Anaesthesia: where can we maximise efficiency and save time?

Improving efficiency and “saving time” are key to increasing throughput in busy clinical practice, especially when the normal working environment has been disrupted, where there is an increased demand for services, or when surgical lists become overloaded. This article provides potential solutions for some common bottlenecks and inefficiencies during the anaesthetic process.

Paper summary: The effect of propofol or alfaxalone on post-induction heart rate in healthy dogs

The maintenance of heart rate and cardiac output are essential to ensure adequate organ perfusion. This study by Okushima et al examined the effects of alfaxalone versus propofol on heart rate at the time of induction of anaesthesia.

Paper summary: Effect of intravenous dose escalation with alfaxalone and propofol on the occurrence of apnoea in dogs.

Apnoea following induction of anaesthesia can result in both morbidity and mortality if not identified early and managed successfully. In this 2012 article by Keates and Whittem alfaxalone and propofol were administered to dogs at 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x and 20x multiples of the labelled dose to determine the incidence of apnoea and the respiratory safety profile of each drug.

Intravenous induction of anaesthesia in dogs, cats and pet rabbits.

In this article Karen Heskin, Veterinary Technical Manager for Jurox UK, and Carl Bradbrook, RCVS & European Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Specialist and President of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists, discuss the three most commonly used intravenous induction agents for cats, dogs and pet rabbits in the UK. To complement this discussion we have created three useful summaries to download as quick reference guides for your clinical personnel.

ASA Classification and Patient Safety Checklists

As clinics and hospitals reduce routine treatments and move towards critical and emergency care during the COVID-19 crisis, to complement our previously published articles on ASA classification and the use of checklists in anaesthesia, we have created this short slide presentation to act as a useful summary.

Paper summary: Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born by Caesarean section.

It is recognised that brachycephalic dog breeds are more likely to experience dystocia and require Caesarean section. This study examined the influence of breed on the incidence of interventional surgery.

Caesarean section. Part 1: Physiology relevant to anaesthesia.

In this first of four parts discussing anaesthesia for the Caesarean section we examine the anaesthesia-relevant physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.

Under Pressure: Practical blood pressure assessment and management.

The monitoring of blood pressure under anaesthesia is critical for patient care. In this article Claire Roberts, RVN and owner of SynergyCPD, examines the physiology, monitoring and management of blood pressure in anaesthetised patients.

Cardiovascular stability with Alfaxan Multidose

Cardiovascular stability is a major feature of Alfaxan Multidose. In this article we examine the benefits for your patients and the supporting evidence.

Paper summary: Effect of lingual swab placement on pulse oximetery readings

This study by Mair et al (2016) examined what effect the placement of swabs of different thicknesses and colour would have on pulse oximetry readings.

Practical pulse oximetry for the Veterinary Nurse

Pulse oximetry is one of the most commonly performed monitoring procedures in veterinary anaesthesia. In this article Courtney Scales, RVN and owner of Anursethesia discusses the why and how we use pulse oximeters, the advantages and pitfalls, and how to manage abnormal readings.

Paper summary: Comparison of direct and oscillometric blood pressure assessment using a veterinary specific device

Blood pressure management requires accurate monitoring. In this summary of an article by Acierna et al (2013) we compare a veterinary specific oscillometric device to direct blood pressure measurement.

Having their best interests at HEART: Coronary collateral circulation in the rabbit, stress & the effects of alpha-2 agonists, phenothiazines and volatiles.

How extensive is the coronary collateral circulation in the rabbit and what are the effects of stress and drugs on the heart of this species?

Paper summary: ​Comparison of direct and Doppler arterial blood pressure measurements in rabbits during isoflurane anaesthesia.

How do Doppler and direct blood pressure measurement compare in the anaesthetised rabbit?

Co-induction of anaesthesia. Is there a clear advantage?

In this article Matt Gurney, RCVS/ECVS specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, examines whether co-induction techniques are advantageous.

What are the benefits of slow administration of alfaxalone and does co-induction with alfaxalone/midazolam have any benefits in healthy dogs?

In this summary of a study by Miller et al (2019) we examine if there are any benefits to an alfaxalone/midazolam induction over alfaxalone alone in the healthy dog.

Peri-anaesthetic management of the gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) patient

In this article Carl Bradbrook discusses the peri-ananesthetic management of the canine gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) patient.

Paper summary: Clinical efficacy and cardiorespiratory effects of alfaxalone, or diazepam/fentanyl for induction of anaesthesia in dogs that are a poor anaesthetic risk.

In this summary of a paper by Psatha et al (2011) we examine the clinical benefits of alfaxalone in high-risk patients when compared to the induction protocol of diazepam + fentanyl.

Getting to the HEART of the matter - considerations for anaesthetising the cardiac patient.

In this article Miranda discusses the challenges of anaesthetising patients with cardiac disease and how protocols can be modified to accommodate these patients.

Paper summary: How does buprenorphine compare to butorphanol for postoperative analgesia in cats?

A prospective multi-centre clinical trial comparing buprenorphine vs butorphanol for postoperative analgesia in cats.

Paper summary: Analgesic effects of maxillary and inferior alveolar nerve blocks in cats undergoing dental extractions.

With dental surgery one of the most commonly performed procedures in small animal practice, what benefits do dental nerve blocks provide in cats?

What should we consider when anaesthetising patients, including geriatrics, for dental procedures?

What should we consider when anaesthetising both adult and senior patients admitted for dental treatment?

Checklist for geriatric dental anaesthesia

This article summarises and combines "Anaesthesia for the geriatric patient" and "What should we consider when anaesthetising patients, including geriatrics, for dental procedures?" into a single checklist for anaesthesia for the geriatric dental patient. A downloadable summary is also available by following the link.

How do we recognise, assess and treat chronic pain in companion animals?

In this article Ian Self, Associate Professor in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Nottingham, reflects on the recognition, assessment and management options for chronic pain in companion animals

The physiology of acute and chronic pain.

In this article, which accompanies " How do we recognise, assess and treat chronic pain in companion animals?", Ian Self describes the physiology of acute and chronic pain

What should we consider when anaesthetising the geriatric patient?

With an increasing number of anaesthetics being performed in older pets is there anything we should be aware of or do differently? In this article Carl Bradbrook examines the management of anaesthesia in geriatrics..

Paper summary: What effect does does rapid, high volume fluid therapy have on cardiovascular function?

In this summary of a paper by Valverde (2012) we examine the effects of high-volume, rapid fluid therapy on cardiovascular function and hematological values during isoflurane-induced hypotension in healthy dogs.

Paper summary: Pre-anaesthetic screening of geriatric dogs

In this summary of a paper by Joubert (2007) we examine the value of pre-anaesthetic screening in geriatric dogs and how the results influence the anaesthetic process.

Anaesthesia for Canine Cushing's disease: What should we assess and what should we monitor?

Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is relatively common in the dog and this article discusses the appropriate pre-anaesthetic assessment we should perform and why careful monitoring is essential.

Paper summary: How frequently are intravenous catheters removed as a result of complications due to bacterial contamination?

In this summary of a paper by Ramos (2018) we examine the incidence of bacterial colonisation of intravenous catheters removed as a result of cannula complication

What's the Point? Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation.

Peripheral venous cannulation is a common invasive procedure in small animals, but what are the best-practice insertion techniques and what can we do to avoid complications?

Rabbit Anaesthesia – Understanding Your Patient.

How does the anatomy, physiology, behaviour and response to drugs affect your decision making when anaesthetising the rabbit patient?

Paper summary: Heated intravenous fluids alone fail to prevent hypothermia in cats under general anaesthesia.

In this summary of a paper by Jourdan et al (2017) we examine the common practice of warming intravenous fluids and the effect on patient temperature.

​Considerations for anaesthesia of the brachycephalic dog.

In this article Matt Gurney discusses the induction of anaesthesia and intubation of the brachycephalic patient.

Watch the induction and intubation of a brachycephalic.

Induction of anaesthesia and intubation of a brachycephalic dog with Matt Gurney.

Paper summary: The effect of omeprazole on oesophageal pH in dogs during anaesthesia

This summary of a publication by Panti et al., examines the effect of orally administered omeprazole on gastro-oesophageal reflux in the anaesthetised dog.

How does a syringe driver benefit your patients?

Syringe drivers are becoming increasingly commonplace in modern veterinary practice and are a useful tool for multiple applications. This article looks at the science behind constant rate infusions and the basics of syringe driver use.

Paper summary: Pet owner opinions about anaesthesia, pain and surgery in small animals

In this paper we explore perceptions and opinions of Canadian pet owners about anaesthesia, pain and surgery in small animals.

Achieving Safer Anaesthesia with ASA and Joanne Michou MA VetMB DipECVAA MRCVS

How can a Veterinary version of the ASA Physical Status Classification help you achieve safer anaesthesia? To find out how watch our webinar.

Paper summary: ASA classification and risk of anaesthetic related death in dogs and cats.

This scientific paper assessed whether the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification correlated with the risk of anaesthetic death in dogs and cats.

New! Methadyne, Our New Methadone Now Available

This is our third product launch this year, and the latest addition to our anaesthesia and analgesia portfolio, Methadyne, contains 10mg/ml methadone as its active ingredient. It can be administered for analgesia of moderate to severe pain in dogs and cats, to provide neuroleptanalgesia, and as part of a patient’s premedication protocol prior to general anaesthesia.

A retrospective comparison of two analgesic strategies after uncomplicated tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in dogs.

In this review we summarise a publication by Bini (2018) examining two protocols for the administration of methadone following TPLO surgery in dogs.

Practical Acute Pain Assessment

In this summary of acute pain assessment, Carl Bradbrook examines why we should be monitoring patients for pain and looks at the commonly used scoring systems.

Alfaxan for the maintenance of anaesthesia: Peer reviewed clinical papers.

In this article we have identified the key clinical peer reviewed papers to support the use of Alfaxan for maintenance of Anaesthesia in Cats and Dogs.

TIVA or not? (Total intravenous anaesthesia).

In this article the Jurox UK Technical Team discuss the use of intravenous agents to maintain anaesthesia in the dog and cat.

Benzodiazepines - can they help reduce anaesthesia related side effects?

In part 4 of this series on premedicant agents we examine the pros and cons of benzodiazepines.

Paper summary: Effect of benzodiazepines on the dose of alfaxalone needed for endotracheal intubation in healthy dogs

This paper examined whether a benzodiazepine, administered as a co-induction agent with alfaxalone, improved endotracheal intubation, and reduced the dose of alfaxalone, in the dog

Putting methadone in its place in your pain management.

In this article we examine why methadone could be considered the analgesic of choice for many of our patients and understand its importance in modern veterinary medicine. The article includes a link to a downloadable summary sheet.

Food for Thought: Pre-anaesthetic Fasting

In this article Karen examines why we fast our canine and feline patients prior to anaesthesia and what the current recommendations are. Karen also investigates why rabbits are different and should not be starved before anaesthesia.

Perspectives on Premeds - Phenothiazines: from Mental Health to Premedication

In this article from the Perspectives on Premeds series, Karen takes us through the properties and uses of phenothiazines in modern veterinary practice.

Methadone with Acepromazine - when is enough, enough?

This study looks at the effects of three methadone doses combined with acepromazine on sedation and some cardiopulmonary variables in dogs.

AceSedate®, Our New Acepromazine, Available Now.

We have extended our anaesthesia and analgesia portfolio with the launch of AceSedate®. Containing the tried and trusted, long-acting sedative agent acepromazine as its active ingredient, AceSedate can be used for the premedication, sedation and tranquilisation of cats and dogs.

Time: is 30 minutes long enough?

This recent study examined whether the application of EMLA cream, for 30 or 60 minutes, would be a useful tool to improve patient compliance prior to intravenous cannula placement in the veterinary clinical practice setting.

Caesarean Section Survival Guide. Part 2: Anaesthetic Protocol Selection & Peri-operative Considerations.

In this second instalment of the 2-part article, we explore premedication, induction, maintenance & monitoring, recovery and analgesia for the Caesarean section patient.

Buprenorphine: it’s not all static in rabbits

Opioids are well known for causing gastrointestinal stasis in mammalian species. This recent paper examined the effects of a single high dose of buprenorphine on the rabbit gastrointestinal tract using non-invasive imaging techniques.

Caesarean Section Survival Guide. Part 1: Physiology & Pre-anaesthetic Considerations.

In the first instalment of this 2-part review Karen examines the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and how those adjustments can affect the selection of anaesthetic protocols for the increasingly common Caesarean section.

No leeway for the spay: A comparison between methadone and buprenorphine for perioperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

This recent paper compares post-operative pain scores and requirement for rescue analgesia following premedication with methadone or buprenorphine, in combination with acepromazine or medetomidine, in 80 bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Cardiac arrest - the human factor

Cardiac arrest in dogs and cats is, thankfully, relatively rare. However, when it does happen it can have devastating consequences for the animal, owner and the veterinary team. This study examined the common causalities leading up to a cardiac arrest with the aim of changing protocols to improve outcomes.

Are you Using Safety Checklists in your Practice?

In this article, Carl focuses on the benefits of introducing a safety checklist in practice to reduce patient morbidity, mortality and to improve communication between members of the veterinary team. The article contains links to the AVA safety checklist as well as a link to a customisable list that you can adapt to your practice needs. 

Paper Summary - Effects of alfaxalone, thiopental, propofol and diazepam on laryngeal motion in healthy dogs

The Big Chill - Temperature Management in Sedated and Anaesthetised Patients

The effects of hypothermia are very far reaching throughout the peri-anaesthetic process. In this article, James takes us through the interesting mechanisms of body cooling and warming, the clinical relevance of hypothermia and what we can do to prevent it.

Keeping the Finger on the Pulse -  Nuances in CV Monitoring

All patients are exposed to the risks associated with general anaesthesia. Continuously monitoring anaesthetised patients maximises patients safety and wellbeing. In this article, Dan takes us through the common monitoring techniques that provide information about the cardiovascular status of your patient. 

Effect of Maropitant on Isoflurane Requirements & Postoperative Nausea & Vomiting

Despite being widely recognized in humans, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and the role of maropitant in reducing inhalational anaesthetic requirements have been poorly documented in dogs. This recent study evaluates PONV and isoflurane requirements after maropitant administration during routine ovariectomy in bitches.

New! Alfaxan® Multidose Now Available

We are happy to announce we have enhanced our anaesthesia and analgesia portfolio with the introduction of Alfaxan®Multidose for dogs, cats and pet rabbits.

Sevoflurane requirement in dogs premedicated with medetomidine and butorphanol

Little information is available about the effect that different doses of medetomidine and butorphanol may have when using sevoflurane for maintenance of anaesthesia in dogs. This recent study evaluates heart rate and median sevoflurane concentration required at different dose rates.

Capnography II - What happened to the elephants? A summary of abnormal traces

In this second article of the capnography series, James provides a guide to a few of the most common traces that you will encounter during surgery. Scroll to the end of the article to download a printable capnography cheatsheet. 

Pain, what a Pain! (Part 2) – Practical Tips On How To Perform Dental Nerve Blocks In Companion Animal Practice

In this second article of the Pain, what a Pain! series, Dan takes us through the LRA techniques associated with dental and oral surgery. In this article, you will find practical tips and pictures on common dental nerve blocks as well as safety concerns to consider.

​Peri-anaesthetic mortality and nonfatal gastrointestinal complications in pet rabbits

This recent retrospective study looks at the cases of 185 pet rabbits admitted for sedation or general anaesthetic and evaluates the incidence and risk factors contributing to peri-anaesthetic mortality and gastrointestinal complications.

Pain, what a Pain! How Locoregional Anaesthesia can Improve the Outcome and Welfare of Veterinary Patients (Part 1)

In this first article out of a series of two, Dan takes us through an introduction and practical tips for appropriate local anaesthesia delivery. Find out why these anaesthesia techniques, that are well recognised in human medicine, have seen an increase in popularity in veterinary medicine over the recent years

Perspectives on Premeds – Opioids

Perspectives on Premeds is a series of articles touching on different pharmacological, physiological and clinical aspects of pre-anaesthetic medication. This second article aims to provide a refresher on opioids.

Effects of Dexmedetomidine with Different Opioid Combinations in Dogs

Read the highlights of a recently published research paper that evaluates cardiorespiratory, sedative and antinociceptive effects of dexmedetomidine alone and in combination with morphine, methadone, meperidine, butorphanol, nalbuphine and tramadol. 

Preoxygenation Study Highlights

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two methods of preoxygenation in healthy yet sedated dogs and the impact of these methods on time taken to reach a predetermined haemoglobin desaturation point (haemoglobin saturation (SpO2) of 90%) during an experimentally induced period of apnoea.

Capnography – Not Just a Load of Hot Air

Capnography is the measurement of inhaled and exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. The graphical illustration of CO2 within respired gases versus times is known as the capnogram.

Perspectives on Premeds – Alpha-2 Agonists

Perspectives on Premeds is a series of articles touching on different pharmacological, physiological and clinical aspects of pre-anaesthetic medication. This first article aims to provide a refresher on α2 agonists.

Alfaxan - now licensed for use in pet rabbits

Jurox Animal Health is delighted to announce that Alfaxan is now licensed for cats, dogs and pet rabbits. This is an exciting advance and could change the way rabbits are anaesthetised in the U.K.