This practical resource is a concise guide designed to prepare veterinary technicians to administer anesthesia in animals. It discusses essential topics such as pre-anesthetic preparation of the patient, induction procedures, monitoring animals' vital signs during the anesthetic period, and postoperative care. The operation of anesthetic machines and breathing circuits are described in detail, as well as: the actions and side effects of anesthetic agents; the physiology of respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure; emergency response; and specialized techniques such as local anesthesia, postoperative analgesia, and the use of muscle-paralyzing agents and ventilators. In addition to canine and feline anesthesia, this edition has added information on anesthesia of rodents, rabbits, and other animals used in research, plus a new section on anesthesia of cattle, horses, small ruminants and pigs.

• This is the only book on veterinary anesthesia written explicitly for technicians, providing detailed, essential information that technicians must know.
• Concepts are presented in a clear, readable, well-organized format with key points, learning objectives, and review questions.
• Health and Safety issues surrounding anesthesia are discussed and safety procedures are outlined, as required by OSHA.
• Emphasis is placed on appropriate response to emergencies, and provisions of the effective pain control.
• Effective learning features such as objectives, key points, and review questions, help reinforce key information.
• All drugs and procedures included throughout the book are fully are up-to-date.
• Clear, useful illustrations and tables highlight important facts and concepts.
• A solid balance of theory and application takes the reader from learning to real-world practice.
• Step-by-step Procedures boxes clarify the technician's role in anesthesia delivery.
• Notes throughout the text highlight important precautions and/or emergency interventions.
• A section on client education focuses on compliance with NPO instructions and age-related complications of anesthesia.

1. The preanesthetic period
2. General anesthesia
3. Anesthetic agents and techniques
4. Anesthetic equipment
5. Workplace safety
6. Anesthetic problems and emergencies
7. Special techniques
8. Pain control
9. Anesthesia of rodents and rabbits
10. Large animal anesthesia

By Diane McKelvey, BSc, DVM, Kamloops Veterinary Clinic, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada; and K. Wayne Hollingshead, MSc, DVM, Assistant Professor, Animal Health Technology, University College of the Cariboo, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada