Anaesthesia for Respiratory Compromise

Question 1

What would you include in your premeds in a dog with respiratory compromise?

Answer 1

• opioid alone OR
• Dexmedetomidine OR acepromazine OR benzodiazepine, AND methadone (or butorphanol)
• Administer oxygen (mask/flow by), IV access

Other drugs/interventions may be administered at this time
- Omeprazole, metoclopramide, maropitant for nausea, regurgitation
- Xylometazoline to reduce decongested nares, terbutaline
- NSAIDs or paracetamol

Question 2

What would you include in the premeds for a cat with respiratory compromise?

Answer 2

• Opioid alone or
• Dexmedetomidine OR acepromazine OR benzodiazepine, AND methadone (or butorphanol)
• Alfaxalone AND midazolam AND opioid (methadone or butorphanol) IM or
• Ketamine AND midazolam IM or IV

Administer oxygen (mask/flow by, oxygen cage), IV access
do not delay induction if animal v compromised

Other drugs may be administered at this time e.g.
- NSAIDs or Steroid
- Terbulatine or salbutamol

Question 3

What drugs would you use to induce in a patient with respiratory compromise?

Answer 3

1. Alfaxalone IV or
2. Propofol IV
3. Ketamine IV (less common)