Our research group focuses on the study of anaesthesia and analgesia to improve quality and safety in domestic and non-domestic animals. We address challenges related to species diversity, patient conditions and pharmacological management through tailored anaesthetic protocols, advanced pain assessment methods and innovative monitoring techniques. We develop and test drug combinations to optimise anaesthetic and analgesic efficacy and improve intra- and post-operative safety. The use of advanced monitoring systems allows us to analyse physiological responses and refine management strategies, contributing to the advancement of veterinary medicine. Therefore, one of the aims of the group is to apply and evaluate new anaesthesia monitoring systems in different species and in a variety of contexts, indoors, in the field and in the wild, addressing the specific challenges of each of these environments.
A PhD candidate joining this group would be expected to contribute to the development, application, and evaluation of advanced anaesthetic techniques and monitoring systems across diverse species and working environments.

Five publications related to the Research Topic for the candidate interview:

1. Kim D, Kim H, Shin D, Kim J, Lee I, Son WG. Evaluation of the tongue for oscillometric measurement of arterial pressure in anesthetized Beagle dogs. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2022 Mar;49(2):149-155. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaa.2021.11.003. Epub 2021 Nov 24. PMID: 35000840.
2. Vitale V, Vezzosi T, Tognetti R, Fraschetti C, Sgorbini M (2021) Evaluation of a new portable 1-lead digital cardiac monitor (eKuore) compared with standard base-apex electrocardiography in healthy horses. PLoS ONE 16(8): e0255247. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0255247
3. Donaldson AC, Buss PE, Fuller A, Meyer LCR. Effects of three immobilizing drug combinations on ventilation, gas exchange and metabolism in free-living African lions (Panthera leo). Conserv Physiol. 2023 Aug 10;11(1):coad059. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coad059. PMID: 37575612; PMCID: PMC10416691.
4. Hector RC, Mama KR, Fisher MC, Green SA, Pasloske K, Wolfe LL. Evaluation of two medetomidine-azaperone-alfaxalone combinations in captive rocky mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni). J Zoo Wildl Med. 2021 Jan;51(4):825-833. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1638/2020-0028 PMID: 33480562.
5. Male FG, Quinn CT. Evidence of renal tubular injury in canine patients after elective desexing. Aust Vet J. 2025; 103: 33–40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13385

Tutor: Prof. Giulia Maria De Benedictis
mail: giuliamaria.debenedictis@unipd.it