LIVE VET NURSE COURSE
Anaesthesia of Special Patients
A comprehensive 2-week online course for veterinary nurses and technicians that builds confidence and practical skills in safely anaesthetising patients with complex systemic disease.
- Vet Nurse/Tech
- Starts May 11, 2026
- 19:30 AEDT
- 2 Weeks
- 10 Race-Pending CPD Points
This course includes
- Live Online Weekly Tutorials
- Access to Tutorial Recordings
- 10 Race-Pending CPD Points
- Protocols For Your Practice
- Graded Course Assessment
- Discussion Forums
- Comprehensive Learning Resources
- Extra Course Resources
Course Blurb
In veterinary practice, patients with underlying systemic disease present some of the most significant anesthetic challenges. This comprehensive two-week online course is especially written for veterinary nurses and technicians who are ready to elevate anaesthesia skills beyond the healthy patient.
Under the guidance of emergency and critical care clinician, dr. Philip Judge, you will deconstruct the complexities of major disease states seen commonly in veterinary practice – including cardiac, respiratory (including brachycephalic airway disease), urinary, liver, and endocrine syndromes. You will move from understanding the pathology of these syndromes, and how they affect anaesthesia to implementing tailored, practical anesthetic plans that prioritize patient safety and improve outcomes. Join us to transform anxiety into confidence when your next compromised patient arrives!
Course Outline
Week 1 - Anaesthesia for the Cardiac, Respiratory and Endocrine Patient
Monday, May 11, 2026 | 19:30 AEDT
Monday, May 11, 2026 | 19:30 AEDT
This week, we lay the critical groundwork by tackling three of the most challenging anaesthesia patients: Those with cardiac disease, respiratory disease, and endocrine diseases.
We begin by breaking down anaesthesia of the cardiac patient – from medication timing, fluid therapy, arrhythmia management and blood pressure management – translating theory into safe protocol choices.
Next, we turn to the respiratory patient, including safe anaesthesia practices for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and other respiratory diseases.
Finally, we navigate the complex world of metabolic conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
By week’s end, you’ll have a sound framework for managing these common but complex cases with renewed confidence and knowledge!
Week 2 - Anaesthesia for the Urinary, Liver and Neurological Patient
Monday, May 18, 2026 | 19:30 AEDT
Monday, May 18, 2026 | 19:30 AEDT
In your second week, we confront the silent but systemic threats posed by urinary and liver diseases.
How do you manage anesthesia for a patient that can’t effectively metabolize or eliminate drugs? We’ll provide clear answers, exploring liver and kidney disease, and their impact on anaesthetic drug metabolism and excretion, how to select “kidney-friendly” anaesthetic regimens. You will focus on specific intra-operative support, including fluid therapy nuances, blood pressure management, and advanced monitoring for these vulnerable patients.
Finally, we’ll talk specifically about anaesthesia for the neurological patient – the patient with seizures, traumatic brain injury and other diseases.
You will leave equipped not just with information, but with the clinical judgment to advocate for every compromised patient in your care.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- The pathology caused by major organ system diseases and how this impacts anaesthesia in your patients.
- How to tailor your anaesthetic care and plans for patients with specific conditions, including patient preparation, monitoring focus, and supportive interventions.
- How to apply your monitoring skills to recognise early warning signs of decompensation in compromised patients and implement appropriate nursing interventions.
- Develop effective communication strategies for discussing anaesthetic risks and tailored protocols with veterinary colleagues and pet owners.
Course Tutor
BVSc MVS PG Cert Vet Stud MACVSc (Vet. Emergency and Critical Care; Medicine of Dogs)
AUD 199
This course is FREE for our Annual Vet Education Member
Looking to Enrol Groups of 5 or More?
Your Colleagues Love These Courses!
I love Vet Education courses. Dr. Phil is such a great teacher, who presents such clear, practical information.
Jess
(USA)
Loving these shorter courses – so much useful information in a nice concise form. Thanks Vet Ed!
Toni
(New Zealand)
Fantastic. I’ll be doing more of these short courses!
Liam
(Australia)
