When it comes to your pet’s care, Mizzou’s veterinary anesthesia team is second to none, offering leading-edge pain management and safety you won’t find at most practices.
The anesthesiology team administers an ultrasound-guided anesthesia block to a dog, using real-time imaging to ensure precise delivery of pain relief. This technique enhances comfort and minimizes recovery time by targeting pain directly at the source.
Published 3/17/25
Story contact: Deidra Ashley, CVMMarCom@missouri.edu
Photos by Karen Clifford
When you think about veterinary medicine, you probably picture skilled surgeons, dedicated clinicians and compassionate caregivers. But behind many successful procedures is a team of highly trained anesthesiologists ensuring your pet stays safe and comfortable. At the University of Missouri’s Veterinary Health Center (VHC), we provide a level of specialized anesthesia care that you won’t find in most practices. Here are five ways the VHC’s anesthesiology team sets itself apart.
1. Using leading-edge nerve blocks to provide better pain management.
The VHC has embraced advanced loco-regional anesthesia techniques to provide better pain relief for pets while reducing the need for general anesthetics. Using a dedicated ultrasound machine, our anesthesiologists can visualize nerves and precisely administer nerve blocks — ensuring safer, more effective pain management for animals undergoing surgery. This technique not only helps pets recover more comfortably and quickly but also reduces the risk of side effects associated with traditional anesthesia.
2. Bringing board-certified expertise to ensure top-tier care.
Unlike many private practices, the VHC has a team of three board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists, providing specialized care you can trust. Our experts carefully monitor each patient using advanced equipment — just like in human hospitals — to track heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing and blood pressure. This high level of precision allows us to respond immediately to any changes, ensuring the safest possible experience, especially for pets with complex medical needs.
3. Training the next generation of veterinary professionals.
At the VHC, education is a cornerstone of our mission. Using advanced tools, our anesthesiology team teaches Mizzou veterinary students the latest anesthesia techniques, ensuring they graduate with specialized knowledge to improve care throughout the industry. By equipping future veterinarians with this expertise, we raise the standard of anesthetic care for animals nationwide.
4. Collaboration across specialties enhances outcomes.
Veterinary anesthesiologists often work behind the scenes, but they’re integral to nearly every department at the VHC, from cardiology to surgical oncology. When a surgeon takes on a high-risk procedure, the anesthesiology team plays a critical role in patient stabilization and pain management, increasing the chances of a successful outcome. Their expertise is particularly essential for the types of complicated cases that are referred to the VHC.
5. A passionate, team-oriented culture drives excellence.
Anesthesiology at the VHC is built on collaboration, with anesthesiologists and anesthesia technicians working together to ensure each patient receives careful monitoring and support. This strong team dynamic allows procedures to run efficiently, helps the team respond quickly in critical situations and fosters an environment of ongoing learning. By sharing expertise and refining techniques, the team continuously improves patient safety and the overall quality of care.