Level up your veterinary anesthesia nursing skills with CARES VetMed! Each episode features tips, tricks, and expert advice to help you become a confident and compassionate professional. Plus, at the end of each episode, we'll challenge you with a #CARESaction to perform an act of kindness at work, and more! Grab your stethoscope, put on your headset, and join us. Let's learn, grow, and elevate the standard of veterinary patient care, together! Take care, friends!

CARES VetMed
Claim This Podcastby CARES VetMed, LLC
Podcast Overview
Level up your veterinary anesthesia nursing skills with CARES VetMed! Each episode features tips, tricks, and expert advice to help you become a confident and compassionate professional. Plus, at the end of each episode, we'll challenge you with a #CARESaction to perform an act of kindness at work, and more! Grab your stethoscope, put on your headset, and join us. Let's learn, grow, and elevate the standard of veterinary patient care, together! Take care, friends!
Language
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Publishing Since
4/19/2023
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Recent Episodes

June 30, 2026
Pediatric Anesthesia Monitoring Challenges and Tips
<p>Welcome to another episode of The CARES VetMed Podcast! This week, Maryann, Travis, and our host tackle the unique challenges of pediatric anesthesia monitoring. From neonates to young adults, these little patients present distinct physiological differences that require tailored approaches. Join us as we explore essential tips, tricks, and common pitfalls to ensure the safest possible anesthetic experience for our smallest patients.</p><p>This episode covers:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Monitoring Equipment Adaptations:</strong> Practical advice for pulse oximetry in tiny patients, including using reflectance probes (rectal or shaved skin), relieving clamp pressure with needle caps or rubber bands, and the truth about "wetting the tongue." Discussion also covers adjusting the settings of an oscillometric blood pressure machine for small patients and the difficulties in obtaining accurate readings.</p></li><li><p><strong>Pediatric Physiological Parameters:</strong> Insights into managing temperature in rapidly cooling/warming pediatric patients, and the surprising lack of direct correlation between hypotension and acute kidney injury in human pediatrics. We discuss how very young patients rely heavily on heart rate to estimate blood pressure, and how to prioritize physical assessments such as mucous membrane color, CRT, and fluid status.</p></li><li><p><strong>Pharmacology & Protocols (Mini-Deep Dive):</strong> Brief discussion on using anticholinergics and ketamine in pediatric patients, especially for painful procedures, and the caution needed with propofol's cardiovascular effects. </p></li><li><p><strong>Lung Compliance and Ventilation:</strong> The critical importance of monitoring peak inspiratory pressure in pediatric patients due to their compliant chest walls but less compliant pulmonary tissue, and the risk of pulmonary edema from over-inflation.</p></li><li><p><strong>Hypotension Intervention Strategies:</strong> A candid conversation about how to approach hypotension in pediatric patients, including when to intervene with multiple treatments simultaneously versus a stepwise approach, and the common use of pressors like dopamine.</p></li><li><p><strong>Glucose Monitoring:</strong> Guidelines for checking blood glucose in pediatric patients, particularly those under six months, and techniques for obtaining blood samples.</p></li></ul><p>We welcome your feedback, suggestions for future topics, or any wild experiences you'd like to share from your careers. Please reach out to us at <a href="mailto:hello@caresvetmed.com">hello@caresvetmed.com</a> or connect with us on social media at @caresvetmed.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Links:</strong></p><ul><li><p><u></u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Veterinary-Anesthetic-Monitoring-Equipment-Kristen/dp/1119277159/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FUBB2E3QFENS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xbKbrYndWwysocjLXvwZMz-m1R8BO27jO0S-oSwd8qkY23xeVVv-j8P2QhOWSDhweH5SDLFXsKHypGNC1-qubH8UZ2zFl6mvMSI6MKOQiC4Dy45EN6X4vKBjrMDmQCvVGYnUMlYgIBrvUvKHluxW2bljzm04HgBDN70AtgqtQB3REgVWc_N2GLd25DlJPDPVpkjyrocC7z-SnLDL7WvC2b9vFs6-hga9dQv0viLAxO70p0ia9K-0N1tnbA5tjmPnAtA74ROcBtRrmlPtwzD2qF2ek3p2b-hihLEXoVk7qW0.MY2x1HH8aakkvJ6PHFB7u6TYYE2gp9eK6L1dyCj6O2U&dib_tag=se&keywords=veterinary+anesthetic+and+monitoring+equipment&qid=1782784075&sprefix=veterinary+anesthetic+and+monitoring+equipmen%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1"><u><strong>Veterinary Anesthetic and Monitoring Equipment</strong></u></a><u></u></p></li><li><p><u></u><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.842528/full"><u>Martins ARC, Ambrósio AM, Fantoni DT, Pinto ACBCF, Villamizar-Martinez LA, Soares JHN, Otsuki DA and Malbouisson LMS (2022) </u><u><strong>Computed Tomography Assessment of Tidal Lung Overinflation in Domestic Cats Undergoing Pressure-Controlled Mechanical Ventilation During General Anesthesia</strong></u><u>. Front. Vet. Sci. 9:842528. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.842528</u></a><u></u></p></li><li><p><u></u><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29246711/"><u>Moll X, Aguilar A, García F, Ferrer R, Andaluz A. </u><u><strong>Validity and reliability of Doppler ultrasonography and direct arterial blood pressure measurements in anaesthetized dogs weighing less than 5 kg</strong></u><u>. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2018 Mar;45(2):135-144. doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2017.08.006. Epub 2017 Sep 15. PMID: 29246711. </u></a><u></u></p></li></ul>

June 16, 2026
Cognitive Aids
<p>Ever feel like the busier your shift gets, the easier it is for your brain to go on autopilot right when it matters most? In this episode of <strong>The Cares VetMed Podcast</strong>, Maryann, Travis, and Tracey look at the hard science and surprising data behind why even the most seasoned veterinary experts rely on a simple piece of paper to save lives.</p><p>The math speaks for itself: a humble, one-page checklist can drop machine setup errors by 88% and cut airway complications by a staggering 97%. Getting human egos to step aside for the data isn't always easy, but from halving surgical complications to preventing catastrophic equipment mistakes, we explore how clinical checklists act as your team’s ultimate safety net against distraction. Tune in to find out why keeping it simple is your patient's best line of defense!</p><p><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>The 2025 Equipment Setup Study:</strong> We break down a study by Love et al. that shows introducing a simple anesthesia machine checklist reduced student errors from 6.6% to 0.8%—an incredible 88% drop.</p></li><li><p><strong>The APL Valve & Airway Wins:</strong> How the same 2025 study proved that checklists reduced airway supply errors by 97.2% and cut the dangerous mistake of leaving the APL valve closed by 75%.</p></li><li><p><strong>The 2018 Surgical Safety Study:</strong> A look at data from Cray et al. showing that implementing a surgical safety checklist dropped overall perioperative and postoperative complication rates from 40.9% down to 29.3%.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Anatomy of Distraction:</strong> Why human error, lapses in judgment, and phone calls/questions in the middle of a setup are the biggest threats to patient safety—and how checklists catch you when you get pulled away.</p></li><li><p><strong>"Read-Do" vs. "Do-Confirm" Checklists:</strong> Breaking down the two distinct styles of checklists from Atul Gawande’s The Checklist Manifesto. Learn when to use a comprehensive instruction-style list (Read-Do) versus a quick, expert safety net (Do-Confirm).</p></li><li><p><strong>Fighting "Checklist Fatigue":</strong> How to get genuine buy-in from your team by keeping lists practical, concise (5 to 9 items max), and allowing room for local modifications.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Future of Tech:</strong> A discussion on how modern anesthetic monitors are beginning to integrate digital checklists and software that syncs directly into electronic medical records.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Questions to Think About While You Listen:</strong></p><ol><li><p><strong>Are you letting ego get in the way of safety?</strong> Why admitting we are human and prone to distraction takes humility, but actively saves lives.</p></li><li><p><strong>Does the layout of your paperwork cause mistakes?</strong> Why stacking multiple checklists on a single page might cause your team to accidentally skip vital blocks of information.</p></li><li><p><strong>Is your team only as strong as your weakest player?</strong> How checklists level the playing field for new grads, novice assistants, and solo on-call staff.</p></li></ol><p><strong>Team Challenge: The Surgical Timeout Challenge</strong></p><p>We are challenging every single listener to implement <strong>one practical, 3-point checklist</strong> in their clinic this week: <strong>The Surgical Timeout</strong>. Before the first incision is made, pause your team and confirm just three things:</p><ol><li><p>Correct Patient</p></li><li><p>Correct Surgical Site</p></li><li><p>Verified Surgical Drugs & CPR Code</p></li></ol><p><strong>Links mentioned in the episode for reference:</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1467298725001084"><u>The use of a checklist reduces errors in equipment set-up by veterinary student anesthetists</u></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/vsu.12964"><u>Effect of implementation of a surgical safety checklist on perioperative and postoperative complications at an academic institution in North America</u></a></p></li><li><p><strong>A Must Read!:</strong> <a href="https://atulgawande.com/book/the-checklist-manifesto/">The Checklist Manifesto<u> by Atul Gawande</u></a>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Clinical Templates:</strong> <a href="https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/patient-safety/9789241598590-eng-checklist.pdf"><u>The World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist.</u></a><br></p></li></ul>

June 2, 2026
The Recovery Danger Zone
<p>Think the hard part is over once the last suture is tied? Think again. In this episode of <strong>The CARES VetMed Podcast</strong>, Travis, Maryann, and Tracey shine a light on the "Danger Zone"—that high-stakes window where even the most routine procedures can take a sudden, life-threatening turn.</p><p>We’re diving into the "why" behind post-op complications, sharing clinical experiences and exploring specific strategies to keep patients safe once the monitors come off.</p><p>In this episode, we explore:</p><ul><li><p><strong>The Post-Op Statistic:</strong> Why do half of all anesthesia deaths happen after the surgery is finished? We talk about why "waking them up" is the most dangerous part of your day.</p></li><li><p><strong>The "Heavens to Betsy" Tray:</strong> We reveal what needs to be within arm’s reach when a recovery goes sideways—and why it isn't just about the breathing tube.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Science of "Flow-By":</strong> Why 100% oxygen isn't always the answer. We explain the "Nitrogen Skeleton" and how a simple Ambubag trick can help fix collapsed lungs.</p></li><li><p><strong>Pain vs. Panic:</strong> How can you tell if a patient is hurting or just confused? We look at the subtle physical cues that tell you exactly what your patient needs.</p></li><li><p><strong>Airway Brinkmanship:</strong> We discuss the high-wire act of recovering brachycephalic breeds and new tools that make it less stressful.</p></li><li><p><strong>Thermal Roadblocks:</strong> Why being "cold" is actually a form of sedation. We explore how temperature affects the body's ability to clear drugs, especially in exotic species.</p></li></ul><p>Questions to Think About While You Listen:</p><ol><li><p><strong>Are you pulling the monitor off too early?</strong> We discuss the crucial "5-minute shift" that happens the moment you switch to room air.</p></li><li><p><strong>Is the "quiet" patient the most dangerous?</strong> Why the patient sleeping peacefully might actually be the one in the most trouble.</p></li><li><p><strong>Could your multitasking be a risk factor?</strong> We look at how 60% of techs who "double-task" might be missing the most important signs.</p></li></ol><p><strong>Links mentioned in the episode for reference:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>The Post-Op Hypoxemia Data:</strong> <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1467298726000012"><u> C Piemontese et al. Noninvasive respiratory support in dogs</u> <strong>Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia</strong><u> 2026, 53, 101187</u></a></p></li><li><p><strong>High-Flow Nasal Oxygen:</strong> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.12971"><u>Jagodich TA, Bersenas AME, Bateman SW, Kerr CL. Preliminary evaluation of the use of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy during recovery from general anesthesia in dogs with obstructive upper airway breathing. </u><strong>J Vet Emerg Crit Care.</strong><u> 2020;30:487–492.</u></a></p></li><li><p><strong>Mila/Cook Airway Tools:</strong> </p></li><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.milainternational.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=airway+exchanger"><u>Mila</u></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.cookmedical.com/products/cc_cae_webds/"><u>Cook</u></a></p></li></ul><li><p><a href="https://www.felinegrimacescale.com/practice-your-skills"><strong>The Feline Grimace Scale</strong></a></p></li></ul><p><strong>A Note on Our Content:</strong> The views, opinions, and personal experiences shared by the hosts on this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. While our hosts are Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) in Anesthesia & Analgesia, the protocols, techniques, and case management styles discussed on this show should never take the place of direct veterinarian approval or institutional oversight. Every patient is unique. Always consult with the attending veterinarian and review your specific clinic protocols before implementing any new anesthesia or analgesia plans.</p><p>As always, we sincerely thank all of you who took time out of your busy schedules to listen to this, as well as our other episodes. If you have any suggestions or feedback for us, we’d love to hear from you! You can send us a message on social media (@CARESVetMed) or email us at <a href="mailto:hello@caresvetmed.com"><u>hello@caresvetmed.com</u></a>. Let us know if you’d like to join us on a future episode!</p><p>Take care, friends!</p>
12 total episodes available
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