Episode 162 - The Role of Ketamine in Veterinary Pain Management

🔗 Unlock the Secrets to Pain Management – Yours Forever!
Take your knowledge to the next level with lifetime access to the full online course on pain management!
Go to http://ivdi.org/pain and use promo code "pain" to start learning instantly!

🎧 Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM

In this episode, veterinary pain management expert Dr. Mark Epstein explores the evolving role of ketamine in pain control for dogs and cats. He explains how ketamine works, its opioid-sparing effects, and how it can be used in perioperative and chronic pain management. With practical dosing recommendations and emerging research insights, this episode is a must-watch for veterinary professionals!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How ketamine prevents pain through NMDA receptor antagonism
✅ Why ketamine is not a true analgesic but an effective pain-preventive agent
✅ Best practices for dosing in both acute and chronic pain cases
✅ How ketamine is revolutionizing pain management beyond surgery
✅ Potential applications in neuropathic pain, maladaptive pain, and even depression

Key Takeaways:
🔹 Ketamine as an Opioid-Sparing Analgesic
Blocks NMDA receptors, preventing central sensitization and exaggerated pain responses.
Used perioperatively and in chronic pain cases for its anti-hyperalgesic effects.
Helps reduce opioid dependence in veterinary pain protocols.
Standard Dosing:
Loading dose: 0.6 mL of 100 mg/mL solution into 1L of fluids
CRI dose: 5-10 mL/kg/hr during surgery, then maintenance post-op
Chronic pain use: Low-dose SC or IV infusions every 2-4 weeks

🔹 Clinical Safety & Considerations
Generally safe, even in trauma and post-op patients.
Contraindications: Use caution in cases of severe cardiovascular disease.
Research-backed benefits: Ketamine is being studied for neuropathic pain and depression treatment.

🔹 Veterinary Applications & Future Research
Used in combination with opioids and other analgesics for maximum effect.
Beneficial in maladaptive pain cases, including arthritis, chronic inflammation, and nerve injuries.
Emerging techniques: Subcutaneous infusion devices for continuous low-dose delivery.

📢 Have Questions or Comments?
Drop them below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more expert veterinary pain management content.

🔗 Unlock the Secrets to Pain Management – Yours Forever!
Take your knowledge to the next level with lifetime access to the full online course on pain management!
Go to http://ivdi.org/pain and use promo code "pain" to start learning instantly!