Charles Short
Cornell University
USA
Title: Guidelines for anesthetic management in clinical practice
Biography
Biography: Charles Short
Abstract
The management of anesthesia in animals has progressed significantly during the last 30 years. This in part is the result of the development of new and better anesthetics and anesthetic equipment. However this alone would not be enough. It was important to understand what combination of medications, dosages and expected responses in either healthy animals or those with major health problems putting them as high risk. Because of the combined efforts of members of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, safe and effective anesthesia has now become a standard of clinical practice. There are now established guidelines. It is not only important to select the better anesthetics and dosages but also to monitor during the perioperative period and be ready to respond to undesirable responses. This includes the management of fluids, oxygen concentrations and cardiovascular needs. If these are managed as they should be, assurance of maintaining desired brain function and post anesthetic recovery can be expected. Anesthetic management does not end with the placement of the last suture. Then it is necessary to follow through during recovery to assure the return to an awake state. Next is the management of post operative pain as the animal recovers from anesthesia. Even though we now have safe and effective anesthetics, a standard of care is needed for best results.