Sedation and Anaesthesia for Heart Failure

Question 1

Considerations for heart failure patients

Answer 1

Always minimise anaesthetic time
Have emergency drugs pre-prepared
Be careful with fluids in cats (dextrose saline)
Monitor HR/rhythm and BP
Stage using echocardiography

Question 2

Signs an animal is going into heart failure

Answer 2

• Lose weight
• In clinic RR increases
• HR increases
• Resting RR increases
• Recta temp decreases
• VHS on radiograph increases

Question 3

What opioid is best for sedation?

Answer 3

Butorphanol (poor analgesic properties)
Minimal CRS depression

Question 4

Pre-med options in dogs

Answer 4

Butophanol
Midazolam
Alfaxalone
Use minimal inhalational anaesthetic

Question 5

When do cats go into heart failure

Answer 5

Any time - NO WARNING
Loud murmur
Gallop sounds/arrythmia
Enlarged LA

Often after GA, Fluid therapy or steroid use

Question 6

Premed options in cats

Answer 6

Gabapentin an hour before traveling
Butorphanol often enough
Midazolam
Alfaxalone