Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists

Physiological monitoring during general anaesthesia is of the utmost importance to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to vital tissues and therefore avoid harm.  Indeed, anaesthetic monitoring is associated with reduced peri-anaesthetic risk in small animals (1,2).
In 2024, the Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists published a position statement regarding the “Monitoring of anaesthetised dogs and cats”(3):
During anaesthesia of healthy dogs and cats there must be a person dedicated to the role of monitoring and recording the physiological status of the animal and any events related to the safe conduct of anaesthesia. This person must be appropriately trained and experienced or must work under direct supervision of someone who is appropriately trained and experienced. In addition to clinical observations of the animal (palpation of a peripheral pulse, measurement of pulse rate and respiratory rate, observation of mucous membrane colour/ capillary refill time and subjective assessment of depth of anaesthesia), monitoring of anaesthesia should be complimented by the use of equipment including a pulse oximeter, capnograph, blood pressure monitor, and thermometer. A record of anaesthesia must be created in every case. Animals must always be observed from the time that drugs are first administered to the time that adequate recovery from the procedure has been confirmed.

The working group that developed the position statement acknowledged continuing education was required to equip veterinarians and veterinary nurses with the relevant skills and confidence to enact their guidelines. So, at the same time as writing the guidelines, this course was developed by the Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter to provide high quality, clinically relevant, and practical training in all aspects of anaesthetic monitoring for dogs and cats.

2025 ANZCVS Anaesthesia Monitoring Course

REGISTER HERE

Dates
Starts 3 March 2025. The course is self-paced but anticipated to take 6 months to complete.
 
Course Outline
A 6-month, fully online, modular course:
1.     Introduction (includes record keeping, anaesthetic depth monitoring, and human factors)
2.     Temperature monitoring
3.     Respiratory monitoring 1 (oxygenation; includes pulse oximetry)
4.     Respiratory monitoring 2 (ventilation; includes capnography)
5.     Cardiovascular monitoring 1 (heart rate and rhythm; includes ECG)
6.     Cardiovascular monitoring 2 (blood pressure)

Each modules includes:
·      An online, self-paced lesson with embedded video, notes, and quiz questions
·      An online discussion forum, moderated* by an educator (Dipl.ECVAA specialist vet)
In addition, the course includes:
·      Two interactive, case-based lesions
·      Two guided case reflections that will be marked with feedback provided
·      A live Q&A session with both educators
·     Online theory examination
*While the course is self-paced, suggested dates for completion of each module will be given, and the forum moderated for those dates (4 weeks per module) only.
 
Educators
 
Dr Eleanor Holden (BVSc MANZCVS Dipl.ECVAA) 
Eleanor graduated from the University of Queensland and initially started out in mixed practice in Victoria. After a rotating internship and cementing her interest in anaesthesia, she pursued a residency in anaesthesia and analgesia at Glasgow University in 2011. Eleanor became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (ECVAA) in 2017 and is also a member of the ANZCVS Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter. Eleanor enjoys all aspects of her work and currently works in private practice in Melbourne.
 
Dr Jen Davis (BVMS MVSc PhD MANZCVS Dipl.ECVAA)
Jen graduated from Glasgow University and spent seven years working in general practice in the UK and Australia. During that time, she developed an interest in anaesthesia and analgesia, and passed ANZCVS Memberships in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Critical Care in 2011. Jen then completed a residency at Murdoch University, becoming a ECVAA Diplomate in 2015. Jen also completed two research degrees at Murdoch University, investigating the early identification of acute kidney injury in dogs. Jen works at Animalius, a private referral hospital in Perth, Western Australia. Jen particularly enjoys the anaesthetic management of critically ill small animals, and consulting in chronic pain cases.
 
Participants / Requirements
·      Veterinary surgeons living in Australia or New Zealand
·      Registered veterinary nurses in Australia or New Zealand. Some experience is necessary (at least 3 years in small animal practice)
·     We also welcome enquiries from veterinary professionals from East and Southeast Asia (i.e., on the same time zones as Australia)
·      Time: we estimate the course will take 6 – 8 hours of study per month, or approximately 2 hours per week.
·      A computer with internet connection capable of video playback
 
Early Bird pricing – ends 3 February 2025:
·      Veterinarian $995 + 1.75% merchant (Credit card / PayPal) fee
·      Veterinarian with current ANZCVS Membership/Fellowship $895 + 1.75% merchant fee
·      Registered Veterinary Nurse $895 + 1.75% merchant fee
Full pricing from 3 February 2025:
·      Veterinarian $1095 + 1.75% merchant (Credit card / PayPal) fee
·      Veterinarian with current ANZCVS Membership/Fellowship $995 + 1.75% merchant fee
·      Registered Veterinary Nurse $995 + 1.75% merchant fee
·      Registered Veterinary Nurse with current VNCA membership $895 + 1.75% merchant fee

REGISTER HERE

VAA Chapter sponsored Scholarships:  in 2025 we will offer up to 2 places on the course free of charge to participants that are not able to pay full course fees and can demonstrate that their participation in the course will significantly improve the quality of anaesthesia provided to animals in Australia or New Zealand. To apply, please e-mail secretaryvaa@anzcvs.org.au with a statement of up to 300 words explaining why you should receive a scholarship and your CV. (Please note that the scholarship is only open to residents of Australia or New Zealand)

 
1. Brodbelt DC, Pfeifer DU, Young L, Wood JL. Risk factors for anaesthetic‐related death in cats: results from the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Small Animal Fatalities (CEPSAF). Br J Anaesth 2007; 99: 617–623.
2.  Dyson DH, Maxie MG, Schnurr D. Morbidity and mortality associated with anesthetic management in small animal veterinary practice in Ontario. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1998; 34(4): 325–335.
3. Musk GC, Bass L, Bradbury L, et al. Monitoring of anaesthetised dogs and cats: Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter position statement. Australian Veterinary Practitioner 2024; 54:67-76
 

The Chapter recently published: The position statement, Monitoring of anaesthetised dogs and cats: Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter position statement, has been published in the Australian Veterinary Practitioner (Vol 54 Issue 2 June 2024). This document provides anaesthetic monitoring guidelines for veterinary practices in Australia and New Zealand. For those unable to access the guidelines via the AVP, there is a copy in the Chapter Repository on this website.

The guidelines arose following our identification of a gap in the resources available to veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand with regards to defining the minimum standards for the monitoring of anaesthesia in companion animal practice. As a result, the Chapter formed a working group to provide a position statement which aims to give clear guidance on the minimum requirements for adequate monitoring during anaesthesia. We hope that by promoting such position statements, we can work towards optimising patient safety and meet the expectations of registering bodies, professional colleagues and pet owners.

The position statement is:

“During anaesthesia of healthy dogs and cats there must be a person dedicated to the role of monitoring and recording the physiological status of the animal and any events related to the safe conduct of anaesthesia. This person must be appropriately trained and experienced or must work under direct supervision of someone who is appropriately trained and experienced.

In addition to clinical observations of the animal (palpation of a peripheral pulse, measurement of pulse rate and respiratory rate, observation of mucous membrane colour/ capillary refill time and subjective assessment of depth of anaesthesia), monitoring of anaesthesia should be complimented by the use of equipment including a pulse oximeter, capnograph, blood pressure monitor, and thermometer. A record of anaesthesia must be created in every case. Animals must always be observed from the time that drugs are first administered to the time that adequate recovery from the procedure has been confirmed.”

Physiological monitoring during general anaesthesia is of the utmost importance to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to vital tissues and therefore avoid harm.  Indeed, anaesthetic monitoring is associated with reduced peri-anaesthetic risk in small animals (1,2). With various international veterinary bodies (AAHA, AVCAA) releasing anaesthetic monitoring guidelines, it is imperative that veterinarians and veterinary nurses have a strong understanding of this topic. This course, run by the Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter of the ANZCVS, provides high quality, clinically relevant, and practical training in all aspects of anaesthetic monitoring for dogs and cats.
 
Dates
Starting 5 February 2024. The course is self-paced but anticipated to take 6 months to complete.
 
Course Outline
This is a 6-month modular course:
1.     Anaesthetic depth monitoring
2.     Temperature monitoring
3.     Respiratory monitoring 1
4.     Respiratory monitoring 2
5.     Cardiovascular monitoring 1
6.     Cardiovascular monitoring 2
Each modules includes:
·      An online lesson with embedded video, notes, and quiz questions
·      A live interactive webinar and Q&A with the educator
In addition, the course includes:
·      Completion of two guided case reflections that will be marked with feedback provided.
·      Online theory examination
·      
 
Educators
 
Dr Eleanor Holden (BVSc MANZCVS Dip.ECVAA) 
Eleanor graduated from the University of Queensland and initially started out in mixed practice in Victoria. After a rotating internship and cementing her interest in anaesthesia, she pursued a residency in anaesthesia and analgesia at Glasgow University in 2011. Eleanor became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (ECVAA) in 2017 and is also a member of the ANZCVS Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter. Eleanor enjoys all aspects of her work and currently works in private practice in Melbourne.
 
 
Dr Jen Davis (BVMS MVSc PhD MANZCVS Dip.ECVAA)
 
Jen graduated from Glasgow University and spent seven years working in general practice in the UK and Australia. During that time, she developed an interest in anaesthesia and analgesia, and passed ANZCVS Memberships in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Critical Care in 2011. Jen then completed a residency at Murdoch University, becoming a ECVAA Diplomate in 2015. Jen also completed two research degrees at Murdoch University, investigating the early identification of acute kidney injury in dogs. Jen works at Animalius, a private referral hospital in Perth, Western Australia. Jen particularly enjoys the anaesthetic management of critically ill small animals, and consulting in chronic pain cases.

 
Other VAA Chapter members who are Recognised Specialists in veterinary anaesthesia (FANZCVS, Dip.ECVAA, or DACVAA) will be involved in the examination marking and feedback

 
Participants / Requirements
·      Veterinary surgeons living in Australia or New Zealand
·      Registered veterinary nurses in Australia or New Zealand. Some experience is necessary (at least 3 years in small animal practice)
·      Time: we estimate the course will take 6 – 8 hours of study per month, or approximately 2 hours per week.
·      A computer with internet connection capable of video calling.
 
Pricing
·      Veterinarian $1095 + 1.75% merchant (Credit card / PayPal) fee
·      Veterinarian with current ANZCVS Membership/Fellowship $995 + 1.75% merchant fee
·      Registered Veterinary Nurse $995 + 1.75% merchant fee
·      Registered Veterinary Nurse with current VNCA membership $895 + 1.75% merchant fee

Registration: Registrations for 2024 course are now closed. 
 

1.  Brodbelt DC, Pfeifer DU, Young L, Wood JL. Risk factors for anaesthetic‐related death in cats: results from the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Small Animal Fatalities (CEPSAF). Br J Anaesth 2007; 99: 617–623.
2.  Dyson DH, Maxie MG, Schnurr D. Morbidity and mortality associated with anesthetic management in small animal veterinary practice in Ontario. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1998; 34(4): 325–335.

The minutes from the 2022 VAA Chapter AGM are now available for members to view and download from the Chapter Repository tab.

Dear Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter,

The VAA chapter is currently working on our Science Week program for 2021. Our Chapter will be running an online only program this year. Details including dates and speakers are yet TBC. However, we are planning to offer an abstracts session should there be any interest from researchers wishing to present.

So that we can schedule an appropriate length of time for the abstract session, could any Fellows/Members, residents, interns, or research students (or anyone interested) wishing to present their research please respond to this e-mail by Monday 15th March (this Monday). Please note that this is an expression of interest only to determine whether you are interested in presenting or not, we do not need you abstract at this stage.

Best wishes,

Dr Jen Davis
Secretary, Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia Chapter, Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS)
secretaryvaa@anzcvs.org.au

MISSION STATEMENT

Since forming just over 3 years ago (previously we were part of the emergency and critical care Chapter), the Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter has continued to grow. We currently have almost 50 members; all of whom have sat advanced examinations to gain Membership or Fellowship.

 
We have identified one of our main goals to be improving the quality of veterinary anaesthesia provided to all animals in Australia and New Zealand, and as such we have recently created and ratified a mission statement:

 
”Our mission is to practice and promote excellence in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia and improve animal welfare in veterinary clinical practice and animal research. Through education, training, outreach and engagement we will empower veterinarians and veterinary professionals to safely and skilfully work in this discipline with pride, confidence and acumen.”

After an extremely diverse and interesting 2018 Science Week program for the Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter, we have made the proceedings from the conference available to download on the Chapter Repository.

The 2018 ANZCVS Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter Annual General Meeting will be held in the QT Gold Coast (California Room) on Saturday 7th July 2018 at 2:30pm. All Chapter members are invited and encouraged to attend.

AGM documents are being uploaded to the Chapter Repository on the website. Please read over these prior to Saturday. (note that you must be logged in to the website as an ANZCVS member before you can access these documents).

If you are unable to attend the AGM contact secretaryvaa@anzcvs.org.au with your apologies and any issues/comments you wish us raise on your behalf at the AGM.

The Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter is now accepting abstracts for presentation at Science Week 2018.

The deadline for abstract submission is the 16th April 2018.

Abstracts should be submitted by e-mail to w.goodwin@uq.edu.au.

Authors will be notified of acceptance by mid May but may need to submit changes 
before final acceptance.
Accepted abstracts will be included in the conference proceedings. Abstract presentations are scheduled for the morning of Saturday 7th July 2018 at the Gold Coast QT

Please ensure that your abstract adheres to the author guidelines before submitting - these guidelines can be found in the document uploaded to "Science Week 2018" folder in the Chapter Respository area of the website. 

https://www.anzcvs.org.au/chapters/veterinary+anaesthesia+and+analgesia+chapter/documentlibrary

We look forward to seeing you in the Gold Coast

The ANZCVS Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 8th July at 2:30pm in the QT Hotel, Surfers Paradise.

Please find the 2017 AGM documents, including 2016 AGM minutes, available for download on the Chapter Repository page of this website. 

Please note that a proxy form is also available for download, please complete this form if you are unable to attend the meeting and wish another Member/Fellow to vote on your behalf.

Many members of our Chapter, and others working in the veterinary profession, will have known Dr Peter Gray - an Australian ACVAA diplomate who worked in Canada and then the USA for many years, before returning to Australia more than 20 years ago.
Very sadly Peter died last year. He never wanted any fuss - or even a funeral - hence nothing was said to the anaesthetic fraternity. However, along with his wife Mary, Griet Haitjema (a long time colleague at Murdoch) and Polly Taylor felt his life deserved more than this.
Here is a link to a little more about him on the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists website. https://ava.eu.com/information/obituaries/

The Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter is now accepting abstracts for presentation at Science Week 2017.

The deadline for abstract submission is the 17th April 2017.

Abstracts should be submitted by e-mail to gabrielle.musk@uwa.edu.au.

Authors will be notified of acceptance by mid May but may need to submit changes
before final acceptance.
Accepted abstracts will be included in the conference proceedings. Abstract presentations are scheduled for the morning of Saturday 8th July 2017 at the Gold Coast QT

Please ensure that your abstract the author guidelines before submitting - these guidelines can be found in the document uploaded to the Chapter Respository area of this website. /anzcvs-dev-media/2179/call-for-abstracts-veterinary-anaesthesia-and-analgesia-chapter-meeting-2017.pdf

We look forward to seeing you in the Gold Coast

Did you know that Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter now have our own Facebook page?

Pay us a visit at https://www.facebook.com/ANZCVSVetAnaesthesiaAnalgesiaChapter/?fref=ts and please "like/follow" us to stay up to date with our news and posts.

We are busy organising a fantastic and packed full program of Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia lectures and debate for the Friday and Saturday of the conference.

This year we will be teaming up with the Radiology Chapter for half a day to discuss topics relevant to both of our sections. Perfect for us anaesthetists to brush up on topics such as radiology interpretation skills, and how best to manage animals undergoing Imaging procedures.

The remainder of our program will focus on equine anaesthesia and analgesia.

Stay tuned for a draft copy of our program, coming soon.

Hope to see you all in the Gold Coast in July!