Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology

A veterinary anesthesiologist is a specialized professional responsible for the meticulous planning and execution of anesthetic and pain management protocols for animals undergoing sedation and/or general anesthesia. Dr. Parker, for instance, is a residency-trained anesthesiologist with a notable background. Her expertise spans a 3-year academic residency focusing on anesthesia and analgesia for various species, preceded by intensive specialty training during her rotating and surgery internships.

Throughout her career, Dr. Parker has showcased her proficiency by presenting at an anesthesia national conference, publishing in esteemed peer-reviewed journals, and achieving a Master of Science degree with her thesis investigating locoregional treatment in dogs undergoing a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Her role, and that of her counterparts in the field, is centered on ensuring the utmost safety and tailored care for each animal under their charge.

To achieve this, veterinary anesthesiologists employ a comprehensive approach, including careful monitoring of vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse oximetry, capnography, electrocardiogram, and temperature. This vigilant oversight extends before, during, and after procedures, with a dedicated focus on individualized protocols and the utilization of advanced monitoring equipment.

Dr. Parker collaborates closely with your pets entire veterinary team to uphold safety standards during anesthesia, overseeing the training of registered veterinary technologists anesthetizing your pet and implementing individualized protocols to mitigate risks. Techniques employed encompass a spectrum of interventions, from ventilation support and arterial catheterization to specialized nerve blocks and systemic medications aimed at optimizing patient comfort and minimizing adverse effects.

In addition to their primary role in anesthesia management, veterinary anesthesiologists are proficient in employing advanced analgesic techniques. These include partial and total intravenous anesthesia, ultrasound-guided and nerve stimulated peripheral nerve blocks, maxillofacial blocks, regional limb perfusion, epidurals, and systemic medications tailored to each patient’s needs.

Ultimately, the overarching goal of a veterinary anesthesiologist is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals under their care, employing a multidisciplinary approach that combines precision, expertise, and compassion.

 

OUR TEAM

Dr. Lindsay Parker

Following obtaining her Bachelor of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences degree from McGill University, Dr. Parker graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. She then began her specialty training journey with internships across North America, which provided invaluable experiences to help shape Dr. Parker into the veterinarian she is today. She completed her Masters of Biomedical Science and residency of Anesthesia and Analgesia at the University of Missouri in 2023 and returned to the great province of Alberta to start the anesthesia service at Pulse Veterinary Specialists and Emergency.

Dr. Parker enjoys the challenge of critical patient anesthesia and multi-modal analgesia with the use of locoregional blocks, as well as teaching technicians to become more confident and knowledgeable in their anesthesia skills. Her favourite patients to anesthetize are the weird and wonderful including zoo, exotic and wildlife patients. In addition to farm animals, equine, dogs and cats, Dr. Parker has experience anesthetizing small exotic pets, as well as several species of ungulates, black bears, Western low-land gorillas, Eastern Black rhinoceros, birds of prey, reptiles and large exotic felids including cougar and tiger species. Wildlife conservation is dear to Dr. Parkers heart and it is her dream to continue working with these amazing animals and assist with the vital research to protect natures treasures!

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How does an Anesthesiologist keep your pet safe?

  • Determining sedation vs anesthesia risks
  • Development of individualized protocols for each patient
  • Dedicated anesthetist (registered animal health technicians, residency-trained anesthesiologist)
  • Vital parameter monitoring equipment (electrocardiograph, esophageal stethoscope, capnography, pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, temperature)
  • Ventilation support with mechanical ventilation, positive-end-expiratory-pressure valves
  • Arterial catheterization and invasive blood pressure monitoring
  • Rebreathing vs non-rebreathing circuits appropriate to the individual patient
  • Partial and total intravenous anesthesia to reduce inhalant requirements and minimize adverse effects
  • Variety of techniques and medications to maintain normal blood pressure while sedated or anesthetized
  • Active warming to maintain normal temperature
  • Techniques to promote calm and quiet environment to minimize excessive sedation use and minimize adverse effects of medications

Techniques

  • Partial and total intravenous anesthesia
  • Advanced ultrasound guided and/or nerve stimulated guided peripheral nerve blocks for: saphenous/sciatic, brachial plexus, RUMM (radial, ulnar, musculocutaneous, median), erector spinae plane (ESP), transversus abdominus plexus (TAP), etc
  • Advanced maxillofacial blocks (mandibular, maxillary, palatine, auricular)
  • Regional limb perfusion and distal limb/paw nerve blocks
  • Epidurals (lumbosacral or sacrococcygeal)
  • Systemic medications (NMDA antagonists, opioids, alpha-2 agonists, sodium channel blockers, etc)