VSPN TECH177-0221: Fundamentals of Small Animal Anesthesia Module 1

The real time sessions for this course will be presented via Zoom webinar platform.

Presenter: Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia), Brenda Feller, CVT, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia)
and Lee Palmer, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Course Open: February 4, 2021- March 14, 2021
Real Time Sessions (RTS):Thursdays, February 11, 18, 25 and March 4, 2021; 9:00-11:00PM ET (USA)    World Clock Converter
Total CE Credit: 8
RACE Category: 8 hours Medical

Enrollment is closed.

Course Information:
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.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:
  • Identify parts of the anesthesia machine and know their function and proper use.
  • Select the appropriate breathing system.
  • Explain parts and function of a ventilator.
  • Discuss specific terminology associated with ventilators and ventilation.
  • 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.
  • Discuss commonly monitored parameters during anesthesia.
  • Interpret what the numbers are saying.
  • Illustrate the limitations of monitoring equipment.
  • 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.
Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate VSPN CE 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).

RACE Accreditation: This program has been approved for 8 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. This program is approved for veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists. (22-39064)

Course Agenda:

Week 1 (Real Time Session February 11): Anesthesia Machine and Ventilators
Parts of the anesthesia machine, selection of appropriate breathing system and parts and function of the ventilator.

Week 2 (Real Time Session February 18): Airway Management
Types of endotracheal tubes, proper techniques for use, and cleaning and storage.

Week 3 (Real Time Session February 25): Monitoring and the Anesthesia Record
Parameters monitored during anesthesia, interpretation of indications and limitations of monitoring equipment

Week 4 (Real Time Session March 4): Pre-operative Period
Pre-operative assessment and considerations and anesthesia planning.

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.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook(s): There is no required textbook for this course.

Enrollment is closed.

Tuition: $168 ($151early bird special if enrolled by January 21, 2021)
Prices are listed in US dollars.

* Enroll in both modules by February 11, 2021 and receive a 15% discount off the original course price.

* 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).

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on February 11, 2021 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

To Enroll:
  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 . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.

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 VIN 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:
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