S1E25 Opioid-Free Anesthesia and Analgesia with Dr. Carolyn Kerr

Opioids, as a part of a well-balanced anesthetic or analgesic protocol, are a staple in veterinary clinics worldwide. However, either because of current or future disruptions in supply, negative side effects in our patients, or the risk of abuse, some have started to question the use of opioids in veterinary medicine and discuss 'opioid-free anesthesia/analgesia' or OFA protocols. To shed light on this topic, Dr. Tiffany Durzi sat down with veterinarian and OVC professor Dr. Carolyn Kerr who has a special interest in anesthesia and analgesia in domestic veterinary patients. In this episode we discuss what the current controversies are and what the research has shown about OFA protocols, as compared to more conventional ones. The differences between opioids, as well as the situations which may still warrant opioid use over other analgesics are also discussed. We hope you enjoy this episode!