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| ANESTHETIC MONITORING: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Table 1. Adverse Effects of Anesthetic & Analgesic Drugs
Anesthetic/ Analgesic Drug Alpha-2 Adrenergic
Agonists UÊDexmedetomidine UÊMedetomidine UÊXylazine
Anti-inflammatory
Drugs UÊNSAIDs UÊSteroids
Benzodiazepines UÊDiazepam UÊMidazolam
Inhalant Anesthetic
Agents UÊHalothane UÊIsoflurane UÊSevoflurane
Intravenous
Induction Agents UÊDiazepam/ ketamine
UÊPropofol UÊTiletamine/ zolazepam
Local Anesthetics UÊBupivacaine UÊLidocaine UÊMepivacaine
Opioids UÊBuprenorphine UÊButorphanol UÊFentanyl UÊHydromorphone UÊMorphine
Other Sedatives UÊAcepromazine UÊOther
phenothiazine- derivatives
NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug * Dose dependent
† Specific for acepromazine 24 Today's Veterinary Practice January/February 2012
UÊBradycardia UÊCardiac output reduction UÊHypertension/hypotension UÊVasoconstriction
UÊBleeding disorder UÊDiarrhea and vomiting UÊGastrointestinal ulceration UÊLethargy UÊRenal and liver failure
UÊMinimal cardiorespiratory effects
UÊParadoxical excitement in some patients
UÊDecreased cardiac output* UÊDecreased myocardial contractility*
UÊHypothermia/hyperthermia UÊMay result in hypotension UÊVasodilation*
UÊCyanosis UÊOccasional muscle
UÊProfuse salivation/airway secretions
UÊRespiratory depression (hypoventilation, apnea)
UÊTransient tachycardia UÊVasodilation
UÊBradycardia UÊHyperthermia in some animals; hypothermia more likely
UÊCardiac arrest UÊHypotension UÊSeizure
UÊBradycardia UÊMydriasis/miosis UÊRespiratory depression (hypoventilation, apnea)
UÊVomiting
UÊHeat loss due to peripheral vasodilation†
fasciculations and seizures Common Adverse Effects
What Information Is Obtained During Anesthetic Monitoring? By monitoring the anesthetized patient, the anesthetist obtains information in the follow- ing areas: 1. Physiologic condition of the patient (eg, cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic systems)
2. Patient's response to anesthesia, includ- ing anesthetic depth and level of analgesia. In addition, assessing the status of anesthetic
equipment ensures its proper function, helping the anesthetist prevent iatrogenic crises that can jeopardize the patient's health. The information obtained via patient moni-
toring is used to achieve three goals: 1. Ensure adequate tissue perfusion with well-oxygenated blood
2. Prevent pain before, during, and after a surgical procedure
3. Provide a smooth and rapid recovery from anesthesia/surgery.
ANESTHESIA SPECIALTY FOR
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS The Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists (AVTA) is a recognized specialty of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). The AVTA was officially recognized by NAVTA in January 1999, and became its second recognized specialty; the first being the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians (1996). The AVTA focuses on:
UÊCertifying technicians interested in specializing in veterinary anesthesia
UÊEnhancing members' knowledge in the care and management of anesthesia cases
UÊProviding extensive information on sources of continuing education
UÊPromoting patient safety, consumer protection, professionalism, and excellence in anesthesia care. Applications for the AVTA certification
UÊVasodilation and hypotension†
examination are accepted each year. This year's examination will take place September 8–12, 2012, at the 18th International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Symposium, San Antonio, Texas. Applications for this examination are due in January 2012. To find out more about the AVTA, including
how to become certified, go to avta-vts. org. A list of AVTA members, noted by the credentials VTS (Anesthesia), can be found on the homepage of the website.