Revised 3/2018

VET 135 - Anesthesia of Domestic Animals (2 CR.)

Course Description

Introduces the basic principles of anesthesia of common domestic species. Includes techniques of induction, maintenance, monitoring and recovery of patients using both injectable and inhalation agents. Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course introduces the student to the basic theory and practical application of anesthesia. Anesthesia in all common domestic animals will be covered with emphasis on canines and felines.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: MTH 126 or MTH 133. Enrollment is limited to those students program-placed in the veterinary technology curriculum or those students with special approval from the program head.

Course Objectives

Under the guidance of a staff veterinarian and licensed veterinary technicians, students will learn to assess the pre-operative animal patient, as well as induce, maintain and recover patient from the anesthetic event. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Perform anesthetic equipment leak testing and troubleshooting
  • Describe the various pre-anesthetic drugs, calculate their dosages and properly administer each
  • Perform patient venipuncture and pre-anesthesia blood analysis
  • Perform serological in-house testing
  • Aseptically insert and maintain a peripheral IV catheter
  • Calculate and administer IV fluids and other injectable medications
  • Identify anesthetic agents by various categories
  • List agents and describe techniques for both local and regional anesthesia
  • Perform injectable and inhalation agent administration techniques for general anesthesia
  • Monitor and assess the anesthetized animal patient including anesthetic medical recordkeeping
  • Recognition of abnormal responses to pre-anesthetic and induction agents and proactive steps to prevent anesthetic emergencies
  • Recognize and perform CPR for the arrested anesthesia patient
  • Explain and apply waste anesthetic gas (WAG) disposal techniques for prevention of potential human toxicity

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Selection and maintenance of anesthetic equipment
  • Management of WAGs emphasized
  • Usage of anesthetic antagonists and perioperative pain management
  • Monitoring and care of the patient during anesthetic recovery and maintenance of medical records