The Random Anesthesia Topic podcast

How much should we trust the veterinary literature? What happens when the evidence doesn’t quite fit the patient in front of us? In this episode, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists dives into evidence-based medicine, the strengths and limitations of veterinary research, and how to critically evaluate what a study actually tells us. We explore the challenges of small sample sizes, conflicting evidence, and translating controlled research into messy real-world clinical scenarios. Because good medicine isn’t just about following the literature, it’s about understanding the evidence, recognizing its limitations, and knowing how to apply it to the individual patient.

What do diabetes, endocrine disease, and electrolyte imbalances have in common? They can all make anesthesia a little more interesting! In this episode, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists dives into the challenges of anesthetizing patients with diabetes, endocrine disorders, and abnormal electrolytes. We discuss what these conditions mean for anesthetic planning, which abnormalities should make you stop and think, and how to keep these patients stable from induction through recovery. A practical conversation about managing the metabolic curveballs that can turn a routine anesthetic into anything but routine.

Not all veterinary hospitals approach anesthesia the same way—and that can have a major impact on patient care. In this episode, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists is joined by Dr. Natalie McShane, owner of East Side Animal Hospital, for an honest discussion about anesthesia in general practice. We explore why the level of anesthetic care can vary significantly between clinics, the challenges GPs face in providing advanced anesthesia services, and whether veterinary schools are adequately preparing new graduates for real-world anesthesia decision-making. A candid conversation about training, confidence, standards of care, and opportunities to raise the bar for patients everywhere.

What happens after the patient goes home? In this episode, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists dives into oral pain medications, and the realities of keeping pets comfortable outside the hospital. We discuss common go-home medications, multimodal pain strategies, compliance challenges, side effects, and how treatment plans are tailored to different patients and conditions. Practical, approachable, and full of real-world insights, this episode focuses on the part of pain management owners deal with every day.

What happens when veterinary rehabilitation and anesthesia team up? In this episode, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists is joined by Dr. Leilani Alvarez, board-certified in Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation from the Animal Medical Center in New York City. We talk chronic pain, agility dogs, and the powerful overlap between rehab medicine and anesthesia care. We also dive into modern pain management options, including Librela and Solensia, and how multimodal strategies can improve quality of life. Practical, collaborative, and packed with insights for keeping patients comfortable and moving well.

In this episode, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists explores a mix of practical and thought-provoking anesthesia topics—from the acupuncture point GV20 to the ongoing debate of IM versus IV premedication. We break down when each approach might shine, what the evidence (and experience) suggests, and how these choices can impact patient management. Expect thoughtful discussion, a few clinical pearls, and the usual dose of anesthesia banter along the way.

In this episode, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists welcomes Adam Christman, DVM, MBA to unpack public misconceptions about anesthesia. From gaps in veterinary training to communication challenges with clients, we explore what’s driving the anxiety—and how we can shift the narrative. Honest, practical, and a little provocative, this conversation tackles the confidence gap head-on.

In this candid and slightly nerve-wracking episode, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists plays a round of “Never Have I Ever” — anesthesia style. From close calls and clinical missteps to the tough questions we don’t always talk about, nothing is off the table. Join us as we share lessons learned, humbling moments, and honest reflections that remind us all: in anesthesia (and in life), growth often starts with a deep breath and a little humility.

In this episode, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists welcomes back human anesthesiologist Dr. Mika Hamilton for a candid, cross-species comparison of anesthesia care. We explore how human and veterinary teams approach pulmonary hypertension, the monitoring tools each relies on, and how availability, training, and patient factors shape real-world decision-making. From advanced invasive monitors to making the most of what’s on hand, this conversation highlights both the contrasts and the shared goals that unite anesthesia across species.

In this second installment of our two-part series, our trio of veterinary anesthesiologists takes a deep breath and dives into the more complex issues of mechanical ventilation. We turn up the pressure and tackle the trickier side of mechanical ventilation. Whether you’re new to the concept or need a refresher, this episode will help you breathe easier about ventilator basics—without leaving you gasping for air from information overload!