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Anesthesia
 Over the last decade, the field of veterinary anesthesiology has made incredible advancements. New anesthetic drugs and techniques, improved monitoring methods, and recent research has combined to make sedation and anesthesia more effective and much safer for companion animals. General anesthesia is used for most major surgeries and even for diagnostic procedures; local anesthesia, also known as locoregional blocks, are used for surgical procedures, acute and chronic pain control and medical diagnostics and therapy. Both general and local anesthesia are utilized in veterinary cases going to surgery. Monitoring equipment including advanced blood pressure and respiratory assessment can dictate changes in the status of the surgery patient and are available to assist with patients undergoing a higher risk surgery.
The field of veterinary anesthesiology has evolved to include preoperative evaluation, pain control, perioperative care, and intensive care as well as intraopreative management of the patient. While anesthesiologists responsibilities are focused on safely maintaining the vital functions of the body during surgery, their perusal of the patient, review of diagnostics, global view of their problems and needs, and preparedness for emergencies places them central to the care of the hospitalized patient. Patients in need of specialized anesthesia drugs or monitoring, those with prior anesthesia issues, even breed related troubles (sighthounds, boxers, Dobermans) or those patients whose problems might complicate anesthesia (heart, kidney, lung issues) often benefit from a well trained anesthesia team including a veterinary anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetists. We encourage phone consultations from both owners and veterinarians regarding anesthesia issues, questions, problems and consultations.
About the ACVA
Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists (ACVA) are Doctors of Veterinary Medicine that have completed advanced specialty training in anesthesiology, critical and intensive care, and pain management. They have passed a board exam certifying them as experts in the peri and intraoperative care of multiple species and breeds ranging from exotics to zoo animals, farm animals, horses and small animal, even lab animals. The training which they undergo requires an internship, residency, and publication of scientific papers. The ACVA is the American Veterinary Medical Associations's specialty board which sets the standards for ultimate proficiency and professionalism in anesthesiology, intensive care and pain management. Only veterinarians who have successfully completed the requirements of the ACVA are Diplomates, and have taken at least 3-4 years of additional training after graduation from Veterinary School to be eligible for specialty board certification. Although most anesthesiologists certified by the ACVA practice anesthesia, many also work in pain management, critical and intensive care, emergency medicine, and rehabilitation.
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