Susan Bryant, CVT, VTS (anesthesia)

Small animal patients with cardiac disease and/or congenital abnormalities can be challenging and sometimes intimidating patients.

The gold standard for determining arterial blood gas levels is actually measuring arterial blood samples with a blood gas machine to get information on the arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), pH and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2).

Endotracheal tubes are usually made from silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic or red rubber.

Blood pressure is the driving force for blood flow (perfusion) through capillaries that supply oxygen to organs and tissue beds of the body.

Every cell in the body needs a constant supply of oxygen to produce energy to grow, repair or replace itself and to maintain normal vital functions.

Cardiovascular monitoring of patients under anesthesia is necessary so that potentially harmful changes in the function of the cardiovascular system can be recognized and appropriate action can be taken.