Anesthetic Procedures and Techniques in Cats



Anesthetic Procedures and Techniques in Cats




Overview


Cats are not small dogs. Some preanesthetic drugs (acepromazine, butorphanol, diazepam) that work well when administered as single drugs to dogs do not consistently produce a calm, tractable cat that is amenable to physical restraint. Combining drugs from various classes in reduced doses should be considered in cats to increase predictability and reduce unwanted side effects. Combination drug therapy requires a comprehensive knowledge of the pharmacology of anesthetic drugs, their interactions, and potential side effects. Because of their size, cats are prone to hypothermia, so measures should be used to reduce anesthetic duration and provide external warming.




General Considerations




A variety of anesthetic procedures and techniques can be used to safely produce sedation, analgesia, and anesthesia in cats. Local anesthetic techniques should be considered to provide additional analgesia.


II The choice of anesthetic regimen is influenced by the following characteristics:



III Drugs that can be antagonized are preferred


IV Endotracheal intubation should be performed whenever possible to ensure a patent airway


Careful and attentive monitoring is mandatory to recognize and compensate for drug-related effects


VI Food and water should be withheld for about 6 and 2 hours before surgery, respectively, except in very small, very young, or diseased cats



Preanesthetic Evaluation (See Chapter 2)




Review history and current drug therapy


II Perform a physical examination


III Review available laboratory data


IV Formulate a specific anesthetic plan (Fig. 21-1)




Intravenous catheter placement is recommended in case of emergency


VI Gather appropriate equipment and supplies



Endotracheal tube (see Chapter 11)



Laryngoscope (see Fig. 20-3)



Anesthetic machine and breathing system



1. Size and type of anesthetic system (rebreathing; nonrebreathing; see Chapter 12) determined by body weight



2. The size of the rebreathing bag should be at least 3 to 5 times the tidal volume (VT). The VT is usually between 10 and 15 mL/kg of body weight (e.g., 5 kg × 10 mL/kg = 50 mL VT).


3. Refill carbon dioxide absorbent canister if material is exhausted (discolored or dry)


4. Evaluate anesthetic system for possible malfunctions (see Chapter 12)



5. Connect waste gas scavenging system to the nonrebreathing system or the circle breathing circuit


Fresh gases



Intravenous (IV) administration equipment



Drugs



Monitoring equipment (see Chapter 14)


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Sep 6, 2016 | Posted by in SUGERY, ORTHOPEDICS & ANESTHESIA | Comments Off on Anesthetic Procedures and Techniques in Cats

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