2020 AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and Cats*

Abstract

Risk for complications and even death is inherent to anesthesia. However, the use of guidelines, checklists, and training can decrease the risk of anesthesia-related adverse events. These tools should be used not only during the time the patient is unconscious but also before and after this phase. The framework for safe anesthesia delivered as a continuum of care from home to hospital and back to home is presented in these guidelines. The critical importance of client communication and staff training have been highlighted. The role of perioperative analgesia, anxiolytics, and proper handling of fractious/fearful/aggressive patients as components of anesthetic safety are stressed. Anesthesia equipment selection and care is detailed. The objective of these guidelines is to make the anesthesia period as safe as possible for dogs and cats while providing a practical framework for delivering anesthesia care. To meet this goal, tables, algorithms, figures, and “tip” boxes with critical information are included in the manuscript and an in-depth online resource center is available at aaha.org/anesthesia.

Retrospective study on the use of lumbosacral epidural analgesia during caesarean section surgery in 182 dogs: Impact on blood pressure, analgesic use and delays

“…Arterial hypotension was arbitrarily defined as a MAP < 60 mm Hg. This value is commonly used in veterinary medicine and is used in the recent monitoring guidelines of the American Animal Hospital Association 13 . We cannot comment on whether the results would differ if the definition of hypotension is altered.…”

Feline procedural sedation and analgesia: When, why and how

“…Specific developmental stages (neonatal, pediatric) and conditions such as gastrointestinal and central nervous system disease or diabetes, brachycephalic conformation or a history of gastroesophageal reflux and/or aspiration may require specific fasting times based on the patient's individual needs, and further information can be found elsewhere. 21 The assignment of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status is important to predict complications and identify the risk of anesthetic-related death (Table 1). 2,3 Feline-friendly handling techniques should always be adopted (gentle approach, patience, positive attitude, appropriate petting, etc) ( Figure 2).…”

“…Specific developmental stages (neonatal, pediatric) and conditions such as gastrointestinal and central nervous system disease or diabetes, brachycephalic conformation or a history of gastroesophageal reflux and/or aspiration may require specific fasting times based on the patient’s individual needs, and further information can be found elsewhere. 21…”

Chronic lymphoplasmacytic villonodular proliferative synovitis in a 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier dog

“…General anaesthesia was induced intravenously using diazepam (Pax®, Intramed) at 0.35 mg/kg, buprenorphine (Temgesic, Reckitt Benckiser) at 17.5 µg/kg and propofol (Propoven®, Fresinius Kabi) at 5 mg/kg. The dog was intubated to facilitate maintenance of general anaesthesia with intratracheal inhalation of a mixture of oxygen and 2% isofluorane (Isofor®, Safeline Pharmaceuticals) [32].…”