Clinical techniques in small animal practice
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique used in both human and veterinary medicine. Although a number of innovative adaptations to CPR have been researched, the mainstay of CPR remains intubation, adequate ventilation, chest compressions, and basic drug therapy. The purpose of this article is to review the techniques and drugs commonly used in both closed chest and open chest CPR.
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Clin Tech Small Anim Pract · Feb 1999
ReviewPropofol: application in veterinary sedation and anesthesia.
Propofol can be used for sedation, induction of anesthesia, and maintenance of anesthesia in small animal patients. In all these situations recovery from its effects is typically rapid and smooth. The drug should be administered slowly, intravenously, to minimize the negative cardiac and respiratory effects seen after rapid bolus administration. ⋯ Propofol can be used for induction of anesthesia in patients with preexisting disease with minimal delays in recovery. It does not cause excitement at low doses so is also useful for sedation of patients undergoing nonpainful procedures such as radiological examination. This review focuses on the diverse clinical applications for propofol in a small animal practice including indications, recommendations, and contraindications as well as a discussion of the controversies that surround its use.
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Clin Tech Small Anim Pract · Feb 1999
Pros and cons of using alpha-2 agonists in small animal anesthesia practice.
The alpha-2 agonists have been used in veterinary practice for over 30 years following the introduction of xylazine (ROMPUN, Bayer Corp., Shawnee Mission, KS) in 1962. The decision to use alpha-2 agonists in anesthesia practice should be based on factors including patient disposition, presenting complaint, type of procedure, and the veterinarian's familiarity with the drug. ⋯ Antagonism of alpha-2 agonists can be readily accomplished. Commonly, alpha-2 agonists are used in combination with other agents to provide neuroleptanalgesia or sedation prior to general anesthesia.