MSc in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Background:
An initial demand survey (2014) found over 60% of respondents were interested in
undertaking a course of this type. As these data are old, further survey information is being
collected.
Target students:
Although it is likely many applicants will be veterinary surgeons, this course intends to be of
interest and value to veterinary nurses, technicians or researchers who use anaesthesia in their
work. For this reason, the demand survey will be passed to the relevant specialist
organisations for input.
Delivery:
This programme is designed to be delivered and assessed online. A varied range of online
material is anticipated, including:
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On-line lecture notes
On-line tutorials
On-line webinars
Directed discussion in forums
Case examples
Directed reading and use of the literature
The courses are designed to be interactive and moderated online discussion boards and use of
text ‘chats’ online will be key.
Student support:
o Induction period for orientation
o On-line resources to assist with study skills for students who may have been out of
education for some time
o Student handbook
o Access to list of courses and their descriptors/learning outcomes
o Library induction
o Extensive library and other learning resources and facilities
o Open personal access to programme tutor for advice on academic and pastoral issues
o Student e-mail
o Discussion forums with tutor modulation and input
o Access to Student Welfare Service
o The University provides assistance and guidance, eg dyslexia, physical disability
Assessment:
A variety of assessment methods will be used, to assess knowledge, problem solving skills
and analysis. Assessment methods used will vary between courses.
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Multiple choice tests on-line
Written reviews of the literature with a critical, evidence based approach
Problem solving exercises
Continuous assessment of contribution to on-line discussions and reflection
Case reports
Submission of a dissertation
Suggested programme:
The programme can be completed with 60 (PGCert), 120 (PGDip) or 180 credit points (MSc)
as defined by the University of Edinburgh. Courses may be taken as stand-alone CPD units,
except where indicated.
The whole MSc may be taken over a minimum of 3 years for part time study but a maximum
of 6 years will be permitted. A combination of optional and core (compulsory) modules will
be included
Year 1: Certificate
Core (compulsory) modules:
Basic sciences (Anaesthesia)
10 credits
This course will examine physiology, pharmacology and anatomy specifically related
to anaesthetic practice. Introductory aspects of how disease processes affect
anaesthesia.
Basic sciences (Analgesia)
10 credits
This course will include mechanisms of pain, including the relevant physiology and
pharmacology. Discussion of commonly used analgesic drugs, techniques and
concepts
Anaesthetic equipment
10 credits
From types of needles and endotracheal tubes to anaesthetic machines and anaesthetic
monitors- this course will assist students in identifying suitable equipment for
purpose, how it functions and how it may be used safely and effectively.
Patient assessment, critical incidents and cardiopulmonary rescuscitation 10 credits
In this course, students will learn how to identify problems in the anaesthetized
subject and develop logical prioritised responses. Although much will be aimed at
preventing a serious incident, the course will continue to explore current guidelines
for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
In addition, students will be expected to select 2 of the following 4 optional modules for the
Certificate
Dogs and cats
10 credits
Equidae
10 credits
Ruminants, camelidae and pigs
10 credits
Small (laboratory) mammals (rabbits, rodents etc)
10 credits
Although the principles of anaesthesia are common to all, these modules will study the
specific risks and considerations for anaesthesia in different species and how this is relevant
to clinical practice. Practical aspects of pre-anaesthetic care, induction, maintenance and
recovery phases will be included. Common disease processes in the relevant species and how
they affect anaesthesia will be covered.
To avoid repetition, the species courses will assume knowledge from the basic sciences,
equipment and patient assessment modules so are not suitable as standalone CPD.
Year 2: Diploma
60 credits to be accumulated from the following suggested optional modules:
Emergency case management
10 credits
This course will use case examples to highlight key principles in managing the case
presented as an emergency, particularly pre-anaesthetic evaluation and stabilisation.
Fluid therapy and blood transfusion will be included.
Chronic pain and advanced analgesic principles
10 credits
This course may be taken as a stand-alone unit, however a degree of analgesic
knowledge will be assumed (e.g. from Basic sciences (analgesia) course or from prior
alternative studies). The physiological and emotional changes in chronic pain will be
discussed, with more unusual drugs and techniques
Advanced cardiovascular procedures and monitoring
10 credits
As surgical and medical knowledge advances, we are increasing called upon to
anaesthetise animals with more advanced cardiovascular disease. More complicated
procedures are also being attempted. This course will examine more closely the
pathophysiology altered of cardiovascular disease and implications for anaesthesia,
e.g. pacemaker or stent implantation, cardioversion. How the cardiovascular system
may be monitored will also be examined in greater depth than occurred in year 1.
Lung ventilation and mechanical ventilators
10 credits
Beyond bag squeezing…this course will look at the principles and practice of lung
ventilation in animals. Different ventilation modes and types of equipment for
ventilation will be discussed in addition to monitoring animals during intraoperative
and postoperative (intensive care) ventilation.
Reptiles, birds and wild animals
20 credits
Differences in reptilian and avian physiology and anatomy create particular
challenges for anaesthesia. These will be studied and their influence on clinical
practice discussed. Wild animals often require sedation for capture or any techniques
to be performed. The specific problems associated with these techniques and
principles for application for captive (e.g. zoo/safari) and wild animals discussed. This
course will also include the challenges associated with anaesthesia in marine
mammals and fish.
Evaluating research in veterinary anaesthesia
10 credits
Evidence based medicine is important veterinary medicine, but how valid is the
evidence? In this course, students will have the opportunity to learn how to critically
evaluate the literature and establish the quality of evidence presented in certain
arguments. This will include some basic information on study design and what simple
statistics mean (this is not a statistics course and how to calculate or establish the
results will not be covered). This course would be highly recommended for students
wishing to progress to the MSc dissertation.
History of anaesthesia and the links with veterinary medicine
10 credits
A donkey named Wouralia and Pearl Harbour may not appear to have much in
common, but both have historical relevance. Animals have been crucial in the
growing understanding of human anaesthesia, so this course will look at how both
veterinary and human anaesthesia have developed over the years.
Ethics in veterinary anaesthesia: animal welfare and euthanasia
10 credits
Both in clinical and research practice, we are undertaking more complex and costly
procedures. This course will include aspects of ethics in anaesthesia, for example in
research, in husbandry (e.g. castration or docking in farm animals) and then lead on to
the ultimate analgesic- euthanasia.
It is anticipated that optional courses may not be available in every academic year. A student
may elect to use additional species modules from Year 1 towards year 2 credit points.
Although year 2 courses may be taken as stand-alone CPD units, prior knowledge of
anaesthesia and analgesia is assumed at this stage.
Year 3: Masters
Dissertation
60 credits
The form of the dissertation may vary to suit individual candidates, subject to approval of a
submitted proposal. The dissertation will be a piece of written work 10-15,000 words long. It
may take the form of a research study, analysis of techniques used in previous clinical work
or an extended literature review may be appropriate. The University of Edinburgh’s common
marking scheme will be used.
RCVS Advanced practitioner status:
Veterinary surgeons undergoing this programme may be interested in applying for RCVS
advanced practitioner status. If the programme receives appropriate School and College
approvals, recognition by the RCVS will be sought. It is likely that the RCVS will expect a
module A of the CertAVP (or equivalent) to be completed for a veterinary surgeon to be
awarded advanced practioner status. Currently the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
offers this module as online CPD, our current suggestion (if accepted by the RCVS) would be
to offer this module as an option for Year 2 students wishing to apply for advanced practioner
status.
Approvals would be required before confirmation of this plan.
Staffing and costs:
A full business plan is being prepared for the College approval process in April. The
programme director will be Pamela Murison. Courses will be organised by various members
of the anaesthesia staff team, with a minimum of 2 members of staff working on any course.
The courses will be arranged to spread the workload of individual members of staff.