VSPN TECH177-0219: Fundamentals of Small Animal Anesthesia Module 1

The lectures for this course will be presented in an audio format using a webinar platform.

Enrollment is closed
Instructors: Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia), Brenda Feller, CVT, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia)
and Lee Palmer, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Course Open: February 7, 2019-March 17, 2019
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Thursdays, February 14, 21, 28 and March 7, 2019; 9:00-11:00pm ET (USA)
Course RTS Times in Your Area: World Clock Converter

To prepare for your online experience, review the VIN-VSPN CE informational video prior to the course open date.

Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate course is focused towards the veterinary technician who routinely deals with anesthesia case management. Veterinarians are highly encouraged to enroll with their veterinary technicians to help foster a team approach when performing anesthesia. Module 1 is a required prerequisite for Module 2 to help insure a complete understanding of the basic principles of anesthesia before learning how to develop an anesthesia protocol. These modules are approved CE for those applicants applying for their VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia).
VSPN CE Course: Open to veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists interested in anesthesia.
“This program (22-31522) is approved for 8 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval. “

Course Description:
This is module 1 of a 2-module series designed to provide the foundation principles of canine and feline anesthesia. The series will present a systematic approach to anesthesia case management starting with the basic essentials in module 1 and ending with anesthetic complications in module 2. Anesthesia cases performed in general, specialty/referral practice, and at a veterinary teaching hospital will be used to help demonstrate concepts that are taught each week. Module 1 will focus on becoming familiar with the anesthesia machine parts and their functions; the importance of airway management; common monitoring modalities and how to interpret the values; and pre-operative considerations for the patient. Module 1 will not discuss individual drugs or drug protocols as that will take place in Module 2. At the end of the series the participant should feel comfortable with the equipment and monitoring devices used during anesthesia and will be prepared to collaborate with their veterinarian on the development of an anesthesia protocol that is tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient. Module 1 is a prerequisite to Module 2.

Week 1 (Real Time Session February 14): Anesthesia Machine and Ventilators
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Select the appropriate breathing system.
  • Explain parts and function of a ventilator.
  • Discuss specific terminology associated with ventilators and ventilation.
Week 2 (Real Time Session February 21): Airway Management
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Examine the types, parts and function and proper use of endotracheal tubes.
  • Discuss proper intubation and extubation techniques.
  • Point out complications from intubation and extubation.
  • Show proper cleaning and storage of endotracheal tubes.
Week 3 (Real Time Session February 28): Monitoring and the Anesthesia Record
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Discuss common monitored parameters during anesthesia.
  • Interpret what the numbers are saying.
  • Illustrate the limitations of monitoring equipment.
Week 4 (Real Time Session March 7): Pre-operative Period
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Understand importance of pre-operative assessment of the patient.
  • Outline pre-operative considerations such as ASA status, fluid therapy, IV catheterization, etc.
  • Discuss advantages of anesthesia planning form.
  • Analyze case-based discussions.
Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course.

*The lecture portion of this course will be an audio presentation, please be prepared to listen.

*To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.

Required Textbook: There is no required textbook for this course.

    About the Instructors:
    Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia), has worked exclusively in veterinary anesthesia for 18 years. Most of her experience comes from working in a university setting where her primary duties are to assist in the instruction of 4th year veterinary students during their anesthesia rotation. She lectures at the national and local level and provides anesthesia consulting for private practices.
    Brenda Feller, CVT, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia) developed an interest in anesthesia as a student at Michigan State University. After graduation she worked in a general practice for a few years before moving on to the Anesthesia Department at the University of Illinois Veterinary College. In specialty practice her main focus has been anesthesia and pain management. She is also a featured speaker on the topic of anesthesia at a variety of veterinary conferences in the United States and Canada. Both Brenda and Darci are VSPN message board moderators for the anesthesia and pain management folders.
    Lee Palmer, DVM, MS, DACVECC is a board-certified Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian that provides training in K9 Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) to military, law enforcement and Search and Rescue (SAR) K9 handlers as well as Tier 1 operators and civilian tactical EMS (TEMS) personnel. Dr. Palmer serves as: Veterinary Consultant for the USAF Pararescue; a member for the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) Prehospital and Veterinary ATLS sub-committees; founding member and co-lead of the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care K9-TECC working group; Board of Adviser for the Committee of Tactical Emergency Casualty Care; and Emergency and Critical Care consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN).

    Total CE Credit: 8

    Tuition: $168 ($151 early bird special if enrolled by January 24, 2019)
    Prices are listed in US dollars.

    * Students currently enrolled in and taking at least 2 classes or 5 units at an AVMA accredited or CAAHT approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status).
    Enroll in both modules by February 14, 2019 and receive a 15% discount off the original course price.
    *To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close at 5pm ET on February 14, 2019 , or when the maximum number of participants is reached.
    *For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

    1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
    2. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
    3. Each person is individually responsible for his/her own registration. To ensure that all information received is secure and correct, please do not enroll for a course on behalf of another individual.
    4. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 792 or email VSPNCE@vspn.org. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.
    Enrollment is closed

    *Note: “This program (22-31522) is approved for 8 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval. “

    Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VSPN office 800-846-0028 ext. 792 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

    *For more information on VSPN's upcoming CE courses, check the VSPN Course Catalog.

    Lisa Kernaghan, LVT, RVT, CVT, VTS (ECC)
    VSPN CE Coordinator

    VSPN CE Services: VSPNCE@vspn.org
    800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 792
    or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
    or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357