Veterinarian details new anesthetic checklist and pain management strategies

The California Veterinary Medical Board meeting on April 17, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding veterinary practices, particularly concerning anesthetic protocols and pain management for animals. A key topic was the implementation of an anesthetic checklist, which was developed in collaboration with Dr. Harris Ford. This checklist is designed to ensure comprehensive care for patients undergoing anesthesia or sedation, covering pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative procedures.

During the meeting, a veterinarian acknowledged the importance of establishing a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) and emphasized the necessity of thoroughly evaluating an animal's condition before discharge. This practice aims to ensure that pets receive proper care and that their health status is clearly communicated to their owners.

Another significant point of discussion was the veterinarian's previous use of a combination pain medication known as HOK, which includes hydromorphone, lidocaine, and ketamine. The veterinarian admitted to previously administering doses that were too low, based on the observation that pets did not exhibit signs of pain or distress. However, this approach was reconsidered, and the veterinarian expressed a commitment to recalibrating dosage calculations in the future using established veterinary calculators, such as the Plum and VAD calculators, which take into account the animal's species and body weight.

The veterinarian confirmed that they would adjust their pain management strategies to ensure adequate treatment for surgical patients, acknowledging past mistakes in dosage and treatment protocols. This meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts within the veterinary community to enhance animal care standards and ensure the safety and well-being of pets during medical procedures.