Veterinary Anaesthesia and Critical Care
Guidelines for Membership
Eligibility
The candidate shall meet general eligibility prerequisites outlined in the most recent
College Information Brochure, for membership in the discipline of veterinary anaesthesia
and intensive care.
Objectives
To demonstrate a detailed knowledge and above average competence in anaesthesia of
animals and care of the critically sick patient. The overall level of knowledge expected is
not as high as that required for candidates for the Fellowship.
Description of the Subject
The candidate should have an adequate level of knowledge in the following areas.
1. The basic function of machines and equipment used for general anaesthesia and
resuscitation of large and small animals. Respiratory ventilators and equipment related
to anaesthesia are also included.
2. An understanding of the anatomy and physiology of those body systems relevant to
anaesthesia, including differences that occur in the foetus, neonate, aged and pregnant
animal. The physiology of positive pressure ventilation of fluid, electrolyte and acidbase balance is necessary.
3. Pharmacology of those drugs used for sedation and anaesthesia of animals and the
treatment of the critical care patient. This knowledge includes possible adverse effects
of these drugs and important interactions between sedative and anaesthetic drugs and
unrelated drugs used for treatment of medical and surgical conditions of animals
requiring anaesthesia. Management of drug adverse effects and interactions is required.
4. Pre-anaesthetic assessment and preparation for anaesthesia of animals with medical and
surgical conditions including the trauma patient.
5. The administration of sedation, local and general anaesthesia to animals. The candidate
should be familiar with commonly used techniques in cats, dogs, horses, sheep, goats,
pigs, birds, laboratory animals, wildlife species and fish. The candidate should have a
good understanding of the monitoring of physiological variables in the anaesthetised
animal and post-operative care.
6. Methods for providing post-operative analgesia and the pharmacology of the drugs
used.
7. The recognition and management of those complications associated with local and
general anaesthesia of large and small animals including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
8. Principles of the management and monitoring of critically sick patients including
animals with fluid, electrolyte and acid-base disturbances.
9. Occupational and health hazards related to anaesthesia.
Examination
The examination will consist of two written papers, each of two hours duration plus 15
minutes perusal time, and a oral examination up to 1 hour duration. The first written
paper has questions relating to the basic sciences such as physiology, pharmacology and
anaesthetic equipment and the second written paper has questions on applied or clinical
aspects.
Suggested Bibliography
Candidates should be aware that the detail in some sections of the books listed and journal
papers is more advanced than that required for the membership examinations.
Textbooks
The following books are suitable for preparation for the membership examination.
1.
Short, C E (Editor) (1987). Principles and Practice of Veterinary Anaesthesia.
Williams and Wilkins.
2.
Hall, W L and Clarke, K W (1991). Veterinary Anaesthesia. 9th Edition. Bailliere
Tindall.
3.
Thurmon, J C and Benson, G J (in print) Veterinary Anaesthesia. Lea and
Ferbiger. (A new edition of the Lumb and Jones book).
4.
Paddleford, R B (Editor) (1988). Manual of Small Animal Anaesthesia.
Churchill-Livingstone.
5.
Muir, W W and Hubbell, J A E (19991). Equine Anaesthesia Monitoring and
Emergency Therapy. Mosby Year Book.
6.
Veterinary Clinics of North America. Contributions and issues relevant to
anaesthesia and critical care of animals.
7.
Murtaugh, R J and Kaplan, P M (1992). Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
Medicine. Mosby Year Book.
8.
Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. Proceedings 149, (1991) Postgraduate
Committee in Veterinary Science. University of Sydney.
9.
Booth, N H and McDonald, L E (1988). Veterinary Pharmacology and
Therapeutics. 6th Edition. Iowa State University Press
10.
Nunn, J F (1993). Applied Respiratory Physiology. 4th Edition. Butterworths.
11.
Stolting (1991). Pharmacology and Physiology in Anaesthetic Practice. 2nd
Edition. J B Lippincott.
12.
Brander, G C, Pugh Bywater Jenkins (1991). Veterinary Applied Pharmacology
and Therapeutics. 5th Edition. Balliere Tindall.
13.
Vickers, M D and Wood-Smith, F G (1991). Drugs in Anaesthetic Practice. 7th
Edition. Butterworths.
14.
Nunn, J F, Utting, J E and Brown B R (1989). General Anaesthesia. 5th Edition.
Butterworths.
15.
Sattler and Knowles (1985). Veterinary Critical Care. Lea and Febiger.
Journals
The journals listed below contain original and review papers which are suitable for
preparation for the Membership examination.
1.
Journal of Veterinary Anaesthesia
2.
Veterinary Anaesthesia (in Veterinary Surgery)
3.
Veterinary Record
4.
Journal of Small Animal Practice
5.
Research in Veterinary Science
6.
British Veterinary Journal
7.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
8.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
9.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
10.
Compendium of Continuing Education for the Veterinary Practitioner
11.
Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
12.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
13.
Anaesthesia
14.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
15.
Anesthesiology
16.
Anaesthesia and Analgesia