Practical Local Anaesthesia for Vet Nurses

Local anaesthesia techniques have grown in popularity and are now an important part of anaesthesia in small animal veterinary medicine. Veterinary nurses are key in delivering an array of applications of local anaesthesia, working within the RCVS Code for Professional Conduct.

The anatomy and theory behind nerve blocks and epidurals in cats and dogs will be taught, with particular emphasis on problem solving and dealing with potential complications.

Other applications of local anaesthesia such as the management of chest drains, wound catheters, topical local anaesthesia and intravenous regional anaesthesia will be discussed. Wet lab cadaver-based practical sessions specifically designed for veterinary nurses will provide training and skills for the safe application of head and limb nerve blocks, with a practical introduction to ultrasonography.

Topics to be covered include:

• Local anaesthetic equipment
• Pharmacology of common local anaesthetic drugs
• The multiple applications of local anaesthesia in practice
• Practical equipment session – introduction to using ultrasound and electro nerve locator
• Practical cadaver based session – head and limb nerve blocks

Please note: This is a cadaver-based course