Dr. Cynthia R. Ward
Small Animal Internal Medicine / Endocrinology

Dr. Cynthia R. Ward

VMD, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
About Dr. Ward

Professor Emerita, University of Georgia
Founder, UGA Veterinary Diabetes Clinic

Dr. Cynthia Ward received her VMD and PhD degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed residency training at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania in small animal internal medicine and a reproductive endocrinology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She was on faculty at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Georgia and is currently Professor Emerita at the University of Georgia. Dr. Ward is the founder of the UGA Veterinary Diabetes Clinic. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (small animal internal medicine).

Talks at SVMA 2027

Caring for the Diabetic Cat in 2026: Beyond Insulin Therapy

2 hours

There are new and exciting treatments available for feline diabetes mellitus. This talk will focus on how to use Sodium Glucose Co-transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in your practice. An overview of how SGLT2i work, appropriate screening protocols, patient selection, and initial dosing will be presented. Monitoring effectiveness of therapy and trouble-shooting problems will be addressed. Information for caregivers about potential adverse events will be highlighted. Specific case examples will be presented.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the talk, the practitioner will:
  • Understand the mechanism of action of SGLT2i in diabetes mellitus treatment
  • Know how to screen cats to identify the appropriate ones for SGLT2i therapy
  • Be able to begin SGLT2i therapy in a diabetic cat
  • Design an appropriate monitoring protocol for diabetic cats being treated with SGLT2i
  • Be able to address problems that occur with SGLT2i therapy

Monitoring and Troubleshooting SGLT2 Inhibitor Therapy in Cats

1 hour

This presentation will review monitoring and troubleshooting for a cat on an SGLT2 inhibitor and how to address complications. We’ll also discuss when and how to transition to traditional insulin therapy. Specific case examples may be used to highlight session information.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the talk, the practitioner will be able to:
  • Create an appropriate monitoring plan for a cat on an SGLT2 inhibitor
  • Identify and address complications associated with SGLT2 inhibitor administration
  • Understand the indications for transition to traditional insulin therapy

Updates on the Clinical Approach to Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

1 hour

Therapeutic options are also changing for dogs with diabetes mellitus. This talk will focus on current approaches to diagnosis and treatment of the canine diabetic patient. Therapeutic options designed to enhance owner compliance will be presented. Practical information aimed at the general practitioner will be emphasized, and specific case examples will be used to highlight important lecture material.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the talk the practitioner will:
  • Be able to recognize and diagnose dogs with diabetes mellitus and recognize important co-morbidities in these animals.
  • Be able to design a successful treatment plan for diabetic dogs that can be implemented by their owners.
  • Be able to monitor diabetic treatment for patient success.