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Tuition: $132 ($119 early bird special if enrolled by April 2, 2024) * Students currently enrolled in an AVMA accredited or CVMA approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status). Prices are listed in US dollars.

Course Information:
This course will introduce credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinarians to both basic and advanced anesthesia techniques which can be utilized in common companion pet birds such as parrots, passerines, ducks, geese, and chickens. Basic anatomy and physiology, special equipment, drug protocol selection, monitoring techniques, intravenous and intraosseous catheterization, and intubation techniques will be emphasized. Advanced anesthetic techniques such as analgesic constant rate infusions and air sac cannulation will be discussed in detail.

• Understand the basic differences in anatomy and physiology between common companion avian species
• Become familiar with the common anesthetic drugs used in avian patients and how they relate to the procedure being performed
• Analyze case-based examples of proper selection of anesthetic protocols
• Select monitoring equipment for avian anesthesia
• Outline how we operate and utilize multi-parameter monitoring equipment
• Analyze case-base examples of avian anesthesia relating to equipment selection
• Understand and perform a proper physical exam in avian
• Discuss and be familiar with venipuncture sites in companion avian species
• Have the ability to calculate blood volume and understand how much can be safely taken from an avian patient
• Discuss the usefulness and benefits of multi-modal or balanced anesthetic techniques in companion avian species
• Outline vascular access and intraosseous catheter placement as well as common fluids used in companion avian patients before, during, and after anesthesia
• Examine air sac cannulation and its usefulness to induction and maintenance of anesthesia
• Ability to provide successful post-operative care to avian patients

RACE Accreditation: This program has been approved for 6 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. This program is approved for veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists. (20-924113)

Week 2 (Real Time Session April 30): Equipment Selection for Anesthesia Delivery and Monitoring
Upon completion of this session, this participant should be able to select monitoring equipment for avian anesthesia, outline how we operate and utilize multi-parameter monitoring equipment, and analyze case base examples of avian anesthesia relating to equipment selection.

Week 3 (Real Time Session May 7): Physical Examination & Venipuncture Techniques
Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to understand and perform a proper physical exam in avian species, discuss and be familiar with venipuncture sites in companion avian species, have the ability to calculate blood volume and understand how much can be safely taken from an avian patient.

Week 4 (Real Time Session May 14): In-Depth Discussion of the Usefulness of Balanced Anesthesia, Calculating CRIs, IV and IO Catheterization, Fluid Therapy, Intubation, Air Sac Cannulation, and Successful Recovery Techniques
Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to discuss the usefulness and benefits of multi-modal or balanced anesthetic techniques in companion avian species, outline vascular access and intraosseous catheter placement as well as common fluids used in companion avian patients before, during, and after anesthesia, examine air sac cannulation and its usefulness to induction and maintenance of anesthesia and the ability to provide successful post-operative care to avian patients.

Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course. To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

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. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext.792 or email VSPNCE. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.