Anaesthesia

Question 1

What are the properties of thiopental as an induction agent?

Answer 1

Causes raised liver enzymes over time, perhaps avoided in liver diseased patients, rapid onset, moderate cardiovascular depression, causes necrosis in peri-vascular tissue

Question 2

What are the properties of alfaxalone as an induction agent?

Answer 2

Rapid onset, rapidly eliminated and metabolised, some respiratory depression, baroreceptor tone maintained

Question 3

Describe the properties of ketamine as an induction agent?

Answer 3

Poor muscle relaxant, maintained cardiovascular and respiratory function, analgesic properties, slow onset, increases intraoccular and intracranial pressrure.

Question 4

Which pre-med drugs should not be used in CV diseased patients? What should be used?

Answer 4

Alpha2agonists. Benzodiazepines should be used, good in young and sick animals, minimal CV effects,

Question 5

Name the four combinations used for pre-med.

Answer 5

1) benzodiazepine and ketamine CV stable, good sedation in cats.
2) ACP and opioid (‘healthy animal’ slight vasodilation and hypotension)
3) alpha 2 agonist and opioid
4) benzodiazepine and opioid (CV stable, good for sick animals, less profound sedation in healthy animals)

Question 6

What are the properties of propofol as an induction agent

Answer 6

Rapid onset, hypotension, readily metabolised and eliminated, no analgesia, muscle relaxant, post induction apnoea common