I am making this comment as a licensed veterinarian in this state, and not as a representative of the VVMA.

I know the intent of this change was to protect the public and their pets..Unfortunately, I suspect the result of this change will be the opposite.

I have been in practice in Southwest Virginia for over 40 years, and we employ three licensed veterinary technicans. However, I know most practices in this region do not employ any licensed technicians...simply because of the lack of availability of licensed technicians., and the reluctance of licensed technician's wanting to live and work in this region.

Thus, as they try to follow the letter of this revised law, veterinarians will use injectable anesthetic agents and be reluctant to intubate, even in cases where intubation would be safer for the pet. I know that forcing veterinarians to make this medical decision based on the law rather than the needs of the patient is not the intent of the change, but will, ultimately, be the result.