Anaesthesiology

The Veterinary Anaesthesia Service provides specialised, personalised care for small animals, including dogs, cats, birds and exotic species, as well as large animals, including equids and ruminants.

If your animal is going to undergo a diagnostic or surgical procedure, they may require analgesia, sedation or general anaesthesia. Our service works across all areas of the hospital, collaborating closely with every specialty to ensure safe, individualised anaesthetic protocols adapted to each patient and procedure. All procedures are carried out with the support of advanced technical resources, allowing us to work with the highest safety standards in all types of patients, including those in critical condition or at high risk.

The Veterinary Anaesthesia Service is made up of a team of specialist veterinarians, European residents, clinical veterinarians, interns and student collaborators.

Veterinary anaesthesia services

Specialised techniques and procedures

At the Hospital Clínico Veterinario, we routinely perform advanced techniques that require specific training and specialised equipment:

Locoregional anaesthesia – this consists of blocking sensation in a specific area of the body in order to provide effective analgesia during and after surgery. It includes techniques such as:
- Peripheral nerve blocks, involving the limbs, abdomen and spine
- Epidural anaesthesia
- Ultrasound-guided blocks, which allow greater precision and safety
Invasive blood pressure monitoring – in high-risk patients, blood pressure is measured directly by placing an arterial catheter, which is considered the most accurate and reliable method.
Central venous catheter – this allows rapid administration of fluids and medication, as well as the collection of blood samples, and is especially useful in critical patients.
Blood product transfusion – the administration of blood, plasma or other products may be essential in cases of haemorrhage or serious disease. These procedures are carried out under strict monitoring in order to detect possible adverse reactions.
Mechanical ventilation – when the patient does not breathe adequately during anaesthesia, ventilators are used to take over respiratory function in a controlled manner.
Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) – in certain cases, anaesthesia is maintained exclusively with intravenous drugs, which may offer advantages in patients with cardiovascular compromise.
Neuromuscular blockade – drugs that produce deep muscle relaxation are used to facilitate certain surgical procedures, always with ventilatory support and strict monitoring.

What will your animal experience during anaesthesia?

Pre-anaesthetic assessment – before the procedure, the clinical history and diagnostic tests are reviewed, and a complete physical examination is performed. This information is used to design an individualised anaesthetic plan.
Anaesthetic plan – the protocol is adapted to each patient, taking into account their health status and the type of procedure. This plan is supervised by a European specialist.
Premedication – drugs are administered to provide sedation and analgesia. An intravenous catheter is then placed for the safe administration of medication and fluid therapy.
Anaesthetic induction – the patient receives oxygen before induction. Anaesthesia is usually initiated intravenously, after which an endotracheal tube is placed to secure the airway and allow the administration of anaesthetic gases.
Monitoring – throughout the procedure, continuous monitoring is carried out of parameters such as:
- Heart rate and electrical activity of the heart
- Respiratory rate
- Body temperature
- Blood oxygenation
- Blood pressure
- Concentration of respiratory and anaesthetic gases
Support during anaesthesia – supportive measures are applied, such as:
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Temperature control, including thermal blankets and circulating warm-air devices
- Respiratory support if necessary
- Pain management adapted to each case
Recovery – at the end of the procedure, anaesthesia is discontinued and the patient is continuously monitored until fully recovered. Oxygen supplementation and temperature control are maintained until the animal is fully conscious and stable.

Anaesthetic safety

Anaesthesia involves inherent risks, such as cardiovascular or respiratory alterations and possible reactions to drugs.

To minimise these risks:

Each patient has an anaesthetist dedicated exclusively to their case
All procedures are supervised by a European specialist
In complex cases, several anaesthetists are involved

Thanks to the combination of clinical experience, individualised protocols and advanced technology, we are able to offer a high level of safety, even in critical patients.

Our team

Difference between the different levels of specialisation:

Our service is made up of professionals with different levels of specialisation and advanced training in veterinary anaesthesia:

European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia (DipECVAA):

A veterinarian who, after completing their veterinary degree, has completed a general internship and a residency programme in anaesthesia lasting at least three years, subsequently passing the official European specialty examinations. Many also carry out teaching and research activities.

Veterinary Resident in Anaesthesia (ECVAA Resident):

A veterinarian who, after completing a rotating internship and a specialty internship, is undertaking a three-year residency programme in veterinary anaesthesia.

AVEPA-accredited Veterinarian in Anaesthesia and Analgesia:

A veterinarian who, after completing their veterinary degree, has acquired advanced training and clinical experience in anaesthesia and pain management for at least three years, subsequently passing the relevant examinations and meeting the requirements established by the Spanish Association of Small Animal Veterinary Specialists.

Veterinary Intern in Anaesthesia:

A veterinarian in training who undertakes a specific one-year programme focused on anaesthesia.

Dra. Laura Gómez

Responsable de Servicio

GV, DVMS, PhD, DipECVAA, Acred. AVEPA Anestesia y Analgesia. Diploma OCV Anestesia y Analgesia EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia