Sedation and premedication scenarios

List 5 qualities of an ideal premedication/sedation

• Unconsciousness

• Analgesia

• Muscle relaxant

• Smooth induction

• Minimal side effects

List 4 aims of premedication

• Easier handling

• Reduce anxiety

• Lower the dose of anaesthetic needed

• Reduce side effects

Fill in this table

Why is the timing of premedication important

• Allow drugs to be effective before induction

• Reduce stress and handling

• Reduce anaesthetic requirements

Should premedication be tailored to individuals

Yes due to difference in species, breed, temperament, health status, pain level, procedure and drug choice and interactions

Can we physically restrain animals instead of sedation

Yes for short non-painful procedures but it can cause stress and injury

Do we use sedation more then we should

Potentially, it should have a clear clinical benefit

Does sedation make animals safe to handle

No they can still bite, kick and be unpredictable

Can we over sedate animals

Yes it can cause respiratory and CV depression, hypothermia and prolonged recovery