VTEC 2123 - Veterinary Technology Anesthesia

Course Description

Students develop a practical understanding of the principles and techniques of anesthesia, monitoring and recovery of small animals. Students prepare, and assess the needs, including drug dosages, of small animals receiving anesthesia. Topics include anesthetic agents and analgesic agents, anesthetic equipment and workplace safety, as well as an introduction to anesthetic problems and emergencies.

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a complete preanesthetic workup on small animal patients
• Set-up and maintain anesthetic equipment to ensure patient safety
• Explain the physiological effects of anesthetic drugs on small animals
• Calculate dosages for small animal patients and record drug use
• Preform injections and IV catheter placement on small animal patients
• Demonstrate a complete anesthetic induction, monitoring and recovery of a small animal patient
• Assess the need for analgesia in a small animal patient and assist in developing and implementing an analgesic plan

Course topics

• Module 1: Introduction to Anesthesia
• Module 2: Preanesthetic Agents
• Module 3: Injectable and Inhalation Anesthetics
• Module 4: Anesthetic Equipment and Flow Rates
• Module 5: General Anesthesia
• Module 6: Pain Management
• Module 7: Anesthetic Problems and Emergencies
• Module 8: Special Techniques of Anesthesia
• Module 9: Workplace Safety

Required text and materials

Note: Print versions of the textbooks are strongly recommended for all VTEC courses.

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

• Thomas, J.A., and Lerche P. (2024) Anesthesia and Analgesia for Veterinary Technicians. (6th ed.). Elsevier.
  Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323760119 / 9780323762427

Note: This item can be purchased directly from the following VitalSource link.

Additional requirements

• Computer with Internet access
• Video recording device

Optional materials

Students may also find the following resource useful for looking up any terms in the course with which are not familiar:

• Aiello, S. E., & Moses, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). The Merck veterinary manual (11th ed.). Merck & Co.
  ISBN: 9780911910612 (This textbook is available online at: Merck Manual, Veterinary Manual)

Assessments

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.

Prerequisites

VTEC 1243 with a minimum grade of C

and

VTEC 1211 with a minimum grade of C

Exclusions

ANHD 3140
VTEC 2120