Anesthetic physiology and pharmacology
Cardiovascular anatomy and physiology The uptake, distribution, and elimination of anesthetic drugs depend on blood flow. The cardiovascular system, which is composed of the heart, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and…
Acid–base balance and fluid therapy
Introduction Homeostasis requires maintenance of a relatively constant fluid volume and stable composition in all fluid compartments. The practice of anesthesia, even in American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Category I…
Patient monitoring
Introduction The purpose of anesthesia is to provide a reversible alteration in central nervous system (C NS) function characterized by unconsciousness, amnesia, analgesia, and immobility suitable for completion of a…
Anesthesia equipment
Introduction Inhalant anesthesia forms the basis of most modern anesthetic protocols in veterinary medicine. The administration of potent inhaled anesthetics requires specific delivery techniques. The anesthetic machine enables the delivery…
Local anesthetics and regional analgesic techniques
Introduction Local anesthetics are a group of chemically related compounds that reversibly bind sodium channels and block impulse conduction in nerve fibers. The interruption of neural transmission in sensory afferent…
Anesthesia and immobilization of small mammals
Introduction Anesthesia of small mammals provides some unique challenges to veterinary anesthetists. In addition to the usual factors to be considered when selecting an anesthetic plan, the potential interactions between…
Anesthetic emergencies and accidents
Introduction In many veterinary practices, after the induction of anesthesia, no one is assigned the task of anesthetist to monitor anesthesia and be vigilant for untoward events that might result…
Anesthetic considerations for special procedures
Ocular patients General considerations Development of an appropriate anesthetic and pain management plan for any ocular patient requires knowledge of not only the patient’s physical status and the ophthalmic procedure…
Anesthesia for patients with gastrointestinal disease
Conditions associated with the oral cavity and pharynx Patients with trauma, swelling and/or edema, or space-occupying masses of the pharynx, oral cavity, and sometimes the head and neck frequently require…