Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Board-Certified veterinary anesthesiologist?

First and foremost, we are veterinarians. After veterinary school, we have completed a one year internship and then a three year residency focusing solely on all aspects of anesthesia.  We then had to pass a rigorous 2 day written exam and then a 3 hour oral exam if the written exam was passed. We are experts in the field of sedation, anesthesia, pain management, fluid and transfusion therapy, normal physiology, changes that occur with any given disease, drug effects on the body, and CPR. We learn management of very healthy and very ill patients. Our job is to provide patients with an anesthetic event that is as safe, vigilent, and comfortable as possible

Why would I need a Veterinary Anesthesiologist?

If your pet is having surgery and your veterinarian is uncomfortable anesthetizing him or her or you are anxious about the level of dedicated care your pet will receive under anesthesia, that is a great time to reach out for an anesthesiologist. We understand many situations in which a veterinarian is not comfortable performing a procedure and overseeing anesthesia at the same time. We also know that having a pet under anesthesia can be stressful. An anesthesiologist at your pet's side is dedicated solely to your pet from start to finish. We can take care of anesthesia so veterinarians and technicians can focus on what they need to do.

Is anesthesia safe?

"There are no safe anesthetics, just safe anesthetists" is a famous saying. While modern anesthetics and monitoring equipment has come a long way, the most important component of a successful anesthetic event is a dedicated, knowledgable personnel monitoring the patient. 

How can I arrange to have an anesthesiologist for my pet's procedure?

The best way is to inform your veterinarian of your interest in this service and have them contact us. Most veterinarians in the area do not know they can have this service offered to them. We work on an appointment-only basis. Between you, your veterinarian, and us, we will schedule a day that works best for everyone's schedule. If your pet's procedure is slightly more urgent, we will do our best to accommodate. Alternatively, your veterinarian can arrange to have a teleconsultation where Dr. Dooley will thoroughly review your pet’s medical history, develop a targeted anesthesia plan as a guide for your veterinarian, and be available by phone if issues arise during the procedure.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (“echo”) is a method of using ultrasound to obtain multiple views of the heart itself. This is NOT an electrocardiogram (ECG) which looks at the electrical activity of the heart. The echocardiogram requires a pet to lay on its side for about 20 minutes as the images are obtained. It lets us measure the size and function of the heart. It is not invasive or painful and often does not require sedation. But we still find some pets do better with a little medication to relieve their veterinary-visit anxiety. We can discuss this with you and your veterinarian at the time of scheduling.