8- Anaesthesia for caesarean operation

Question 1

Name one respiratory sign that is associated with pregnancy that affects safe anaesthesia.

Answer 1

Decrease TLV (total lung volume)

Higher oxygen requirements & increase in alveolar ventilation

• Can cause hyperaemia
• Uptake of inhalant

Question 2

List some considerations for anaesthesia for caesarian

Answer 2

drugs with short duration
lowest possible dose
provide oxygen
provide opiods to the dam
use local anaesthetics if possible to reduce MAC and provide analgesia

Question 3

Name a GI signs which is seen in pregnancy that can affect safe anaesthesia

Answer 3

Delayed gastric emptying (^ ingesta)

Decreased oesophageal sphincter tone (^ regurgitation risk)

Increased gastrin levels (^ regurgitation risk)

Question 4

Name a local anaesthetic technique used in cows for a c-section

Answer 4

Inverted L block
Proximal paravertebral block
Distal paravertebral block

Question 5

List 2 advantages of inverted L block

Answer 5

• simple to perform
• does not interfere with ambulation
• deposition of anaesthetic away from the incision site minimizes incisional oedema and hematoma

Question 6

list 2 disadvantages of inverted L block

Answer 6

• Incomplete analgesia and muscle relaxation of the deeper layers of the abdominal wall (particularly in obese animals)
• possible toxicity after larger doses of anaesthetic
• increased cost because of larger doses of local anaesthetic.