Pediatric Anaesthesia Article Flashcards
Why is pediatric anesthesia for kittens often necessary?
It’s often required for pre-pubertal neutering, surgeries, or diagnostic tests.
What unique complications may arise during pediatric anesthesia?
Complications can include difficult vascular access, hypothermia, bradycardia, and hypoglycemia.
What life stage is considered ‘neonatal’ for kittens?
Neonatal is from birth up to 4 weeks.
At what age range are kittens classified as ‘pediatric’?
Kittens are considered pediatric between 4 weeks and 6 months.
Why are pediatric patients at a higher risk of hypothermia during anesthesia?
Their larger surface area-to-body volume ratio, low body fat, and reduced shivering efficiency increase hypothermia risk.
What are typical temperature ranges for neonatal kittens in the first week?
95–98°F (35–36.6°C).
What is the primary method for warming pediatric patients during anesthesia?
Using devices like the ‘Bair Hugger’ or warm blankets and bottles.
Why is an adult-sized respiratory circuit unsuitable for pediatric patients?
It creates excessive dead space and resistance, making breathing difficult for small animals.
What type of breathing circuit should be used for pediatric patients?
A non-rebreathing or pediatric breathing circuit.
Why might vascular access be challenging in kittens?
Due to their small size, making veins hard to locate and access.
What alternative method can be used if vascular access is difficult in kittens?
Intraosseous (IO) catheterization in the femur or other bones.
Why is intubation challenging for small kittens?
Cuffed tubes may be too large, so small diameter uncuffed tubes are used.
How do kittens’ cardiovascular responses differ from adults?
They rely primarily on heart rate rather than other mechanisms to increase cardiac output.
Why should drugs causing bradycardia be avoided in young kittens?
Bradycardia can lead to decreased cardiac output, hypoxia, poor perfusion, and hypotension.
What is a common risk associated with respiratory depression in kittens?
Risk of apnea, atelectasis, and hypoxia due to immature lungs and high oxygen demands.
Why do pediatric kittens require supplemental oxygen during anesthesia?
They have higher oxygen demands and a limited ability to adjust to low oxygen levels.
At what age are kitten kidneys functionally mature?
Kidneys are functionally immature until after birth but fully anatomically developed.
Why should fluid rates be carefully adjusted for pediatric patients?
Due to their high body water content and limited ability to handle fluid changes.
How can hydration be monitored in pediatric patients?
By measuring body weight on a gram scale two or three times a day.
At what age does the kitten liver start functioning like that of an adult?
Around 3 months old.
Why are young kittens prone to hypoglycemia?
They have reduced glycogen synthesis and storage.
How long should pediatric patients fast before anesthesia?
2–3 hours for kittens aged 6–8 weeks.
What should be monitored during anesthesia to detect hypoglycemia?
Blood glucose levels.
What is the recommended pre-anesthetic blood glucose level for a 4-week-old kitten?
About 6.1 mmol/L (110 mg/dL).
Why should NSAIDs be avoided in kittens under 6 weeks?
Due to potential renal impact on immature kidneys.
What risk is associated with phenothiazines in kittens under 12 weeks?
They may cause peripheral vasodilation and central nervous system depression.
Why are alpha-2 agonists used cautiously in kittens under 8 weeks?
They can cause profound bradycardia.
What should be prioritized in anesthesia for pediatric patients?
Adjusting drug protocols and monitoring to accommodate the needs of young animals.
What is the primary concern for the haematopoietic system in young kittens?
They are less tolerant of blood loss due to an ongoing transition in hemoglobin types.
What is the guideline for blood loss in pediatric surgery?
Blood loss should be limited to approximately 4%.
How do kittens differ from adults in response to volume depletion?
They lack the adult responses to manage volume changes effectively.
What anesthetic drugs are recommended for kittens?
Drugs that are reversible or partially reversible and can be dosed to effect.
Why is careful dosing required for anesthetic drugs in young patients?
Due to altered renal and hepatic metabolism in pediatric animals.
What is the concern with shivering as a temperature control method in kittens?
Shivering is less efficient in young animals and can be altered by anesthesia.
What are some supplementary warming options during pediatric anesthesia?
Hot air blankets, electrical warming devices, and warm water bottles.
What is a critical factor for oxygen supply in kittens during anesthesia?
Providing oxygen prevents apnea and compensates for higher oxygen needs.
Why is post-anesthetic feeding important for kittens?
To prevent hypoglycemia by providing immediate energy.
What are the recommended sites for IO catheterization in kittens?
Greater trochanteric fossa, ilium wing, humerus, or tibial tuberosity.
Why is there a greater risk of hypercapnia in kittens during anesthesia?
Due to respiratory muscle fatigue and increased resistance in breathing circuits.
Why is slow warming preferred over rapid warming in anesthetized kittens?
To avoid excessive metabolic and respiratory demands.
What is an ideal blood glucose level before anesthesia for a kitten?
Close to 6.1 mmol/L (110 mg/dL), with dextrose if below 4.5 mmol/L (80 mg/dL).
Why should drug protocols be adjusted based on individual kitten needs?
Due to variations in metabolism, hydration, and tolerance in young patients.
