Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Now Offering Veterinary Anesthesia
Modern veterinary medicine has seen advancements in technology and medicinal practices to offer pets the best care options. Having a Veterinary Anesthesiologist on staff is an invaluable resource that makes surgeries safer for pets.
The Basics of Veterinary Anesthesia
An anesthesiologist is a veterinarian specializing in administering sedation and anesthetizing medications to animals. This allows veterinarians to perform the safest, most effective procedures for animals. Each animal is unique, so a veterinary anesthesiologist must pay detailed attention to each case.
Modern anesthesia is considered extremely safe for most animals, but a small percentage are prone to having bad (or unsafe) reactions to it. A veterinary anesthesiologist will review detailed blood work and thoroughly review a pet’s medical history before a procedure to ensure the pet is healthy enough to be put under. If a patient is at high risk for complications, the anesthesiologist will make other recommendations based on the animal’s health profile.
Detailed Monitoring Before, During, and After Procedures
Veterinary anesthesiologists are thoroughly trained in recognizing even the most minute changes in pets under anesthesia. These doctors are present to ensure that everything is going smoothly. If they notice the need to change medication amounts, they will calibrate until they find the right dosage to keep your pet as comfortable and safe as possible. They are truly invaluable to the practice of modern veterinary medicine.
Veterinary anesthesia is used to keep pets under during procedures and to manage pre- and post-operative pain. Anesthesiologists are highly trained in pain management to help pets recover quickly and comfortably. Pets that feel less pain have a smoother, faster recovery, which helps them get back to enjoying the activities they love.
Veterinary Anesthesiology at OVRS
Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is proud to be one of only two hospitals in Michigan to have a veterinary anesthesiologist on staff. Kate Cummings, DVM, DACVAA, joined OVRS in October 2023. She received her DVM from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She completed an anesthesia and analgesia residency at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Following her residency, she worked at MedVet in Worthington, OH, before returning to the East Coast to work at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA.
As a veterinary anesthesiologist, Dr. Cummings collaborates with our surgeons and other specialty departments to ensure safe and effective protocols are administered to your pet. She has specific interests in the anesthetic management of critically ill patients as well as acute pain management strategies. Her role is to advocate for the patient, aiming to minimize stress and keep the patient as comfortable as possible during their hospital stay.
At OVRS, we are always working to implement the best in modern specialty veterinary services. From having an on-staff anesthesiologist to offering a wide range of specialty and emergency services, we make it easy to get the care your pets need. With more than 20 board-certified specialists, we can help with any issue your pet might have. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call (248) 334-6877.
