Endotracheal Intubation

Question 1

What is the best way to deliver inhalant anesthetics?

Answer 1

An endotracheal tube

Question 2

What are the benefits to endotracheal intubation?

Answer 2

1. Establishes an open airway
2. Facilitates accurate administration of anesthetic gas
3. Allows for controlled ventilation of the lungs
4. Prevents aspiration of debris into the lungs

Question 3

What are the possible complications during endotracheal intubation?

Answer 3

1. Esophageal intubation (wrong placement)
2. Oral Trauma
3. Tracheitis (Inflammation of the lining of the trachea)
4. Tracheal necrosis & stenosis
5. Endobronchial intubation
6. Laryngospasm

Question 4

Define: Tracheitis

Answer 4

Inflammation of the lining of the trachea.
Common occurrence after endotracheal intubation as the cuff can cause irritation which results in the inflammation which can cause the animal to cough 1-2 days after surgery

Question 5

Define: Tracheal Necrosis & Stenosis

Answer 5

When mucous sluffs the tissue causing scar tissue and/or an open wound. Caused from excessive inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff.

Question 6

Define: Endobronchial Intubation

Answer 6

Happens when the endotracheal tube gets pushed/inserted to far down causing the tube to be in one of the bronchial branches resulting in only one lung receiving the gas mixture which leads to hypoxia

Question 7

Define: Laryngospasm

Answer 7

This is when the glottis remains in the closed position for a long period of time after trauma caused from unsuccesful intubation repeatedly.
* This is why lidocaine is used

Question 8

What should you do if you are struggling to intubate an animal even after applying lidocaine?

Answer 8

You need to take the animal to a deeper level of anesthesia by giving more anesthestic agent like propofol or by delivering gas anesthestics via a mask