary care veterinarian in Missouri and Florida. Dr. Jaffe then completed a rotating internship and small animal surgery residency at LSU, where he also earned his Master’s degree.
Dr. Jaffe practiced in specialty practice in Michigan and Arizona. He was part of the founding faculty at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine. He became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2002 and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner in 2017.

Nicky Cassel BSc (Microbiology & Plant Pathology), BVSc, MMedVet (Diagnostic Imaging), DECVDI will be presenting

• Osteoarthritis Diagnosis & Imaging.

Dr. Nicky Cassel is a board-certified veterinary radiologist and educator with a passion for advancing veterinary imaging, clinical reasoning, and professional development. Originally from South Africa, Dr. Cassel earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pretoria in 2003 before completing a residency in diagnostic imaging and obtaining both a Master’s degree in Diagnostic Imaging and South African Veterinary Council Specialist status. She became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) in 2013

Dr. Cassel currently serves on the faculty at Kansas State University, where her work spans clinical service, teaching, mentorship, curriculum development, and research. She is deeply committed to training the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary radiologists, helping learners develop not only technical expertise but also confidence, critical thinking skills, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Her primary academic interests include musculoskeletal imaging, imaging interpretation, and veterinary education. She is particularly interested in innovative approaches to teaching diagnostic reasoning and exploring how emerging technologies can enhance veterinary training and clinical practice.

Beyond her clinical and academic responsibilities, Dr. Cassel serves as Co-Chair of the College of Veterinary Medicine Faculty Senate Caucus, is a past president of the Sigma Chapter of Phi Zeta, and is a member of the joint ACVR/ECVDI Artificial Intelligence Committee, where she contributes to discussions on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine and education.

Dr. Cassel’s approach to veterinary imaging extends beyond identifying abnormalities. She emphasizes asking better questions, thoughtfully integrating information, and helping clinicians make informed decisions that ultimately improve patient care.

For more information, please visit the 2026 Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Symposium webpage.

We are excited to be one of Taco Lucha's first caterings. Come for the seminar, stay for the tacos!