Rate My Professor Cris Thibault

Christopher J. Thibault, MS, DVM, is Assistant Professor of Anesthesia and Head of Anesthesia in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In this leadership role, he oversees the anesthesia service at the MSU Veterinary Medical Center, managing anesthesia protocols for small animal surgical and diagnostic procedures. A Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, Dr. Thibault brings specialized expertise to clinical practice and teaching within the veterinary field.

Dr. Thibault's academic journey began with a BA in Chemistry from Hope College in 2004, followed by a degree in Biology from the University of Michigan-Flint in 2007. He earned his DVM from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and holds an MS degree. His scholarly contributions focus on perioperative gastrointestinal outcomes in equine patients. Notable publications include 'A retrospective study of fecal output and postprocedure colic in 246 horses undergoing standing sedation with detomidine, or general anesthesia with or without detomidine,' co-authored with Deborah V. Wilson and others, published in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2019. This study analyzed fecal passage times and colic incidence, finding no increased colic risk associated with detomidine use. Another key paper is 'The effect of detomidine administration on the prevalence of post-procedural colic and gastrointestinal dysfunction in horses,' also in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. Dr. Thibault actively engages in veterinary education and outreach, co-featuring in the inaugural episode of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine's podcast 'Dogtors Without Borders' on January 29, 2025, with Dr. Sara Taylor, where they discussed anesthesia challenges across species and career paths in the specialty. He also contributed to the December 2024 'Vet School Tails' article 'Long Feathers and Long Necks: How to Anesthetize a Peacock,' detailing unique aspects of avian anesthesia.