Topic: Anaesthesia of Exotic Animals

Presented by: Dr Sonya Miles BVSc CertAVP (ZM), CertAqV, MRCVS and Holly Edwards – Vetario sales specialist

Date: Thursday 26th November 2026

Time: 7:00 pm UK time (GMT / UTC+0) on Thursday 26 November 2026. Please join Zoom by 6:55 pm UK time.

How to sign up: Click here to register. You will then be sent a Zoom link to allow you to access the webinar.

Join Dr Sonya Miles, RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine, for an informative webinar exploring the unique challenges of anaesthetising exotic animals. From pre-anaesthetic preparation and drug selection to patient monitoring, temperature management and post-operative recovery, this session will provide practical guidance to help veterinary professionals minimise risks and improve patient care.

This webinar is ideal for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses looking to build their confidence in exotic animal anaesthesia and recovery. It will provide veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses with practical knowledge and guidance on safely anaesthetising exotic animals, including rabbits, small mammals, birds and reptiles.

What will attendees learn?

• Understanding anaesthetic risks in exotic species – Recognising species-specific challenges, assessing patient risk and minimising stress and complications.
• Pre-anaesthetic preparation – The importance of patient stabilisation, clinical assessments, fasting considerations and appropriate supportive care.
• Anaesthetic drugs and techniques – Exploring pre-medication, induction, balanced anaesthesia and maintenance techniques tailored to individual species.
• Airway management and ventilation – Understanding intubation techniques, oxygen delivery and assisted ventilation for different exotic species.
• Monitoring patients under anaesthesia – Practical guidance on monitoring vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, capnography and body temperature.
• Temperature management and thermal support – Understanding the risks of hypothermia and how to maintain appropriate temperatures during anaesthesia and recovery.
• Safe post-anaesthetic recovery – The importance of controlled recovery environments, including the use of veterinary incubators to manage temperature, humidity and oxygen when required.
• Recognising and managing pain – Identifying subtle signs of pain in exotic animals and understanding effective analgesic approaches.
• Post-operative care and nutritional support – Supporting recovery through continued monitoring, appropriate nutrition, hydration and species-specific care.