This document discusses the history and uses of anesthesia in both human and veterinary medicine. It outlines the different levels of central nervous system depression that can be achieved, from sedation to general anesthesia, and the different types of anesthesia including local, regional, and general. It also describes the role of veterinary technicians in administering anesthesia under the supervision of a veterinarian, and some of the risks and challenges associated with providing anesthesia to patients.

1. 1Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Introduction to Anesthesia
Anesthesia is utilized daily in most veterinary
practices to provide sedation, tranquilization,
immobility, muscle relaxation, unconsciousness,
and pain control
Chapter 1

2. 2Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Human Anesthesia
 Dr. William T.G. Morton
 Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
 1846—diethyl ether

3. 3Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Veterinary Anesthesia
 1850s—ether and chloroform
 Early twentieth century—inhalation
anesthesia
 1930s—injectable barbiturates

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Anesthesia
 Loss of sensation
 Central nervous system (CNS) depression or
stimulation

5. 5Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Use of Anesthesia
in Veterinary Medicine
 Effect
 Sedation
 Tranquilization
 Immobility
 Muscle relaxation
 Unconsciousness
 Pain control
 Procedure
 Surgery
 Dentistry
 Grooming
 Diagnostic imaging
 Wound care
 Capture and
transport of wild
animals

6. 6Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
General Anesthesia
 Reversible
 Produced by administration of one or more
anesthetic drugs
 Characteristics

7. 7Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Surgical Anesthesia
 A stage of general anesthesia
 Analgesia and muscle relaxation
 Eliminate pain and patient movement during
the procedure

8. 8Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
A Continuum of CNS Depression

9. 9Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Sedation vs. Tranquilization
 Sedation
 CNS depression
 Drowsiness
 Drug-induced
 Various levels
 Slightly aware or
unaware of
surroundings
 Aroused by noxious
stimulation
 Uses: minor procedures
 Tranquilization
 Calmness
 Patient is reluctant to
move
 Aware of
surroundings but
doesn’t care

10. 10Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Hypnosis vs. Narcosis
 Hypnosis
 Drug-induced
 Sleeplike state
 Impairs patient’s
ability to respond to
stimuli
 Patient can be
aroused with sufficient
stimulation
 Narcosis
 Drug-induced sleep
 Patient is not easily
aroused
 Associated with
narcotic drugs

11. 11Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Local Anesthesia
 Targets a small, specific area of the body
 Loss of sensation to a specific area
 Drug is infiltrated into the desired area

12. 12Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Topical Anesthesia
 Applied to body surfaces or a wound
 Produces a superficial loss of sensation

13. 13Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Regional Anesthesia
 Loss of sensation to a limited area of the
body
 Nerve blocks
 Epidural anesthesia

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Balanced Anesthesia
 Using multiple drugs in smaller quantities
 Maximizes benefits
 Minimizes adverse effects
 Gives anesthetist greater control

15. 15Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
The Veterinary Technician’s Role
as an Anesthetist
 Anesthetic machine
 Preparation
 Operation
 Maintenance
 Administer anesthetic agents
 Endotracheal intubation
 Patient monitoring

16. 16Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Anesthesia Challenges and Risks
 Dose calculation and rate adjustment
 Vital signs and anesthetic depth
 Assess multiple pieces of information
 Patient management
 Anesthetic accidents

17. 17Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Dose Calculation and Rate
Adjustment
 Narrow therapeutic index

18. 18Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Vital Signs and Anesthetic Depth
 Drugs may cause changes in cardiovascular
and pulmonary systems
 Changes may be lethal
 Patient must be closely monitored

19. 19Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Assess Multiple Pieces
of Information
 Visual, tactile, and auditory
 From patient, anesthetic machines, and
monitors
 Must be able to make rapid decisions

20. 20Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Patient Management
 Understand physical parameters
 Understand anesthetic equipment
 Understand monitoring devices

21. 21Copyright © 2011, 2003, 2000, 1994 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Anesthetic Accidents
 The outcome can be devastating or lethal
 Owners may pursue legal action
 Prevent accidents by using high standards
 Keep meticulous records