The veterinarian assigns a person responsible for monitoring; that person cannot at the same time carry out the procedure. Their name and identifier are entered in the anaesthetic record
Checking the anaesthetic machine, oxygen source, breathing system, suction, monitors, warming and resuscitation equipment. If critical equipment is missing, the procedure does not start
Pulse, respiration, mucous membranes, CRT, temperature, hydration, sedation, blood pressure, SpO₂ and ETCO₂: the reference point for further monitoring
Eyeball position, palpebral reflex, jaw tone, response to stimulus
Rate, rebreathing bag, patency of the tube, SpO₂, capnogram, ETCO₂
Continuous pulse oximetry, quality of the pulse waveform, position of the sensor
HR, ECG rhythm, pulse, blood pressure (MAP), mucous membranes, CRT
Continuous measurement, with warming matched to the risk of hypothermia
Observation until consciousness returns and ventilation is effective, circulation is stable and the airway is clear; recording the time of extubation, of the first head lift and of sternal recumbency
| Parameter | Method | Indicative value | Threshold requiring prompt assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpO₂ | Pulse oximetry | >95% | <95% persisting, or a sudden drop |
| ETCO₂ | Capnography | 35–45 mmHg | >45 mmHg or <35 mmHg, especially with a change in the capnogram |
| Respiratory rate | Observation, capnography | Depends on the anaesthetic plan | Apnoea, shallow breathing, a sudden change in trend |
| MAP | Indirect or direct measurement | ≥60–70 mmHg | <60 mmHg, a downward trend or signs of poor perfusion |
| Heart rhythm | ECG and pulse palpation | Rhythm depends on the species and the drugs used | New arrhythmia, ECG and pulse not matching, sudden bradycardia or tachycardia |
| Temperature | Temperature probe | Adjusted to the patient | A fall or rise that requires warming to be started or changed |
| Depth of anaesthesia | Clinical assessment and parameters | Appropriate for the surgical stimulus | Pain-related movement response, excessive suppression of reflexes, haemodynamic instability |
The procedure describes the practice's standard of care; the details of the assessment of a particular patient are decided by the lead veterinarian.
Inhalation or combined anaesthesia carried out according to standard STD-02: intubation, continuous monitoring of vital signs, warming, and a dedicated person watching the patient throughout the procedure.
An examination, blood results and a risk assessment on the ASA scale before every anaesthetic — in line with our standard STD-01. This lets us plan the anaesthetic for the individual patient.
Light, controlled sedation for X-rays, ultrasound, dressings and sample collection — with monitoring, reversible drugs and a quick recovery.
Supervised recovery in a heated kennel, monitoring of temperature and of pain using a scale, the first feed, and discharge with written instructions. Care from the moment the gas anaesthetic is switched off until the animal is handed back to the owner.