Anasthesia and Analgesia

Anesthesia

A loss of sensation.

Anesthetic Agent

Any drug used to induce a loss of sensation with or without unconsciousness.

Sedation

A drug-induced CNS depression and drowsiness.

General Anesthesia

A reversible state of unconsciousness, immobility, muscle relaxation, and loss of sensation throughout the entire body.

Anesthetic Induction

The process by which an animal loses consciousness and enters general anesthesia.

Anesthetic Recovery

The period between the time the anesthetic is discontinued and the time the animal is able to stand and walk.

Tranquilization

A drug-induced state of calm, reluctant to move, aware but unconcerned with surroundings.

Narcosis

Drug-induced sleep where the patient is not easily aroused.

Local Anesthesia

Anesthesia of a small area (line block).

Topical Anesthesia

Anesthetic applied directly to the site (e.g., eye drops).

Regional Anesthesia

Anesthesia of a larger area via proximal to sensory nerves (e.g., epidural and dental blocks).

Balanced Anesthesia

Administration of multiple drugs concurrently to maximize benefits and minimize adverse effects.

Pulse Points

Key locations on the body where the pulse may be checked.

Pre-Anesthesia

The phase before general anesthesia, starting at home and continuing during patient admission.

Induction

The process of inducing unconsciousness allowing intubation.

Maintenance Phase

The period of maintaining the patient unconscious so procedures can be performed.

Recovery Phase

The period where the animal regains consciousness and is able to stand.

ASA Status

A classification system by the American Society of Anesthesiologists that assesses patient physical status.

Fluid Therapy

Administration of fluids to stabilize patients pre-anesthesia.

Crystalloids

Fluids containing water and small solutes that pass freely and are used for hydration.

Colloids

Large molecule solutes that maintain blood volume by pulling fluid from interstitium.

Pain Pathway

The process by which pain is transmitted through transduction, transmission, modulation, and perception.

Multimodal Pain Control

Using different drug classes to target multiple receptors along the pain pathway.

Windup

CNS hypersensitivity due to continuous stimulation, making pain worse.

Post Anesthetic Care

Evaluation of the patient following anesthesia and discharge preparation.

Analgesics

Medications used to relieve pain.

Opioids

A class of analgesic medications that inhibit pain perception and modulation.

NMDA Antagonists

Drugs that block NMDA receptors to prevent windup.

Grapipant (Galliprant)

A non-COX inhibiting medication for chronic pain.

Maropitant (Cerenia)

An antiemetic that may benefit visceral pain.

Constant Rate Infusion (CRI)

A technique for administering a constant rate of medication to maintain desired effects.

Pre-medications

Drugs given prior to general anesthesia to calm or sedate the patient.