GENERAL CONSIDERATION OF
SMALL ANIMAL’S SURGERY
SEDATION AND ANESTHESIA
Submitted to: Dr Naveed Hussain
Submitted by: Mavra Ahmad
Mpil Veterinary Surgery
2023-Mpil-2209
SEDATION AND ANESTHESIA
• Sedation:
Sedation, together with analgesia, amnesia and muscle paralysis, is the end result
of general anaesthesia, which is an induced, reversible and controlled loss of
consciousness. Sedation, on its own, is the depression of awareness, whereby a
patient response to external stimuli becomes limited. Sedation may be minimal,
moderate or deep.
• Anesthesia:
Anesthesia is the process of using drugs to induce a temporary loss of sensation or
awareness, typically to allow surgical procedures without pain or distress. It includes
general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and sedation
• Sedation and anesthesia in small animals require careful consideration of
various factors to ensure safety and effectiveness. These factors include
breed, behavior, health status, and purpose of anesthesia.
• Breed consideration
• General animal behaviour
• General health and physical status
• Purpose of anaesthesia
• Familiarities with drug
• Current medications
• Pre-anaesthesia evaluations
• Monitoring and post anaesthesia care
BREED CONSIDERATION
• Different breeds may have varying sensitivities to anesthesia.
• Example: Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) have narrow airways,
increasing the risk of breathing complications during anesthesia. Special
airway management is often required.
• Example: Greyhounds, with their low body fat, are highly sensitive to
barbiturates. Propofol or non-barbiturate drugs may be safer for these
breeds.Genetic predisposition to certain anesthetic reactions should be
considered
GENERAL ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
• Behavior impacts stress levels, which can affect sedation.
• Example: A highly anxious or aggressive dog, like a rescue animal with fear
issues, might require pre-anesthetic sedatives to reduce stress and prevent
trauma during handling.
• Calm animals, such as older pets accustomed to vet visits, generally require
lower doses of sedation.
• Understanding behavior helps in selecting sedative protocol
GENERAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL STATUS
• Pre-existing conditions like heart disease or kidney dysfunction alter
anesthesia plans.
• Example: An older cat with chronic kidney disease may need fluids and
adjusted doses to prevent complications during anesthesia.
• Physical status is assessed using the ASA Physical Status Classification (from
I to V).
• Example: An obese dog might have difficulty metabolizing anesthesia,
increasing the risk of prolonged recovery.
• Bloodwork and imaging should guide anesthesia decisions.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
ANAESTHESIOLOGISTS (ASA) PHYSICAL
STATUS
•ASA I (Normal healthy animal)
•ASA II (Mild systemic disease)
•ASA III (Severe systemic disease)
•ASA IV (Severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life)
•ASA V (Moribund animal, not expected to survive without surgery)
•ASA VI (Declared brain-dead animal whose organs are being removed for
donation)
•E (Emergency designation)
PURPOSE OF ANESTHESIA
• Anesthesia needs vary with procedure type (e.g., surgery, diagnostics).
• Example: For a simple imaging procedure like an MRI, light sedation might be
sufficient, whereas a more invasive procedure, such as abdominal surgery,
requires general anesthesia.
• Minor procedures (e.g., teeth cleaning) may require sedation only.
• Major surgeries need a balance of anesthesia depth and recovery time
FAMILIARITIES WITH DRUG
• Understanding pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anesthetic drugs is
essential.
• Example: For long surgeries, Isoflurane is a common choice due to its
controllable and predictable effects.
• Use of reversible agents (e.g., dexmedetomidine) is advantageous when rapid
recovery is needed.
• Example: A dog undergoing a minor wound stitch might benefit from
dexmedetomidine, which can be reversed quickly after the procedure.
• Drug interactions should be considered, especially in combination protocols.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS
• Review ongoing medications to avoid adverse reactions.
• Example: A dog on long-term NSAIDs (for arthritis) may have altered liver
function, requiring adjustments in anesthetic drug choice.
• Example: A cat receiving corticosteroids may have an impaired immune
system, requiring additional precautions during surgery.
• Some medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors) impact blood pressure during
surgery.
PRE-ANESTHESIA EVALUATION
• Thorough evaluation, including physical exam and diagnostic tests, is critical.
• Example: A full blood panel may reveal anemia in an older dog, which might
necessitate extra monitoring during surgery.
• History of past anesthetic reactions is essential to avoid complications.
• Consent from owners after discussing risks and benefits.
MONITERING AND POST-ANESTHESIA
CARE
• Vital Signs:
Monitor heart rate, respiration, and oxygen throughout surgery.
• Example: Bulldogs require careful airway and oxygen monitoring.
• Recovery:
Close monitoring during recovery, especially for hypothermia and breathing issues.
Example: Cats often need warming post-surgery.
• Pain Management:
Use analgesics like opioids or NSAIDs for effective pain relief.
• Owner Instructions:
Provide clear aftercare instructions for home recovery
