As veterinary medicine advances, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our pet companions during surgeries is crucial. One critical aspect of this relates to perioperative anesthesia. In this issue, Dr. Tamara Grubb provides a guide for veterinarians on perioperative anesthesia complications in dogs and cats. While artificial intelligence (AI) can already assist with radiographic and cytologic interpretation, could AI also play a role in identifying perioperative anesthesia problems? AI algorithms have the ability to analyze vast datasets, including a pet’s medical history, breed-specific factors, and responses to anesthesia. AI systems could predict potential complications based on this data. This would allow veterinarians to tailor anesthesia protocols to each patient’s unique characteristics. Continuous monitoring during surgery is crucial for early detection of complications. AI monitoring systems could analyze parameters simultaneously and provide real-time insights into a patient’s vital signs. Any deviations from the norm could trigger alerts. AI’s capabilities could even extend beyond the operating room. Automated systems could monitor pets postoperatively, tracking recovery progress and identifying signs of complications. While there could be tremendous benefits, the question remains: Are we ready to trust the machines to this extent?
What We’re Reading
2024 VMX Proceedings
The 2024 VMX Proceedings capture key insights and takeaways from educational sessions held at VMX, one of the largest veterinary education conferences in the world. The proceedings from this year’s conference, which took place January in Orlando, Florida, are divided into 4 books according to role and focus: Small Animal and Exotics, Large Animal, Veterinary Nurse/Technician, and Practice Management. All 4 of these books can be purchased together for $99 and digitally downloaded to your computer, smart phone, or other electronic device. To learn more and purchase the proceedings, visit shop.navc.com/proceedings.
What We’re Up To
A New Open-Access Neurology Resource
Today’s Veterinary Practice Editor in Chief, Simon Platt, has launched a new free veterinary education resource. Web-vetneurology.com provides up-to-date information to students, veterinarians, veterinary nurses, specialists, and owners looking for help diagnosing and managing neurologic diseases in pets. This new website incorporates an open-access literature section to provide practitioners with current research on all aspects of neurological diagnosis and treatment. There is a dedicated case study section showing video footage and cross-sectional imaging studies of interesting and illustrative cases. In addition, 2 podcast series are included on the site. Neurology for Vets and Pets aims to demystify veterinary neurology in bite-sized episodes, while Neurology for Specialists looks at the most challenging neurologic problems in dogs and cats and focuses on the latest publications. Moving forward, the site will expand to include a Neurology in Practice section for the busy veterinary professional, essentially building an open-access syndrome-based textbook.