Table 3.

Checklist for procedures involving anesthesia.

Checklist for Procedures Involving Anesthesia
Define methods in advance of procedure
Select anesthesia method (gaseous or injectable)
Define length of anesthesia
Choose methods for warming animal and maintaining eye moisture if anesthesia will extend >5 minutes
Animal care during procedure involving anesthesia
Induce anesthesia per selected method
Warm animal as defined above, using caution to avoid burns or overheating
Apply ophthalmic ointment or tape eyelids closed if procedure will be >5 min
Perform pain stimuli tests to confirm induction. If animal retracts leg or vocalizes when pinched on tail or between toe webbing, the depth of anesthesia is insufficient.
Ensure proper level of anesthesia is maintained during the procedure. Stop anesthesia if animal exhibits irregular respiratory rate, rapid or slowed heart rate, or blue discoloration of visible mucosal membranes.
Animal care after anesthesia and procedures are complete
Move animal to dry and warm area for recovery. Recovery area should be free of wood or sawdust shavings.
Monitor animal until awake and stably moving
Move animal back to routine housing with ambient temperature