Current Standards and Practices in Small Animal Mechanical Ventilation.

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a lifesaving intervention that is used in small animals to manage a variety of conditions. Broad indications for MV include severe hypoxemia, severe hypercapnia, and an increase in work of breathing. MV requires intensive monitoring in the ICU and a thorough knowledge of the available modes of ventilation. Nursing care is a vital component of management of these uniquely fragile patients. Ultimately, successful weaning from ventilator support in veterinary patients depends on the underlying disease process, with patients with nonpulmonary diseases generally having a more favorable prognosis than patients with primary pulmonary parenchymal disease.