Anesthesiology & Pain Management
At Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital
With best-in-class medicine, technology, and an expert team, we’re fully prepared to provide the complete, compassionate care your pet needs.
With best-in-class medicine, technology, and an expert team, we’re fully prepared to provide the complete, compassionate care your pet needs.
We're open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call us whenever the need arises - not just during regular business hours.
We want you and your pet to have the best experience possible. If you need us to reach out to your primary care veterinarian for your records, we’re happy to do so.
At Wheat Ridge, your pet’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. General anesthesia is required for many procedures—from surgery and dental cleanings to endoscopy and advanced imaging. While the risk is low (less than 1% in healthy pets with proper monitoring), we understand it can still feel worrisome.
That’s why we create a personalized anesthesia plan for every patient. Before sedation, your pet receives a full physical exam. We consider age, breed, temperament, medical history, and the procedure itself to tailor the safest approach. We use advanced monitoring equipment throughout to track vital signs, and every plan includes proactive pain management.
Our board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Nicole Trenholme, develops and oversees plans — especially for pets with complex conditions like heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease. She’s also trained in regional anesthesia techniques that offer excellent pain control and reduce the need for stronger medications.
Comfort is essential to recovery. Our skilled technicians monitor your pet throughout anesthesia, using advanced equipment to track everything from breathing and blood pressure to heart activity.
After the procedure, we closely observe your pet to ensure a smooth, pain-free recovery. Soft bedding, gentle handling, and attentive care help ease the process. Whether your pet is young, aging, or managing other health issues, we’re here to provide safe, compassionate support every step of the way.
When your pet needs care, our highly trained specialists are here to help.
Jalise Zumstein is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist, collaborating with a wide range of specialties and caring for pets undergoing routine procedures.
She is passionate about enhancing the quality of care our patients receive, with particular interests in local anesthesia techniques for pain management and cardiothoracic procedures.
Originally from Washington State, where her passion for veterinary medicine began during her undergraduate years as a surgery assistant, she earned both her undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at Washington State University. After veterinary school, she moved to Colorado to complete a rotating internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital. She then spent a year in Boston working in emergency medicine before deciding to specialize in anesthesia. She completed an anesthesia specialty internship at North Carolina State University and remained there for an additional three years to finish her residency.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her partner, Steven, and their two dogs. They love discovering new restaurants, trying new foods, traveling, and skiing.
EDUCATION
North Carolina State University
Anesthesiology residency
Anesthesiology internship
Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital
Rotating internship
Washington State University
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
