Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists

The Chapter recently published: The position statement, Monitoring of anaesthetised dogs and cats: Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter position statement, has been published in the Australian Veterinary Practitioner (Vol 54 Issue 2 June 2024). This document provides anaesthetic monitoring guidelines for veterinary practices in Australia and New Zealand. For those unable to access the guidelines via the AVP, there is a copy in the Chapter Repository on this website.

The guidelines arose following our identification of a gap in the resources available to veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand with regards to defining the minimum standards for the monitoring of anaesthesia in companion animal practice. As a result, the Chapter formed a working group to provide a position statement which aims to give clear guidance on the minimum requirements for adequate monitoring during anaesthesia. We hope that by promoting such position statements, we can work towards optimising patient safety and meet the expectations of registering bodies, professional colleagues and pet owners.

The position statement is:

“During anaesthesia of healthy dogs and cats there must be a person dedicated to the role of monitoring and recording the physiological status of the animal and any events related to the safe conduct of anaesthesia. This person must be appropriately trained and experienced or must work under direct supervision of someone who is appropriately trained and experienced.

In addition to clinical observations of the animal (palpation of a peripheral pulse, measurement of pulse rate and respiratory rate, observation of mucous membrane colour/ capillary refill time and subjective assessment of depth of anaesthesia), monitoring of anaesthesia should be complimented by the use of equipment including a pulse oximeter, capnograph, blood pressure monitor, and thermometer. A record of anaesthesia must be created in every case. Animals must always be observed from the time that drugs are first administered to the time that adequate recovery from the procedure has been confirmed.”