Lesson 1Principles of balanced anaesthesia and multimodal analgesia for dogs and catsWe outline basics of balanced anaesthesia and multi-way pain relief, mixing sedatives, opioids, local blocks, and extras to lower inhalant needs, steady stability, and better comfort in dog and cat neuter cases.
Concept of balanced anaesthesia in neuteringDesigning multimodal analgesia plansReducing inhalant MAC with adjunct drugsCombining systemic and local techniquesProtocol examples for dogs and catsEvaluating depth versus analgesia adequacyLesson 2Analgesic dosing in dogs versus cats and timing for pre-emptive analgesiaWe compare painkiller doses and timing in dogs and cats, noting species differences, early giving, re-dose times, and mixing with local blocks for good pain control during and after neuter surgeries.
Species differences in opioid dosingNSAID selection and dose adjustmentsTiming of pre-emptive analgesic administrationRedosing intervals and duration of effectCombining systemic drugs with local blocksAvoiding overdose and drug stacking errorsLesson 3Perioperative analgesia: opioids, NSAIDs, local blocks (e.g., intratesticular, spermatic cord, line blocks), and adjunctsWe focus on pain relief around surgery for neutering, covering opioids and NSAIDs, local numbing like intratesticular and line blocks, plus extras like ketamine and lidocaine drips for multi-way pain control.
Opioid choices for intraoperative analgesiaNSAID timing, selection, and safety checksIntratesticular and spermatic cord blocksLine blocks for ovariohysterectomy incisionsAdjunct infusions: ketamine and lidocaineMonitoring for local anaesthetic toxicityLesson 4Recovery and post-anaesthetic monitoring: criteria for extubation, pain scoring, and when to escalate careWe explain safe recovery after neutering, including when to remove the tube, pain scoring, keeping warm, and when to step up care or re-anaesthetise, for smooth shift from anaesthesia to walking.
Extubation criteria and airway protectionPositioning, thermoregulation, and nursing careUse of pain scales in dogs and catsRecognising dysphoria versus true painWhen to escalate monitoring or re-anaesthetiseDischarge criteria and client instructionsLesson 5Managing anaesthesia-related complications: hypotension, hypoventilation, bradycardia, arrhythmias, hypothermiaWe address spotting and handling common anaesthesia issues in neutering, like low blood pressure, shallow breathing, slow heart, irregular beats, and low temperature, with step-by-step fixes and when to stop.
Identifying and treating hypotensionApproach to hypoventilation and apneaBradycardia: when to treat and howRecognition and response to arrhythmiasPrevention and treatment of hypothermiaWhen to pause or abort the procedureLesson 6Monitoring during anaesthesia: parameters (HR, RR, SpO2, EtCO2, blood pressure, temperature), equipment and interpretationWe cover monitoring during neutering surgery, including heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen levels, CO2, blood pressure, and temperature, with tips on setup, fixing problems, and reading to catch early issues.
ECG and heart rate monitoring basicsRespiratory rate, capnography, and EtCO2Pulse oximetry setup and artifact handlingNoninvasive and invasive blood pressureTemperature monitoring and active warmingRecording trends and responding to changesLesson 7Induction agents: propofol, alfaxalone, ketamine combinations—indications and dosing examplesWe detail choices for starting anaesthesia in neutering, like propofol, alfaxalone, and ketamine mixes, with when to use, warnings, dose examples, adjusting, and tweaks for weak or young patients.
Propofol dosing and titration to effectAlfaxalone protocols in dogs and catsKetamine-benzodiazepine combinationsInduction in paediatric and geriatric patientsManaging hypotension during inductionIV access, preoxygenation, and airway controlLesson 8Maintenance strategies: inhalant anaesthesia (isoflurane/sevoflurane) vs TIVA—settings and practical considerationsWe compare gas maintenance with isoflurane or sevoflurane to full IV anaesthesia, discussing settings, drip protocols, gear needs, and practical choices for neutering in different clinic setups.
Setting and adjusting vaporiser concentrationsCircuit choice and fresh gas flow ratesTIVA protocols and infusion calculationsTransitioning between TIVA and inhalantsManaging depth changes during surgeryEquipment checks and oxygen supply planningLesson 9Premedication options: sedatives, analgesics, anticholinergics—drug choices, routes, and dose rangesWe review pre-med planning for neutering, covering sedatives, opioids, alpha-2 drugs, anticholinergics, and extras, stressing choices, ways to give, dose ranges, and fitting to patient and procedure.
Choosing sedatives by temperament and healthOpioid selection and dose rangesAlpha-2 agonists: pros, cons, and reversalsAnticholinergic indications and contraindicationsIM, IV, SC, and oral premedication routesAdjusting doses for age and ASA status
