1. Anesthesia 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science
Texas A&M System

2. Objectives Describe the effects of anesthesia
Describe types of anesthesia
Describe the states of anesthesia

3. Definition
General or local insensibility, as to pain and other sensation, induced by certain interventions or drugs to permit the performance of surgery or other painful procedures
Controlled, reversible intoxication of the nervous system
Humane

4. #1 Priority – patient safety
Remember
Various species of animals react differently
Animals differ in size and temperament
Animal species differ in anatomy and physiology
The patient must be properly restrained, physically and/or chemically for smooth, effective and safe deliver
#1 Priority – patient safety

5. Groups of anesthetics Local General Spinal Volatile Non-volatile
Deaden sensory nervous in small area
General
Entire CNS and produces unconsciousness
Spinal
Interrupts function of nerves within spinal cord
Volatile
Air mixtures that animal breathes
Examples: nitrous oxide, halothane
Non-volatile
Injected IV
Examples: thiopental sodium, magnesium sulfate

6. Anesthesia Choice What’s available Species of animal Size of animal
Location of operation
Extent of operation
Overall health condition of the animal
Temperament of animal
Cost of the anesthetic
Familiarity with the anesthetic
Availability of trained persons to monitor animal

7. Stages of Anesthesia Stage 1: Voluntary Movement
Opposition by patient to flexing and extending the legs
Stage 2: Involuntary Movement
Decrease and loss of reflexes
Stage 3: Surgical Anesthesia
Respiration rate and depth and muscle tone
Stage 4: Paralysis
Color of blood in the surgical site

8. Anesthesia overdose
Cause depression
Paralysis of respiration