If your pet has to have a therapeutic procedure or diagnostic done by the veterinarian they may be required to go under anesthesia for proper care, especially if the animal is being uncooperative. Veterinary anesthesia systems are used to do just that via administration of a veterinarian or a Registered Veterinary Technician. These systems are used on a variety of pets including cats, dogs, horses, pigs, goats, and even wildlife. Qualifications to utilize this machine on animals for veterinarians include board certification from the American Veterinary Medical Association with one year of clinical practice and three years of anesthesia residency. Technicians must have a license in their state of practice and 6000 hours of medicine in veterinary and continuing education related to anesthesia.
In order for animals to experience no pain and calmness, as well as for veterinarian professionals to be able to perform procedures effectively, anesthesia is administered through anesthetic machines. In addition to anesthesia, anesthetic machines also used to deliver oxygen to pets during procedures, remove exhaled carbon dioxide, and aid with ventilation. In regards to components there are several parts that help anesthetic machines run efficiently. The first are its gas source which is made of two systems, high pressure and low pressure, that control the flow meter. Flow meters are the area where different gases are stored to assist with the procedure. There is also the oxygen flush valve that vaporizes the oxygen to enter into the breathing circuit and helps the patient wake up after the procedure is performed. The pop off valves add a layer of safety to anesthetic machines protecting patients from high airway pressures.
Breathing are circuits are also an important part of these machines with intricate units within itself. This includes parts such as the re-breathing circuits that helps remain body heat and moisture during procedure, as well as use less oxygen and anesthetic. Because of this, re-breathing circuits are great economically. Adjustment is necessary for breathing circuits to work properly in accordance to the patient’s needs. For example, when these valves are closed it holds enough oxygen to properly sustain the patient’s needs. Adjusting the valves to a half way point allows the veterinarian or technician to alter the concentration amount of anesthetic in a safe and quick way. Re-breathing circuits are typically used on larger animals. Additionally, chemicals such as soda lime or baralyme, are exhausted during usage that could hinder the procedure process if left untreated. It should be noted that a gas analyzer will be needed for proper anesthetic administration.
Lastly, breathing circuits come in non-breathing variations, meaning less breathing work for the patient. This is great for smaller animals. Similar to re-breathing circuits, non-breathing circuits also have adjustable features to allow professionals to change the level of anesthetic safely and quickly. It should be noted this type of circuit is not economical to use due to the amount the high gas flow rate during operation. It is also likely to produce body heat loss within a patient.