Susan Burns, BS, RVT, VTS (anesthesia)

Understanding and interpreting data from a multi-parameter monitor is paramount to a successful anesthetic experience in veterinary practice. Consider this advice to understand these vital values and explore what to do when you encounter abnormalities.

Ventilation is the act or process of supplying fresh air and moving gas in and out of the alveoli. Air that is being replaced in the lung has a higher partial pressure of O2 but a lower partial pressure of CO2.

What is a neonate or pediatric patient? Neonate patients are between 0 to 6 weeks of life and a pediatric patient is between 6 to 16 weeks of life.

What is a geriatric patient? Geriatric patients are pets that have attained 75% of that species or breeds expected life span. Therefore, a 6 year old Yorkshire terrier would not be considered geriatric, but a 6 year old Irish wolfhound would fall under this definition.