VNUR30410

This module introduces the student to the principles of anaesthesia and analgesia of small and large animal patients. Attendance at practicals is compulsory as they are essential in order to fulfill the learning outcomes of this module. Students who fail to attend practicals will not be permitted to pass this module.

The goal of this module is to help the student to:
1. Understand the importance of a thorough pre-anaesthetic assessment of small and large animal patients;
2. Be familiar with the desired and unwanted effects of most commonly used sedative and anaesthetic drugs;
3. Recognize commonly used anaesthetic equipment and their function;
4. Identify anaesthetic breathing systems and gas flows required for their safe use;
5. Be familiar with the techniques used for monitoring of anaesthetised patients and recognise changes in anaesthetic depth;
6. Be able to interpret information provided by most common anaesthetic monitoring equipment;
7. Understand the principles of pain assessment in small and large animal patients and discuss the properties of various analgesic drugs;
8. Recognise the effect of age and breed to the anaesthetic management and anticipated complications associated with these;
9. Recognise potential anaesthetic emergencies and assist in their management; and
10. Understand the dangers associated with sedation and anaesthesia and the importance of close monitoring during anaesthesia and recovery.