AGV 170 - Veterinary Anesthesiology
Last Date of Approval: 05/2025
3 Credits
Total Lecture Hours: 30
Total Lab Hours: 30
Course Description:
This course provides a comprehensive approach to the principles and practices of veterinary anesthesia and pain management. Students will explore anesthetic equipment, protocols, monitoring, and emergency support, while integrating evidence-based pain recognition, assessment, and intervention across species. Emphasis is placed on patient safety, technician responsibilities, and ethical pain control.
Mode(s) of Instruction: Traditional/Face-to-Face
Credit for Prior Learning: There are no Credit for Prior Learning opportunities for this course.
Course Fees: None
Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Prepare, maintain, and operate anesthesia machines and monitoring equipment.
- Safely administer and monitor anesthesia in common veterinary species.
- Recognize and manage anesthetic emergencies and complications.
- Apply pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management strategies.
- Identify species- and procedure-specific pain responses and appropriate interventions.
Unit Objectives:
Unit 1: Foundations of Anesthesia and Pain Management
Objective 1: Define key terms and concepts related to anesthesia and pain management.
Objective 2: Identify technician responsibilities and legal considerations.
Objective 3: Understand the physiology of pain and anesthesia mechanisms.
Objective 4: Explain the ethical, medical, and professional obligations for pain control.
Unit 2: Patient Assessment and Preparation
Objective 1: Perform anesthetic risk assessment using patient history, PE, and lab results.
Objective 2: Assign ASA classification and formulate anesthetic plans accordingly.
Objective 3: Evaluate and apply patient-specific pain assessment techniques.
Objective 4: Prepare anesthetic and emergency drugs based on calculations and routes.
Unit 3: Anesthetic and Analgesic Agents
Objective 1: Compare classes of anesthetic agents including sedatives, dissociatives, and inhalants.
Objective 2: Differentiate analgesic drugs including opioids, NSAIDs, and adjuncts.
Objective 3: Explain the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of common drugs.
Objective 4: Recognize potential side effects, contraindications, and reversal agents.
Unit 4: Equipment and Monitoring
Objective 1: Identify components of the anesthetic machine and understand gas flow.
Objective 2: Perform leak checks and machine maintenance.
Objective 3: Describe monitoring modalities: ECG, capnography, pulse oximetry, BP, temp.
Objective 4: Interpret physiologic data to assess anesthetic depth and patient status.
Unit 5: Anesthesia Protocols and Recovery
Objective 1: Develop anesthetic protocols for healthy and compromised patients.
Objective 2: Assist in the induction, intubation, and maintenance of anesthesia.
Objective 3: Monitor recovery and manage complications.
Objective 4: Implement pain assessment tools in the post-operative setting.
Unit 6: Pain Management Strategies and Multimodal Plans
Objective 1: Formulate individualized pain plans using multimodal strategies.
Objective 2: Apply nursing interventions for pain management (e.g., massage, cold therapy).
Objective 3: Educate clients on at-home pain recognition and medication administration.
Objective 4: Recognize behavioral and physiological signs of pain in various species.
Unit 7: Special Anesthesia Considerations by Species and Condition
Objective 1: Adjust anesthesia protocols for pediatric, geriatric, obese, or critical patients.
Objective 2: Recognize anesthetic risks in patients with systemic disease (cardiac, hepatic, etc.).
Objective 3: Apply pain management considerations specific to species and condition.
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