Anesthesia for the emergency small animal patient

Anesthesia for the debilitated or emergency patient requires a thorough knowledge of the pharmacologic and physiologic effects of the anesthetic agents available. Preoperative evaluation and preparation of the patient, intraoperative monitoring and prompt attention to potential crises, and postoperative monitoring and pain management are all critical to the success of dealing with these cases. Special attention is devoted to cases with cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurologic instability.