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CACVT’s Focus Event 2026- On Demand

January 28 @ 12:00 am - June 30 @ 11:59 pm
$50

Now available on-demand, our virtual Focus Conference 2026: Anesthesia at the Next Level is a comprehensive, anesthesia-focused CE event designed for veterinary technicians and professionals seeking to elevate their skills in patient monitoring, complication management, and advanced anesthetic care. This six-hour program covers prevention and intervention strategies for anesthetic complications, avian anesthesia, the anesthesia technician’s role in open-heart surgery, and best practices for managing diabetic patients undergoing anesthesia. There is also an in-depth equine anesthesia session focused on ventilation challenges and practical techniques to improve oxygenation. Attendees will gain actionable, species-specific knowledge to enhance confidence and patient outcomes across a wide range of clinical scenarios.

Date/Time:
On-demand until 6/30/26

Location:
CACVT.org

Cost:
Members- $50
Non-members- $100
Student/Retired Members- $20

Register Here!

Event Schedule

Anesthetic Complications: Prevention & Intervention - Part 1 & 2

The “1st anesthesia” for humans with an anesthetic simple inhaler machine was almost 180 years ago. The complications of surgical procedures without anesthesia and analgesia were significant and often fatal. Anesthesia and analgesia have been utilized to prevent these complications. However, without monitoring physiological parameters, anticipating anesthetic complications, and providing intervention when indicated, anesthesia and analgesia can also have significant and fatal consequences. Many of these complications are the opposite of the complications before the use of anesthesia and analgesia. As anesthetists and advocates for our veterinary patients, it is important that we can try to prevent complications and intervene when necessary. Since our technology, knowledge, and experience with anesthesia continue to advance, so should our ability to prevent, recognize, and treat adverse events. (2 medical CE hours, GIRON)

Avian Anesthesia and Analgesia

This lecture provides a practical guide to anesthesia and analgesia in birds, covering species-specific anatomy, preanesthetic preparation, induction, monitoring, multimodal pain management, and recovery. Practical tips and troubleshooting strategies are included to help veterinary professionals safely manage avian patients and optimize outcomes.

(1 medical CE hour, KOLB)

An Anesthesia Technician's Role in Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery to repair the mitral valve is a new and exciting procedure in veterinary medicine. There are several roles that veterinary technicians are involved with in caring for patients that undergo open heart surgery – from cardiology technicians, surgery technicians, ICU technicians, to anesthesia technicians. This presentation will discuss the role that an anesthesia technician plays in caring for these patients in the pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative periods. (1 medical CE hour, GONZALEZ)

The Diabetic Dilemma: Managing a Diabetic Patient Undergoing Anesthesia

Patients with diabetes mellitus pose unique challenges when undergoing anesthesia. Diabetic patients are frequently anesthetized for a variety of reasons, from simple procedures such as a dental to complicated procedures such as an adrenalectomy. This presentation will discuss the physiology of diabetes mellitus, how to formulate an anesthetic plan, and monitor them appropriately. (1 medical CE hour, GONZALEZ)

Under Pressure: Managing Ventilation in the Anesthetized Horse

Ventilation in horses under general anesthesia can be challenging, as their size and unique respiratory physiology make them prone to hypoventilation, low oxygen levels, and reduced lung compliance. This presentation highlights practical ways to support and improve ventilation during equine anesthesia, focusing on how and when to use intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV), the value of monitoring tools like capnography and arterial blood gases, and simple adjustments that can make a big difference in oxygenation. We’ll also look at recruitment maneuver strategies and other interventions to increase oxygenation. (1 medical CE hour, MOLOZNIK)

Meet the Speakers

Nicole Giron, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)

Nicole has been a Credentialed Veterinary Technician since 2005, after graduating from the Bel-Rea Institute. In 2018, she earned her designation as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia. She has managed anesthesia cases across 11 departments within a small animal referral hospital and now provides anesthetic training, continuing education, and case management services to a variety of veterinary practices. Nicole also works with a veterinary ophthalmology practice.

Sarah Kolb, BAS, CVT, LAT, VTS (Exotic Companion Animals)

With over 20 years of experience in exotic animal medicine and specialty practice, Sarah has held clinical, academic, and leadership roles. She currently serves as Specialty Supervisor for two VCA hospitals in Madison, WI, supporting specialty teams and advancing patient care. Her previous roles include 15 years with Iowa State University’s Exotic Companion Animal Department and Wildlife Care Clinic and work with the University of Wisconsin–Madison National Primate Research Center.

Sarah achieved VTS status in Exotic Companion Animals in 2015, earned her BAS in Veterinary Technology in 2018, and her J.D. from Purdue Global Law School in 2024. She served as President of the AVTCP (2022–2023) and now serves as Past President (2024–2025).

An active lecturer, published author, and VSPN instructor, Sarah is passionate about advancing veterinary technician knowledge and sharing her expertise in exotic animal medicine. Sarah has dedicated her career to advancing exotic animal medicine and supporting veterinary teams.

Margaret Gonzalez, BS, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)

Margaret is a veterinary technician at the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital, where she works in the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management. She obtained an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College. Margaret has been working in the veterinary field for 12 years and earned the title of Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anesthesia and Analgesia in 2022. Margaret enjoys managing complicated anesthetic cases and teaching others about veterinary anesthesia. Outside of work you will find her watching baseball, gardening, or hiking with her husband and golden retriever “Autumn”. 

Lindsey Moloznik, RVT

Lindsey is originally from Maryland and has been riding horses since she was five years old. She earned her BS in Animal Science from Virginia Tech and spent 15 years working as a barn manager before returning to school at the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. After graduating in 2020, she joined Littleton Equine Medical Center, where she has worked as an Anesthesia and Imaging Technician ever since. In December 2024, Lindsey became qualified with distinction in Equine Veterinary Anesthesia through the AAEVT’s Anesthesia Society. She also works part-time at Bel-Rea as an instructor, teaching the Equine Medicine course.

When she’s not working, Lindsey enjoys running, playing soccer, and exploring everything Colorado has to offer with her pup, Reese.

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