University of Tennessee

Companion Animal
Pain Management

About

This course is designed to help veterinarians and vet techs identify the pathologies that will benefit from effective pain management practices. It provides an in-depth discussion of the neurobiology of acute and chronic pain.

This program embraces the multimodal treatment of pain management and provides an evidence-based approach to treatment options. It focuses on the neurobiology of pain mechanisms so as to understand the basis for mechanism-based treatments. Further, this course embraces the team approach to pain management, recognizing the valuable roles of the veterinarian, veterinary technician, and owner in managing each case. In particular, veterinary technicians play a major role in managing these patients for their lifetime, and interact with veterinarians and owners to be certain that patients are receiving optimal treatment and that owners are informed and educated about the treatment options for their pets and receive appropriate follow-up care.

Treatment compliance and appropriate care of patients are most effective when clients receive appropriate education and regular communication. Veterinary technicians will be confidently equipped to perform these functions upon successful completion of this course.

Curriculum

Consists of 15 modules (25 hours)

  1. Osteoarthritis
  2. Multimodal Management of Canine Osteoarthritis
  3. NSAIDs
  4. Pain Management in the Cat
  5. Neurobiology of Pain – Part 1
  6. Neurobiology of Pain – Part 2
  7. Cancer
  8. Opioids & Alpha-2 Agonists
  1. Local Anesthetic Blocks
  2. Pain Assessment
  3. Animal Health Technicians in Pain Management
  4. Tricyclics & Anticonvulsants
  5. Nutraceuticals and Stem Cells
  6. Pain States
  7. Pain Assessment and Management Techniques

Understand the basic neurobiology of pain in companion animals, and be able to apply the information in the selection of treatment modalities.

Objectives

After completion of this program, participants will understand the basic neurobiology of pain in companion animals, and be able to apply the information in the selection of treatment modalities. Participants will receive instruction in pain assessment and identifying animal behaviors that are consistent with pain.

Participants should also be able to discuss common conditions causing neuropathic, visceral, or cancer-caused pain and application to clinical patients.

Prerequisites

Participants must have a degree as one of the following;

  • Veterinarian – Proof of degree(s) and/or licens(s) must be provided.
  • Veterinary Technician – Proof of degree(s) and/or license(s) must be provided.
    • If your state does not requirement a degree to be a veterinary technician, a letter from your employer, who must be a D.V.M. or V.M.D. is required. This letter must include:
      • A statement that reflects that you work in the capacity of a veterinary technician
      • A list of your duties as a veterinary technician
  • Student in one of the above professions
    • You must have completed at least one year of your program before taking your first course
    • Successful completion of your degree is required prior to taking the certification exam
    • Proof of enrollment must be made available.

Tuition

$499.00 / Single License
$999.00 / 5-License Clinical Package

Faculty

Sponsors