Anaesthesia in context. Supporting senior pets through the anaesthetic journey

Victoria Plimmer | SPC2026

46 minute video - Certificated at 1 hour of CPD

Exploring the unique challenges of anaesthetising small animal geriatric patients, touching on the key physiological and age-related changes that influence how older patients respond to anaesthesia. While these changes form the clinical foundation, our focus will be on the practical approach to anaesthesia, emphasising whole-team involvement and strategies for optimisation at every stage of the patient journey. Geriatric patients are some of the most vulnerable in practice clinically but are also more prone to stress and anxiety due to chronic pain, sensory decline, and the challenges of unfamiliar environments. Managing these cases requires not only careful clinical planning but also a gentle, individualised, and contextualised approach that considers the patient, the client, and the veterinary team.