Get ready to follow your heart straight into another fantastic episode of the North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society Podcast! Host Dr. Bonnie Gatson is back (and pumped as ever) with a special guest who truly gets to the heart of the matter—board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist and owner of veterinary consulting business Mythos Veterinary LLC [https://mythosvet.com/] (great video explanation of what Mythos does [https://youtu.be/YmCSG_AiOBc]), Dr. Carolyn McKune! This month, we’re diving deep into the world of anesthetizing dogs and cats with cardiac disease, and spoiler alert: there’s too much good stuff to fit in one beat! So, we’re splitting this topic into a TWO-PART SERIES to make sure nothing important gets left in vein. In this first episode, Dr. McKune helps us lay the groundwork by walking through the pathophysiology of common degenerative cardiac diseases seen in dogs and cats. What diagnostics will help shine a light on which anesthetic protocols are best for these patients? Which cardiac medications should be continued, and which should be left out prior to general anesthesia? If these are questions pique your interest, then this episode is sure to get your blood flowing!

Part two of this special episode on anesthetizing dogs and cats with degenerative cardiac disease will air the week of June 15th, so stay tuned!

If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

Thank you for the FANTASTIC turnout at the NAVAS Virtual Spring Symposium. If you enjoyed the educational content of the symposium, consider becoming a subscriber to NAVAS to access even more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content. When you become a subscriber to NAVAS, you'll have access to videos of all the sessions from the 2025 Annual Spring Symposium, as well as, all the other session videos from all 5 years NAVAS has presented the symposium. You can also have access to RACE-approved CE credits after you take a 5 question quiz after watching the videos.

Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra [https://www.dechra.com/] - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha [https://www.dechra-us.com/our-products/us/companion-animal/dog/prescription/zenalpha-medetomidine-and-vatinoxan-hydrochlorides-injection].

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.

Dr. Carolyn McKune on Anesthetizing Dogs and Cats with Common Cardiac Diseases: Part 1

Anesthesia is a vital part of veterinary care—it’s what makes lifesaving and life-improving procedures possible for our patients. But for many pet owners, the thought of anesthesia can be downright nerve-wracking. From easing general worries and tackling tough cost conversations to navigating the emotional challenges of unexpected complications, one thing is clear: compassionate, honest communication makes all the difference. 

In this episode of the North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society (NAVAS) Podcast, host Dr. Bonnie Gatson is joined by returning guest and communication pro Dr. Erik Hofmeister to explore the do’s, don’ts, and definitely-don’t-say-thats of discussing anesthetic risk with clients. From setting expectations to managing risk-averse pet parents, and navigating the emotional terrain of adverse events, we’re covering it all—with plenty of practical tips along the way. Whether you feel like a seasoned orator or you're just trying to survive conversations without sweating through your scrubs, this episode is sure to provide helpful pointers for communicating effectively about anesthesia to your clients with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

Become a member of NAVAS [https://www.mynavas.org/plans-pricing] for access to more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content. The NAVAS Virtual Spring Symposium will be held on May 3-4, 2025. Registration for the event is open now [https://www.mynavas.org/2025-spring-symposium]. 

Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra [https://www.dechra-us.com] - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha [https://www.dechra-us.com/our-products/us/companion-animal/dog/prescription/zenalpha-medetomidine-and-vatinoxan-hydrochlorides-injection].

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.



Dr. Erik Hofmeister on Discussing Anesthetic Risk with Clients

Brace yourself for an episode that’s small in animal size but big on anesthesia challenges! In this installment of the North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society Podcast, we’re diving into the world of pediatric anesthesia——because when it comes to anesthetizing puppies, kittens, and foals, they’re not just small adults (no matter how cute they look when they're just a baby). We’ll cover the unique physiology of pediatric patients, the must-have equipment to keep them safe, and drug protocols tailored to their delicate systems. Plus, we’ll tackle common problems, so you don’t end up feeling like you’re herding foals without a halter when facing a pediatric patient in the clinic.

Joining us is Dr. Ella Pittman [https://www.portcityvet.com/staff/ella-pittman], a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist at Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital—and as of this recording, New Hampshire’s only one! She’ll help us navigate the rollercoaster ride of pediatric anesthesia, from managing their unpredictable metabolism to the tricky waters of their tiny airways. So grab a coffee (or some warm fluids for your patient), and let’s get into it—because these little ones might be small, but the anesthesia challenges are anything but!

If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

Become a member of NAVAS [https://www.mynavas.org/plans-pricing] for access to more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content. The NAVAS Virtual Spring Symposium will be held on May 3-4, 2025. Registration for the event will open soon.

Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra [https://www.dechra-us.com/] - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha [https://www.dechra-us.com/our-products/us/companion-animal/dog/prescription/zenalpha-medetomidine-and-vatinoxan-hydrochlorides-injection].

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.

Navigating the Rollercoaster Ride of Pediatric Anesthesia with Dr. Ella Pittman

We here at NAVAS are excited to bring you a new podcast episode for the new year! And we're starting out our season of the NAVAS podcast with engaging exploration of pharmacogenetics, a groundbreaking field that examines how the genetic makeup of an animal can influence its response to medications. 

Have you ever had a dog or a cat that took hours, if not days, to finally return to normal after general anesthesia? It's possible that animal had a genetic mutation that altered its metabolic function, causing profound changes in the clinical effects of anesthetic drugs. 

In this episode, we are joined by veterinary anesthesiologist and overall gene-ius Dr. Tania Perez Jimenez, Assistant Professor of Anesthesia at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medication and head its Pharmacogenetics Laboratory. Dr. Perez Jimenez shares her expertise on the genetic factors that impact anesthesia and pain management in dogs and cats. Together with host, Dr. Bonnie Gatson, they will discuss how genetic variations can affect drug efficacy and safety in individual animals, how you can approach anesthetic management in dog breeds that commonly manifest genetic anomalies such as MDR1 mutations, why we may need to alter the way we utilize Propofol and Alfaxalone in cats and certain dog breeds, and how we could all benefit from going to more cat shows.

Explore more information discussed on this podcast at the WSU Pharmacogenetics Laboratory website [https://labs.wsu.edu/court-lab/].

If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

Become a member of NAVAS for access to more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content.

Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra [https://www.dechra-us.com/?geo=US] - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha [https://www.dechra-us.com/our-products/us/companion-animal/dog/prescription/zenalpha-medetomidine-and-vatinoxan-hydrochlorides-injection].

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.

Pharmacogenetics: Gene-ius Solutions for Safer Anesthesia in Pets with Dr. Tania Perez Jimenez

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society Podcast, we take a closer look at some long-standing traditions and practices in veterinary anesthesia. Joined by Dr. Tasha Bartel, veterinary anesthesiologist, chief medical officer at King Animal Hospital, and current NAVAS president, we explore myths, legends, and potentially outdated habits that have been passed down through generations. Together, we debate which of these “old recipes” still hold value and which might be ready for retirement. Grab your knife and fork as we dig into this thought-provoking discussion that challenges the status quo and encourages fresh perspectives in veterinary anesthesia.

If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

Become a member of NAVAS [https://www.mynavas.org/plans-pricing] for access to more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content.

Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra [https://www.dechra-us.com/] - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha [https://www.dechra-us.com/our-products/us/companion-animal/dog/prescription/zenalpha-medetomidine-and-vatinoxan-hydrochlorides-injection].

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.

Debating Anesthesia Foibles and Faux-Paws with Dr. Tasha Bartel

Happy Halloween, and welcome to another chilling episode of the NAVAS podcast, where we venture into the eerie depths of veterinary anesthesia! Join us as we lift the curtain on a topic that, while vital to advanced anesthesia practice, often sends shivers down the spine of even the bravest veterinary professionals—neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in veterinary patients. 

While paralytic agents play an important role in providing excellent quality muscle relaxation that can help facilitate a variety of procedures, their use often spooks even the seasoned anesthetist, as they can cause frightening problems if not used with great care. After listening to this episode, we hope you can avoid a jump scare anytime you need to use NMBA. 

Our guest for this spine-tingling episode is the highly esteemed Dr. Daniel Sakai from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Sakai, boarded veterinary anesthesiologist, has conducted extensive research on NMBAs, exploring their invaluable role in patient immobilization as well as how to optimize recovery from neuromuscular blockade. He’s here to help us demystify these powerful agents, dissect their practical applications, and reveal how to use them safely and effectively to prevent any nightmarish outcomes for your patients. 

So, as the leaves fall and the shadows lengthen, grab a cozy blanket, tune in, and get ready to learn from one of the top minds in veterinary anesthesia. Just be warned—this episode might leave you spellbound!

If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

Become a member of NAVAS [https://www.mynavas.org/plans-pricing] for access to more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content.

Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

 Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra [https://www.dechra-us.com] - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha [https://www.dechra-us.com/our-products/us/companion-animal/dog/prescription/zenalpha-medetomidine-and-vatinoxan-hydrochlorides-injection].

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.

 

Dr. Daniel Sakai on Effective Clinical Use of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Welcome to another episode of the NAVAS podcast! How many times in your career, after recommending a surgical or dental procedure for a dog or cat, have you been asked whether a beloved aging pet was too old to be anesthetized? Today, we’re diving into a topic that many veterinary professionals encounter but may not always feel fully prepared for: anesthesia for senior dogs and cats. Older pets can present unique challenges when it comes to sedation and general anesthesia, and understanding how aging impacts their physiology is key to providing safe and effective care. 

In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Dr. Sheliah Robertson, a veterinary anesthesiologist who is also board-certified in animal welfare and the senior medical director at Lap of Love [https://www.lapoflove.com/], a network of veterinary at-home euthanasia and hospice care providers. Dr. Robertson brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of anesthesia for geriatric pets. We’ll be discussing everything from anesthetic risks and frailty in older animals to how aging affects vital organ function and what that means for anesthesia protocols. This conversation is guaranteed to be packed with valuable information to enhance your understanding and improve outcomes for your older patients.

 Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Sheliah Robertson’s work at Lap of Love [https://www.lapoflove.com/]

The ERAS Society [https://www.erassociety.org] (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)

Development of ERAS protocols for veterinary medicine [https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/260/14/javma.22.08.0354.xml]

A review article on improving postoperative sleep [https://journals.lww.com/co-anesthesiology/fulltext/2018/02000/improve_postoperative_sleep__what_can_we_do_.15.aspx]

Research on the effect of preoperative melatonin on the propofol dose required to induce anesthesia in dogs [https://www.vaajournal.org/article/S1467-2987(19)30115-1/abstract]

An article on how pre-surgery rehabilitation effects surgical outcomes in aged patients [https://aspenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ncp.10787]

 If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

Become a member of NAVAS [https://www.mynavas.org/plans-pricing] for access to more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content. 

Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

 As a reminder, the ACVAA Annual Meeting is happening in Denver, CO from September 25-27 later this year. Registration rates are discounted for NAVAS members. We hope to see you there! Sign up today!

Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra [https://www.dechra-us.com] - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha [https://www.dechra-us.com/our-products/us/companion-animal/dog/prescription/zenalpha-medetomidine-and-vatinoxan-hydrochlorides-injection].

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

 All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.

Dr. Sheliah Robertson on Anesthesia for Senior Dogs and Cats

Are you having a BRAT summer, because we sure are here on the NAVAS podcast! By BRAT, we mean Best Remedies for Analgesic Therapy! We’re excited to continue our discussion on post-operative pain control for dogs and cats. If you haven’t listened to part one of this conversation, please go back and listen before diving into this episode [https://www.mynavas.org/podcast/episode/1e64b6e9/dr-melina-zimmerman-on-postoperative-pain-control-at-home-part-1]. We’re going to finish up our conversation on surgical pain management by discussing the nuances of NSAID use in cats, confronting some controversial opinions on Gabapentin, rave about local anesthetic agents, and introduce some pharmacologic and non-pharmacological therapies to help tackle acute pain for our patients. Joining us again is Dr. Melina Zimmerman, veterinary anesthesiologist and owner of The Doggy Gym [https://www.thedoggygym.net], where she provides pain management therapies for all kinds of species. Pain management is so much more than “set and forget”, and we hope to convince you of that right here on the NAVAS podcast.

References are made to the following resources in the episode:

Our previous short episode on Nocita [https://www.mynavas.org/podcast/episode/f5da8068/unveiling-nocita-a-breakthrough-in-post-operative-pain-relief-with-dr-tammy-grubb-ep-10] with Dr. Tammy Grubb.

2022 ISFM consensus guidelines on managing acute pain in cats [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X211066268] that has been endorsed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP): 

2024 ISFM & AAPF consensus guidelines on long-term NSAID use in cats [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X241241951?rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org]

Buprenorphine as an additive agent with bupivacaine for certain dental blocks in dogs [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0898756416657232?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed]

If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

Become a member of NAVAS [https://www.mynavas.org/plans-pricing] for access to more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content. 

Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

As a reminder, the ACVAA Annual Meeting is happening in Denver, CO from September 25-27 later this year. Registration rates are discounted for NAVAS members. We hope to see you there! Sign up today! [https://vetvacationce.com/product/acvaa-annual-meeting-denver-co-2024/]

Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra [https://www.dechra-us.com] - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha [https://www.dechra-us.com/our-products/us/companion-animal/dog/prescription/zenalpha-medetomidine-and-vatinoxan-hydrochlorides-injection].

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.

 

Dr. Melina Zimmerman on Postoperative Pain Control at Home - Part 2

In this episode, we're focusing on a critical aspect of post-surgical care: creating a plan to control postoperative pain once our canine or feline patients leave the hospital. We know that managing pain effectively during this period is vital for the recovery and well-being of our patients. With so many medications to choose from, costs to consider, and non-compliance to worry about, how can we optimize our patients pain control at home when there are so many variables to balance? In this episode, we're thrilled to have Dr. Melina Zimmerman lead us through this important discussion. As a veterinary anesthesiologist with additional training in companion animal rehabilitation, Dr. Zimmerman specializes in pain management for surgical and non-surgical conditions at her clinic, The Doggy Gym [https://www.thedoggygym.net/]. In the first part of this two-part episode, we will focus our discussion on opioids and NSAIDs, with an emphasis on ancillary medications and non-pharmaceutical treatment options in our next episode. Have you ever wondered: What oral opioid options do we know are effective analgesics for dogs and cats? Is buprenorphine a great opioid or the greatest opioid? How do you get a fentanyl patch to stick? What’s with all this hype about Galliprant and Tylenol for dogs? If you’re curious about leveling up your analgesia game, we hope you give this episode a listen.



References are made in this episode to analgesic and sedative agents from previous NAVAS episodes. Check out our episode on Zenalpha [https://www.mynavas.org/podcast/episode/3a4173ae/dr-heta-turunen-discusses-zenalpha-a-novel-sedative-agent-for-dogs-ep-3] and Zorbium [https://www.mynavas.org/podcast/episode/19dc067e/dr-jeff-wilson-and-dr-chelsie-estey-discuss-zorbium-ep-2] for more information.

If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

Become a member of NAVAS [https://www.mynavas.org/plans-pricing] for access to more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content.

Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

As a reminder, the ACVAA Annual Meeting is happening in Denver, CO from September 25-27 later this year. Registration rates are discounted for NAVAS members. We hope to see you there! Sign up today! [https://vetvacationce.com/product/acvaa-annual-meeting-denver-co-2024/] 

Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra [https://dechra-us.com/] has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha.

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.

Dr. Melina Zimmerman on Postoperative Pain Control At Home - Part 1

In this episode, we are going to shine the spotlight on a species that doesn’t always get the limelight on this podcast: the horse! Horses pose a unique challenge for anesthetists, especially when we turn off the vaporizer at the end of anesthesia and ask these rather large animals to stand up while under the influence of medications designed to cause sedation and muscle relaxation. In equine anesthesia, the recovery period is a time of considerable risk and has been the focus of prolific research, with many studies attempting to pinpoint risk factors that increase the risk of adverse events occurring in the recovery period and identify pharmaceutical protocols and recovery techniques that will mitigate these risks. 

Lucky for us, we have an exceptional guest joining the podcast to delve into this particularly challenging aspect of veterinary anesthesia. Dr. Stuart Clark-Price is a renowned expert in the field, boasting board certifications in both Large Animal Medicine and Anesthesia, and recently ascended to the role of full Professor of Anesthesia at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Together, with host  Dr. Bonnie Gatson, we'll explore why recovery from general anesthesia poses such a significant challenge for the horse, shed light on the various risk factors that can increase the likelihood of undesirable recoveries, and share evidence-based recommendations for interventions that can enhance the quality of recovery for equine patients.

If you like what you hear, we have a couple of favors to ask of you:

 1. Become a member of NAVAS for access to more anesthesia and analgesia educational and RACE-approved CE content.
 2. Spread the word. Share our podcast on your socials or a discussion forum. That would really help us achieve our mission: Reduce mortality and morbidity in veterinary patients undergoing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia through high-quality, peer-reviewed education.

As a reminder, the ACVAA Annual Meeting is happening in Denver, CO from September 25-27 later this year. Registration rates are discounted for NAVAS members. We hope to see you there! 

Sign up at https://vetvacationce.com/product/acvaa-annual-meeting-denver-co-2024/

Thank you to our sponsor, Dechra - learn more about the pharmaceutical products Dechra has to offer veterinary professionals, such as Zenalpha.

If you have questions about this episode or want to suggest topics for future episodes, reach out to the producers at education@mynavas.org.

All opinions stated by the host and their guests are theirs alone and do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any corporation, university, or other business or governmental entity.

Dr. Stuart Clark-Price on Equine Anesthetic Recovery

The North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society (NAVAS) helps veterinary professionals and caregivers advance and improve the safe administration of anesthesia and analgesia to all animals, through development of guidelines consistent with recent findings documented in high quality basic and clinical scientific publications and texts.

It is our hope that this podcast will support the activities of all animal care givers engaged in the provision of veterinary anesthesia and analgesia.

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