Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds

Latest Episodes:

Arrest Under Anesthesia- Now What? with Justin Heinz DVM, DACVECC Oct 04, 2026

Show notes

Most of the time your anesthetic event goes super smooth, from induction to recovery. But, what about these times it goes off the rails and your calling a "code blue to OR3"? In those moments it's important to keep calm and follow some guidelines to help you RECOVER your patient. In this episode Dr. Justin Heinz talk about what to do when your patient checks out mid procedure. Dr. Heinz is a board-certified specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine with a distinguished background in both academic and clinical settings. He earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Purdue University, followed by a small animal rotating internship at Louisiana State University. He then completed a residency in emergency and critical care at Texas A&M University. Talked about in this episode: https://recoverinitiative.org/2024-guidelines/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=23895014859&utm_content=811367495412&utm_term=recover%20guidelines&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23895014859&gbraid=0AAAABDlNQ9tqliUFNe-_7tCRW0j8C4VDD&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8ofWBhCHARIsANBj4Lvi02cbkyWN-AUToRqTzfIHP5ie9bYJ-_fBNypikp-IqYqtG8hLY8AaAmwVEALw_wcB

Improving Anesthesia Safety with Dr. Luiz Santos DVM, PhD, DACVAA/DECVAA Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

Morbidity and mortality remains a serious issue for veterinary patients undergoing anesthesia. Today, we are talking with patient safety expert, Dr. Luiz Santos who has some valuable insights in the importance of checklists, why time outs save lives, and the best way to lead your M&M rounds. Links to resources discussed in this episode: https://ava.eu.com/resources/checklists/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12049904/ https://www.ihi.org/learn/certifications/cpps

Osteosarcoma Analgesia; What More Can We Do? with Katelyn McDonald CVT, VTS (Oncology) Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

A friend of mine recently called me up because his dog was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. The dog was on carprofen and the clinician told my friend there was really nothing else they could give for pain. That didn't sound right to me so I went to Katelyn McDonald CVT, VTS (Oncology) to get the scoop. Katelyn McDonald, CVT, VTS (oncology) has been working in veterinary medicine for over 25 years. She initially began working at a small primary care practice, but her passion for vet med accelerated dramatically in 2003 after being introduced to the world of specialty medicine via working in the radiation therapy department at a large specialty/referral hospital in South Jersey. She ultimately found her passion working in medical oncology, and after 20 years of continued growth and experience in this specialty field, she obtained her VTS in oncology in 2024. Today she is the lead oncology technician of a large specialty hospital in South Jersey, and she remains passionate about the hands-on care of both patients and pet parents whose lives are affected by cancer.

Acetaminophen's Place in Your Practice with Matt Gurney May 03, 2026

Show notes

Paracetamol is a staple in UK anesthesia practice, but in North America, it is hardly utilized. n this episode, we break down the pharmacology, species-specific considerations, and real-world case applications of Acetaminophen, of this often misunderstood drug. From when it can be a valuable tool to when it can be dangerous, we explore how to use it thoughtfully and effectively in practice. Matt Gurney is an internationally respected British anaesthetist. A specialist in anaesthesia and analgesia, Matt trained at the University of Liverpool and now works at Eastcott Referrals in the UK. Matt is passionate about pain management, lectures on the subject globally and is the author of many international anaesthesia publications. Matt is the Past President of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia. In 2020, Matt was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for Meritorious Contribution to Clinical Practice.

This Cat has a Murmur- Now What?1? with Dr. Gianluca Bini Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

We've all been there. You need to run diagnostics, or place a catheter, but it's not going to happen without some heavy sedation. But, what do you do when you discover the feline you need to sedate has a murmur that hasn't been worked up? Dr. Gianluca Bini graduated from the University of Perugia, Italy. He then moved to the United Kingdom, where he completed two internships, one in anesthesia and one rotating, at Dick White Referrals, one of the largest referral centers in Europe. After completing his residency at North Carolina State University, he worked as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Management at The Ohio State University. Due to his passion for teaching and devotion to spreading safe anesthetic practices, he speaks at many national and international conferences while also working as an anesthesiology and pain management faculty at Oklahoma State University.

Preventing Intra-op Hypothermia with Benita Altier LVT, VTS (Dentistry) Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Hypothermia can happen during any anesthesia procedure, but it seems especially common during dentistry procedures. In this episode we chat with Benita Altier LVT, VTS (Dentistry) to discuss how hypothermia happens and what steps we can take to prevent and correct it. Benita Altier is a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a Dental Technician Specialist. She began her career in veterinary technology in 1988 and has worked in small animal general medicine, ophthalmology, equine and llama neonatal care, canine reproduction, and dental specialty. Benita is the Past-President of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, President-Elect for the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association, and former Secretary of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians. She has co-authored two textbooks on veterinary dentistry for technicians and published several articles in professional journals. Through her business, Pawsitive Dental Education LLC, she has provided professional dental instruction and consultation to veterinary hospitals and conferences across the US, Canada, and China since 2008. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and helping veterinary technicians grow their careers in ways they never thought possible. https://youtu.be/pXrYbUhLehs?si=ZMJK9HvfZAW7lCoa https://pawsitivedental.com/podcast/ https://ergofinger.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10585929280&gbraid=0AAAAACSNEjIBDWIlgMUfd4-9FJB1s0LjT&gclid=CjwKCAiAqprNBhB6EiwAMe3yhjaQyr8uZqvTKraqa5nxikAg5ovHvCCQe2b3ANEQDf-8mcBCzcPBQRoCSOIQAvD_BwE

Utilizing GV 20 for Sedation Protocols with Darci Palmer Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we’re chatting with Darci Palmer, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), about a simple but powerful tool you can add to your sedation toolbox: the GV 20 acupuncture point. Darci breaks down how and why GV 20 can help take the edge off for anxious patients, support smoother sedation, and make handling easier for both patients and staff. She shares practical tips, real-life examples, and how this technique can work alongside your usual drug protocols...not replace them. If you’re curious about low-stress handling, multimodal sedation, or just want another option for those tricky patients, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! References mentioned: https://www.veterinaryanesthesianerds.com/blog/gv20

Pediatric & Neonatal Anesthesia with Dr. Sheilah Robertson BVMS, PhD, DACVAA, DECVAA, DACAW, DECAWBM (WSEL), CVA, MRCVS Sep 02, 2025

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In this episode of the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds podcast we sit down with renowned veterinary anesthesiologist Dr. Sheilah Robertson to tackle the unique challenges of pediatric anesthesia. When dealing with tiny kittens and puppies, Dr. Robertson shares her expertise on how physiology, drug metabolism, and peri-anesthetic care differ in young patients. The conversation covers practical considerations such as choosing safe induction agents, managing hypothermia and hypoglycemia, and setting realistic expectations with pet owners. With her wealth of clinical experience, Dr. Robertson offers evidence-based tips and pearls that help veterinary teams feel more confident providing anesthesia to their smallest and most fragile patients. Dr. Sheilah Robertson is an internationally recognized veterinary anesthesiologist and animal welfare advocate with a career spanning academia, clinical practice, research, and leadership. A graduate of the University of Glasgow with a PhD from Bristol, she is board-certified in anesthesia and animal welfare, and currently serves as Senior Medical Director at Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and Courtesy Professor at the University of Florida. She has published extensively on pain management and anesthesia, contributed to global guidelines such as the WSAVA Pain Council and AAFP Feline Anesthesia Guidelines, and held leadership roles including President of the ACVAA. Her contributions have earned her numerous honors, including the AVMA Animal Welfare Award and the WVA Global Veterinary Award for Animal Welfare.

Surgical Recovery and Environmental Enrichment with Tabitha Kucera, RVT,KPA-CTP, VTS (Behavior) Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Do your surgical patients need more than just a comforter and a heat source in recovery? Join Tabitha Kucera, RVT, KPA-CTP, VTS (Behavior) as we talk about al the ways you can create the optimal surgical recovery area for your patients. What sights, sounds, and smells should we be trying to achieve or avoid? Its all discussed today on the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds podcast! About Tabitha: As a veterinary technician, Tabitha worked with animal rescue organizations and in general practice. She quickly became dedicated to learning about the root causes and permanent solutions to feline and canine behavior concerns. She began to teach herself about behavior through continuing education, workshops, speaking to experts, completing her Low Stress Handling and Elite Fear Free Certifications, obtaining her KPA-CTP through the Karen Pryor Academy, and became a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant through the IAABC. She has also received her Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior Designation. She is one of only 30 in the world currently! You can find more information at: https://chirrupsandchatter.com/

Inhalant Anesthesia Showdown with Jen Dupre-Welsh, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of inhalant anesthetics—specifically isoflurane and sevoflurane—and how they fit into a balanced anesthesia protocol. Join Tasha & VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) Jen Dupre-Welsh as they break down the pharmacology, pros and cons, and clinical considerations of each agent. Whether you're a seasoned technician or just getting comfortable with gas anesthesia, this episode will help you better understand how these inhalants contribute to safe and effective anesthetic plans in veterinary practice. Jen Dupre Welsh CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) is an experienced Specialized Veterinary Anesthesia Technician with a demonstrated history of working in the veterinary industry, both University and Specialty practice. Strong healthcare services professional skilled in Veterinary Medicine, Anesthesia, and Assessment and Management of Pain in Small And Large Animals. She has developed numerous courses in the classroom and laboratory settings in anesthesia and analgesia for veterinary students and veterinary professionals. Credentialed as a VTS in Anesthesia and Analgesia and a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner through the International Academy of Veterinary Pain Management. Resources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9563634/ https://www.vetamac.com/guide-to-installing-filling-draining-and-removing-a-vaporizer/

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