This practical resource is a concise guide designed to prepare veterinary technicians to administer anesthesia in animals. It discusses essential topics such as pre-anesthetic preparation of the patient, induction procedures, monitoring animals' vital signs during the anesthetic period, and postoperative care. The operation of anesthetic machines and breathing circuits are described in detail, as well as: the actions and side effects of anesthetic agents; the physiology of respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure; emergency response; and specialized techniques such as local anesthesia, postoperative analgesia, and the use of muscle-paralyzing agents and ventilators. In addition to canine and feline anesthesia, this edition has added information on anesthesia of rodents, rabbits, and other animals used in research, plus a new section on anesthesia of cattle, horses, small ruminants and pigs.

Table of Contents

1. The preanesthetic period 2. General anesthesia 3. Anesthetic agents and techniques 4. Anesthetic equipment 5. Workplace safety 6. Anesthetic problems and emergencies 7. Special techniques 8. Pain control 9. Anesthesia of rodents and rabbits 10. Large animal anesthesia