Postsurgical pain management: Take a pre-emptive approach July 1, 2008 By: Robert M. Stein, DVM, Dipl. AAPM, Stephanie Ortel, BS, LVT, CCRP

While this review will focus on postoperative pain management, it is important that we acknowledge the critical perioperative elements that lay the foundation for ideal patient pain management. Pain control needs to be in place before the surgeon's blade contacts skin in order to minimize central and peripheral sensitization. Without adequate pre-emptive analgesia, the nociceptive process ramps up unabated by general anesthesia. Receptor sensitivity increases and structural rewiring can occur.

Nutritional support for hospitalized patients June 1, 2008 By: Melissa Marshall, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC, Lisa P. Weeth, DVM, Dipl. ACVN

Nutritional needs often play a secondary role to medical and surgical intervention. Critically ill veterinary patients are at high risk for malnutrition because of physical impediments, as well as physiologic and metabolic abnormalities. Protein and/or calorie malnutrition results in decreased immune competence, decreased tissue synthesis, increased protein degradation (especially that of the lymphatic system), altered drug metabolism and is known to increase morbidity and mortality in human patients. Although veterinary studies are lacking, it is generally accepted that early enteral nutrition decreases complications from malnutrition.

10 key points for a well-balanced veterinary pain management program.

Rethink respirators May 7, 2008 By: Phil Seibert, CVT

Should our pregnant associate use a respirator during surgeries to avoid inhaling anesthetic gases?

Pain management for oral surgery in dogs and cats January 1, 2008 By: Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. AAPM

Oral surgery in canine and feline patients often requires extended periods of anesthesia necessitating optimal anesthetic management.

Cesarean section in dogs: indications, techniques May 1, 2007 By: Jill Sammarco BvSc, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, Anthony Kahn

Acesarean section (hysterotomy) is scheduled or performed on an emergency basis.

Practical Matters: Abnormally low capnography readings may not be due to hyperventilation October 1, 2006 By: Kris Kruse-Elliott, DVM, PhD, DACVA

Using capnography or a capnometer to determine end-tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂) is a simple, practical, and noninvasive way to monitor patient ventilation during anesthesia.

There is no universally accepted definition of old age and as we are all aware, some people and animals age better than others. Because of advances in veterinary medicine, the average lifespan of cats and dogs has increased and according to recent AVMA statistics, about 30 percent of the owned pet population in the United States is considered geriatric (Wise et al, 2002). As senior care becomes a significant component of companion animal practice, we must be aware of the special anesthetic requirements of this population.

Symphyseal fracture repair in cats has been performed traditionally by placing a ligature wire circumferentially around the anterior mandible and securing the right and left mandibular bodies by tightening the ligature wire. This method is not only invasive, but often results in an unstable symphyseal reduction because of the faculty of ligature wire to stretch over time.