The CARES VetMed Podcast

Episode 007: #SaveTheSmushies - A Conversation About Brachycephalics With Elisa Mazzaferro, MS, DVM, PhD, DACVECC

Join us for a fascinating discussion on brachycephalic breeds, featuring guest expert Elisa Mazzaferro, MS, DVM, PhD, DACVECC! In this episode, we delve deep into the unique challenges faced by these beloved breeds, from breeding practices and standards to their complex and often underestimated perianesthetic risks. Dr. Mazzaferro shares her expertise on: * The current landscape of breeding testing and standards: Are we doing enough to ensure responsible breeding practices? * Understanding the unique health concerns: From stenotic nares to elongated soft palates, we unpack the specific anatomical challenges that brachycephalic breeds face. * Perianesthetic considerations: Why are brachycephalic breeds at a higher risk during anesthesia? What steps can veterinarians take to ensure their safety? * The power of client education: Empowering pet owners with knowledge about their breed's potential health issues and the importance of preventative care. * Implementing checklists into practice: A practical guide for veterinarians on improving patient safety and streamlining care for brachycephalic patients. This episode is essential listening for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and pet owners who want to understand the complexities of caring for these adorable but often vulnerable breeds. Together, we can ensure a healthier future for brachycephalic dogs and #savethesmushies!

Episode 006: Follow the MAP - It's Truly a Work of Heart

Welcome back to another episode of The CARES VetMed Podcast! Today, we're exploring the crucial role of mean arterial pressure (MAP) monitoring during general anesthesia. We all know monitoring blood pressure is essential, but why is MAP so crucial? How do we calculate it? And what can it tell us about our patients' perfusion and how they're handling anesthesia? In this episode, we'll cover: * The importance of MAP monitoring: Why it's not just about a number, but a key indicator of organ perfusion and overall health. * Calculating MAP: We'll review the factors that impact the MAP value. * Anesthetic agents and their effects on MAP: Understanding how different anesthetic drugs can affect blood pressure and how to anticipate these changes. * Common causes of hypotension during anesthesia: We'll discuss the most frequent culprits and how to identify them. * Intervening in hypotension: From fluid therapy to medications, we'll explore the practical steps you can take to stabilize your patient's MAP. This episode is packed with practical tips and real-world insights, designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to monitor and manage MAP during anesthesia like a pro. So buckle up, grab your stethoscope, and let's follow the MAP!

Episode 005: The Machine - Knowing Your Anesthesia Workhorse Inside and Out

Hey there, fellow anesthetists! It's time to get up close and personal with our trusty sidekick – the anesthesia machine! We rely on this machine to deliver safe and effective anesthesia to our patients, so understanding its ins and outs is crucial. In this episode, we're taking a look into: * Anatomy of a Machine: From the oxygen source to the vaporizer, we'll examine each component and discuss its purpose. * Flow Rates, Reservoir Bags, and More: Learn to select the right patient settings, from flowmeter rates to reservoir bag size. * Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks: We'll tackle common machine hiccups and provide practical solutions to reduce those frustrating moments in the OR. * Mastering the Leak Check: Keep your patients safe with a comprehensive guide to performing a thorough leak check. This episode is geared specifically towards small animal anesthesia, so buckle up and prepare to advance your comprehension of the (anesthesia) machine!

Episode 004: Financial Talk with Andy Samoiloff

We're all about caring for our furry patients, but who cares for you?! This episode is dedicated to your financial future - a topic that often gets swept under the rug, especially for those in our field. If you put aside $24 a week, that would be $24,960 in 20 years, and in 40 years, it would be $49,920. What if I told you that in 20 years it could instead be $61,400 and in 40 years it could be $348,000, would you do it? Better yet, add in most companies' contributions, and that value will become $92,000 in 20 years and $522,000 in 40 years. If you increase your weekly contribution by 5% each year, the value will become $131,000 in 20 years and reach $1 million in the 40th year! This is the historical benefit of retirement planning and investing with the experts. Check out my conversation with Andy Samoiloff, where we discuss retirement planning and investing now to prepare ourselves for financial freedom in the future!

Episode 003: Turn Up the Heat - Keeping Our Patients Warm (and Safe!)

In this episode, we’re discussing a topic that can sometimes be overlooked but is critically important: thermoregulation! We all know that our patients can get a bit chilly during surgery, but how much do we really understand about what's happening beneath the surface? In this episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of body temperature, exploring: * The Body's Thermostat: How does the body regulate its temperature? We'll dissect the mechanisms of heat production and loss. * The Peri-Anesthetic Chill: Why are our patients so susceptible to hypothermia during anesthesia? We'll uncover the contributing factors, from anesthetic agents to surgical procedures. * Preventing the Shivers: More than just discomfort, hypothermia has serious consequences. We'll discuss the key strategies for preventing and treating this common complication. Get ready to heat up your knowledge and become the ultimate temperature champions for your patients!