ANESTHETIC MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE

Dogs and cats with cardiac disease are commonly encountered in veterinary practice and are at increased risk when undergoing general anesthesia. Among the important considerations during anesthetic management of patients with cardiovascular abnormalities are selection of a plan for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, preparation of the surgical site before induction, preoxygenation of the patient, monitoring of the electrocardiogram, support of ventilation at two to four breaths per minute, conservative fluid therapy, monitoring of arterial blood pressure, providing oxygen throughout the recovery period, and providing adequate postoperative analgesia. This article discusses the hemodynamic changes associated with heart failure, effects of drugs used in the treatment of patients with cardiac disease, effects of commonly used anesthetics, and perianesthetic management of patients with cardiac disease.