Episode 203 - Veterinary Premeds That Work for Reliable Sedation

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

In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Victoria Lukasik, DVM, DACVAA, discusses strategies for optimizing pre-anesthetic medication protocols. They discuss how drug choices, administration sites, and dosages impact sedation quality, patient experience, and potential side effects. Gain insights into selecting appropriate tranquilizers, analgesics, and anticholinergics to enhance patient comfort and safety during dental procedures.

What You’ll Learn: 
✅ Understand the impact of premedication administration sites on drug efficacy. 
✅ Discover the benefits of intranasal Dexmedetomidine for sedation. 
✅ Simplify the selection of appropriate tranquilizers and analgesics. 
✅ Apply strategies to minimize opioid-induced side effects in cats. 
✅ Master the use of anticholinergics and preventative eye care. 
✅ Recognize the importance of considering non-anesthetic drugs.

Key Takeaways: 
✅ Intramuscular injections into the semimembranosus muscle provide higher quality sedation with more predictable onset times. 
✅ Intranasal Dexmedetomidine offers comparable sedation to IM administration with reduced cardiovascular effects. 
✅ Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can lower blood pressure; monitor patients accordingly. 
✅ Tailor opioid selection based on patient-specific needs, considering chronic pain and potential psychological effects. 
✅ Cats with dilated pupils may be sensitive to bright light; minimize light exposure to reduce stress.

Questions This Episode Answers:
🔹 How does the injection site affect sedation quality in dogs?
🔹 Can intranasal Dexmedetomidine reduce cardiovascular side effects?
🔹 When should anticholinergics be used in veterinary dentistry anesthesia?
🔹 How can I protect my patient’s eyes after giving anticholinergics?
🔹 What are the best opioid choices for cats to minimize unwanted side effects?
🔹 How do premedication protocols differ for anxious or fearful patients?
🔹 What strategies help minimize stress in cats with dilated pupils during procedures?
🔹 How can I adjust sedatives and analgesics for patients with chronic pain or other comorbidities?

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Access Dr. Beckman’s full collection of training tools for veterinarians and technicians. Save $100 on any online course with code START26! https://internationalveterinarydentistryinstitute.org/veterinary-dental-online-webinars-courses-discount/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcastlink&utm_campaign=start26 

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Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or cases related to veterinary dentistry!

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KEYWORDS: Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Brett Beckman, Dog Dental Care, Cat Dental Care, VetTech Tips, Animal Health, Veterinary Education, Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program, Vet Dental Show, Premedication, Anesthesia, Dexmedetomidine, Opioids, Analgesia, Tranquilizers, Anticholinergics, Sedation, Drug Administration