PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF ANAESTHESIA AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

Paediatric and neonatal dogs and cats are a big part of our lives in veterinary medicine, yet much of our knowledge is drawn from young to middle-aged animals and studies in human anaesthesia. Paediatric animals are different! They’re growing and developing, and while their organs have the ability to undergo rapid repair, they can also be very vulnerable to damage which only shows up later in life. This module explores how to reduce anaesthetic risk for paediatric patients.

Module 1 – Opioids

Pain control is a cornerstone of clinical care and animal welfare. In this module, we examine the veterinary patient through the science of pain. We’ll cover opioid drug pharmacology, why this is important, and host a discussion on the common opioids in veterinary practice. The final exercise is a case-based summary to anchor the theory into practice.

Module 2 – Recap of monitoring skills with simulator session

Not even the very best anaesthetic monitoring equipment will save you if you don’t check your patient. In this module, the focus is on the holistic approach to anaesthetic monitoring. From stethoscope and thermometer to capnograph and pulse oximeter… every piece of equipment has its value, but the most important piece of equipment is YOU.

Module 3 – Brachycephalic anaesthesia

Brachycephalic anaesthesia is a whole new ball game. From aspiration pneumonia to complete airway obstruction or collapse, brachycephalic breeds can challenge anyone. Expand on your knowledge of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and how it impacts your management of your snubby-nosed friends. We’ll explore techniques from sedation and induction through to recovery, with a good look at appropriate analgesia.

Cats are in a class of their own when it comes to anaesthesia. They stress more, and they have lots of sharp spears to keep you on your toes. Learn how to manage some special feline complications like laryngeal spasm, and how to protect them against bradycardia and hypothermia.This session will help you develop your clinic protocol and finesse your next feline anaesthetic.

Geriatric patients frequently present for general anaesthesia in veterinary practice, and with them, they bring age-related changes which are gradual, irreversible and progressive. Safe anaesthesia for the geriatric patient starts with understanding how these changes can impact the older patient in the operating theatre. This module pays careful attention to increased anaesthetic risk in geriatric patients, and describes key strategic approaches for controlling complications in older pets.