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Introduction
Anaesthesia can be defined as states of unconsciousness produced by controlled reversible drug induced intoxication of the central nervous system in which the patient neither perceives nor recalls noxious stimuli. The word anaesthesia is derived from the Greek for ‘without feeling’.
It can be classified into two major groups – General or Local/Regional.
Indication for Use
Anaesthesia is indicated for a number of reasons and protocols should take into consideration the procedure requirements, patient needs and any current conditions that may affect the anaesthetic.
The most common indication is when a painful procedure such as surgery or a diagnostic test is to be performed, to reduce suffering by the patient but also reduces the risk to the person performing the procedure.
Other uses include control of convulsions, to allow stabilisation of the patient and allow time for treatments to take effects, or euthanasia.
Protocol Selection
When designing an anaesthetic protocol, it is important to look at the requirements of both patient and operator. Within these there are a number of considerations –
- Mode of action
- Duration of action
- Preoperative medical conditions
- Recovery duration and quality
- Available equipment
Preoperative Period
During the preoperative period, a full physical examination of the patient should be performed. This is to allow the anaesthetist to choice the correct agents to induce and maintain anaesthesia throughout the procedure. It is also important to decide whether the patient is stable enough to undergo an anaesthetic or whether they require any treatments to correct any imbalances or dehydration that will affect the anaesthetic.
Most animals are starved for at least 12 hours before an anaesthetic. However, in some species this is not ideal and so they are starved for less time or not at all, e.g. rabbits and small furries.
Preoperative preparation may also include clipping, cleaning out the mouth and administration of anti-tetanus and/or antibiotics.
Premedication is often given as it helps to calm and control the animal before induction and reduces the amount of induction agent given. However, sometimes if the patient is that unwell it may be that it is not necessary to premedicate it. The premedication often includes an analgesic and/or low dose sedative e.g. opioid and alpha 2 agonist. Other benefits of premedications include pain relief and reduction in side effects of other agents.
Induction
Induction of anaesthesia can be via either an intravenous agent or inhalation depending on the species and status of the patient.
It is important to half a calm, quiet environment and the appropriate monitoring equipment ready as well as a readily available oxygen source.
Maintenance
Depending on the procedure, anaesthesia can be maintained either with an inhalation agent or an intravenous anaesthetic (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia, TIVA). If an inhalation agent is used then the animal is often entubated and placed on oxygen and inhalation agent.
During an anaesthetic it is important to monitor the patient.
Post Operative Considerations
Monitoring of the patient should continue, even after the anaesthetic agent has been switched off. If the patient has had an ET tube placed then it is vital that the animal is observed until removal of the tube. Dogs tolerate the placement of an ET tube well and it can often be left in until after the dog is swallowing and in some cases once the dog is in sternal recumbany. Cats however are less tolerant of ET tubes and so it is important to remove the tube before the cat swallows as it can cause trauma to the larynx. Horses have the tube removed as soon as possible, but a nasal tube is placed to help with any drainage.
Another important post-operative consideration is analgesia. Many procedures are painful and so it is important to aid recovery and make the animal patient that analgesia is continued after the procedure has been completed.