Newer neuromuscular blockers. Is the practitioner ready for muscle relaxants?

Current research on the development of new neuromuscular blocking agents is directed towards producing agents that have a rapid onset of action and predictable duration of action and recovery times, with minimal hemodynamic effects. For the veterinary practitioner, these newer agents should be considered when muscle relaxation is required for certain surgical procedures. Care must be taken to monitor paralyzed patients appropriately to ensure adequate ventilation and anesthetic depth. Vigilant monitoring should exist during the recovery period for the development of muscle weakness from residual blockade and the ability to reverse the effects of neuromuscular blockade. The use of neuromuscular blocking agents in veterinary patients should continue to increase as newer drugs and better monitoring techniques are developed.