What is a Veterinary Anesthesiologist? What does it mean to be "board certified"?
The American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA) defines and promotes the highest standards of clinical practice of veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties recognizes ACVAA as the veterinary specialty organization for veterinary anesthesiologists.
A veterinary anesthesiologist is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) who has undergone many years additional training and a rigorous exam to receive this prestigious credentialling. This additional training includes a minimum one year rotating small animal internship, followed by an ACVAA approved credentialed residency program. Following a minimum of a 3-year residency program, the ACVAA certifying examination must be passed to designate a veterinarian as a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist.
Why does my pet require a Veterinary Anesthesiologist?
While anesthesia is, in general, extremely safe in stable, healthy patients (such as those undergoing spays or neuters), there are numerous cases where having a veterinary anesthesiologist caring for your pet is the best option. Many of our pets, especially as they age, have comorbidities that can make procedures requiring anesthesia riskier. For this reason, your primary care veterinarian may refer you and your pet to our facility so that anesthesia procedures are as safe as possible.
ACVAA board-certified specialists in veterinary anesthesia and analgesia are experts at assessment and mitigation of anesthetic risks, delivery of anesthetic and analgesic drugs, maintaining and monitoring the physiologic well-being of the anesthetized patient, and providing the highest levels of perioperative patient care including pain management.
If your pet requires anesthesia, our anesthesia team (consisting of our board-certified anesthesiologist and our anesthesia RVTs) will assess your pet, develop a specific anesthetic drug protocol, and anticipate potential complications to reduce risks. Additionally, a post procedural plan for analgesia is created. Board certified anesthesiologists are also experts not only in acute pain, but chronic pain conditions and can help manage those patients with quality-of-life concerns. We also keep your primary care veterinarian informed and up to date every step of the way to ensure continuity of care.
Advanced Anesthesia Procedures:
Highest quality anesthesia monitoring:
- State-of-the-art vital monitoring equipment (ECG, End tidal CO2, Pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, esophageal temperature)
- Ventilator breathing (positive pressure ventilation)
- Arterial catheterization and invasive blood pressure monitoring
- Determining sedation vs anesthesia risks
- Total intravenous anesthesia (non-inhalant)
Peripheral nerve blocks:
- Femoral/sciatic nerve block (ultrasound guided)
- Brachial Plexus nerve blocks (ultrasound guided)
- Advanced maxillofacial blocks (mandibular, maxillary, palatine, auricular)
- RUMM (radial, ulnar, musculocutaneous, median) blocks
- Distal limb/paw nerve blocks (forelimb and hind limb)
- Epidurals
Pain Management:
- Continuous rate infusions
- Intermittent injectable analgesia
- Oral medications
- Alternative therapies (recommendations for acupuncture or rehabilitation therapies)