About the course

Ketamine is a well known medication in the veterinary field, used commonly for sedation and pain management in the peri-operative setting. Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that can also alter brain and spinal cord plasticity in patients who have developed central sensitization, a complex sequelae to chronic and neuropathic pain. There is growing use of ketamine as part of a comprehensive multimodal acute pain management plan in animal hospitals, but rarely is it used for the management of chronic pain. Ketamine is now showing significant promise as a sole agent in the management of chronically painful conditions and depression/anxiety disorders in humans with a compelling body of evidence. Because the parallels between central sensitization in humans and animals are strong, it is promising that ketamine could be used for veterinary patients with chronic pain. Chronic pain management remains a challenge in veterinary medicine and ketamine offers a tool that is available to most clinicians and has an existing level of comfort with use. In this lecture we will review ketamine and its current applications in human pain management. We will review central sensitization and chronic pain in our veterinary patients and illuminate the potential use of ketamine in its management. 

Dr. Lindsey Fry

Dr. Lindsey Fry, DVM, cVMA, CCRP, CVPP, DACVSMR grew up in Boulder, Colorado and earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University. During veterinary school, she became certified in medical veterinary acupuncture, an experience that sparked her enduring passion for pain management and mobility-focused care. Dr. Fry completed her rehabilitation training and certification through the University of Tennessee in 2011 and became a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) in 2013. She went on to serve on the IVAPM board and a director and as treasurer. In 2023, Dr. Fry achieved board certification through the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She currently practices in Berthoud Colorado, where she focuses on an integrative approach to pain and mobility management across a wide range of patients. Her clinical work includes regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, sports medicine, palliative care, and advanced management of complex and chronic pain conditions. Dr. Fry has published on topics including acupuncture, ketamine in chronic pain management, iliopsoas injuries in agility dogs, and palliative care. She continues to pursue research in pain management—particularly the clinical application of ketamine—as well as sports medicine and rehabilitation. A dedicated educator, she enjoys teaching and lecturing with a variety of professional organizations. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two adventurous daughters, and a full menagerie of pets. 

Curriculum

1 Chapter · 3 Lessons

  1. 1

    Old Dog New Tricks: Ketamine Part 1

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Old Dog New Tricks: Ketamine Part 1

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Old Dog New Tricks: Ketamine Part 1

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Old Dog New Tricks 1: Slides

Watch this first of two special courses on ketamine and chronic pain management

RACE Approved for 1-Hour

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