The Anesthesiology Service

During the final three years of the doctorate in veterinary medicine, the anesthesiology service actively takes part in the training of students in anesthesia for every species. The foundation of their knowledge is taught during the third year. During their fourth year, students can choose between a course in either Large animal or Small animal anesthesia. Finally, during their last academic year, students are evaluated for their clinical skills through a compulsory anesthesia rotation. The goal of the anesthesiology service during this time is to let the students play an active role in the service by guiding them through the anesthesia process of real cases..

Our research program is recognised wold wide. The major research topics are:

• Anesthesia and pain management in cats focussed on the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of different anesthesia and analgesia practices (in collaboration with other international academic institutions);
• Anesthesia and analgesia in zoo animals (in collaboration with the Granby Zoo).

Our undergraduate students have the opportunity to learn about research in anesthesiology and analgesia through a summer research grant.  They develop their own research project but also participate in other studies. They learn the theories, concepts and ethics involved in research. Our graduate students are trained to develop and formulate high quality research studies. The anesthesia service also commits itself to the research and development of new drugs.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in collaborating in a research program. We also invite any individual interested by a Master’s program, PhD or fellowship to contact us.

The Faculty of veterinary medicine of the University of Montreal offers a solid residency program in veterinary anesthesia and analgesia over a 3 year period to enable clinical training in animal species. The final objective of this program is to prepare the resident for certification by the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA). The residents work under the direct supervision of two board certified anesthesiologists. Furthermore, the residents must complete a specialized post-graduate diploma (DES) (focus on internal medicine, physiology, pharmacology and applied anesthesiology) or a Master’s degree.

The residents also participate in fundamental or clinical research.

The highly qualified animal health technicians play a major role in the anesthesiology service. They administer and supervise the anesthesia in small as well as in large animals and in certain exotic species. They are also closely involved in the technical training of students and interns. Among other things, the technicians teach the skills needed to place an intravenous catheter, intubate and monitor the anesthesia.  They work closely with the anesthesiologist to optimise the animal’s anesthesia and manage acute pain in our patients.