Veterinary anesthesia expert Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) joins The Cone of Shame Podcast with Dr. Andy Roark to break down the role of butorphanol (Torb) in veterinary practice today. They dive into its sedative vs. analgesic properties, when it shines, and when it falls short, especially in pain management. Tasha explains opioid receptor interactions, how to think critically about using butorphanol in different cases, and why it might still deserve a spot on your clinic’s shelf. Plus, they discuss Tasha’s new book, "Pain Management for Vet Techs and Nurses," and the upcoming Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds Symposium. If you’ve ever wondered, "Do I still need Torb?" This episode is for you! Let’s get into it.

LINKS

Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds

Pain Management for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) has been dedicated to the field of veterinary anesthesia and surgery since earning her CVT in 2005. She became a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) in 2013 and earned her Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anesthesia & Analgesia in 2015, solidifying her expertise in pain management and perioperative care.

Tasha is a respected speaker on anesthesia and pain management, presenting at veterinary conferences around the world. She has authored numerous articles and blogs, sharing her knowledge to improve patient comfort and safety. In 2013, she founded Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, a thriving online community with over 65,000 members committed to advancing anesthesia and pain management practices.

When she’s not in the clinic or on stage, Tasha enjoys tackling home renovation projects on her 1920s fixer-upper, inspired by an ever-growing collection of YouTube tutorials. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, son, one exceptionally well-behaved cat, and one... less cooperative feline.

Mentioned in this episode:

Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy Roark

Inside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.

Register for Office Hours here!

Learn more about Simparica Trio here!

Uncharted Practice Manager's Summit

Last Chance to Register is June 1st 2026 - Tell your managers! Registration is only $199 and they can save 20% with code MANAGER

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