Airway management in small animal anaesthesia

Abstract

A veterinary nurse (VN) usually prepares a patient for orotracheal intubation and extubation, and the intubation itself is performed by a veterinary surgeon. VNs are trained in these skills but often have limited opportunities to practise them. However, at any point during a patient's anaesthesia experience or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intubation may need to be performed confidently by a VN, without hesitation. VNs should therefore be familiar with the airway anatomy, orotracheal intubation and the cases that may require airway support or emergent intubation.