Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Prolonged anesthetic recovery.
- Journal:
- Clinical techniques in small animal practice
- Year:
- 1999
- Authors:
- Broadstone, R V
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
Sometimes, pets can have trouble waking up after anesthesia, which can be a normal part of recovery or a sign of a problem. If a pet is slow to wake up, it can affect their organs and overall health. It's important for veterinarians to quickly figure out why this is happening, whether it's due to a medical condition that makes them more sensitive to anesthesia or something else. The first step in helping them is to make sure they are getting enough oxygen and support while the vet investigates the cause of the delayed recovery. The outcome of this situation depends on identifying and addressing the underlying issues effectively.
Abstract
Failure to awaken, delayed awakening, and blunted responsiveness following anesthesia constitute a continuum which must be recognized, diagnosed accurately, and responded to appropriately. One must determine whether it is a normal recovery for this animal or a pathological delay. A delayed recovery results in continued depression of many organ systems. The possible etiologic factors, some obvious, others quite obscure, must be considered quickly to provide the patient with the best possible care. Diminished responsiveness is usually the result of a complex interaction between multiple factors. A systematic approach to treatment first begins by ensuring cardiac output, oxygenation, ventilation, and supportive care in all patients. Then consider the potential causes for prolonged recovery and either rule them out or treat them. First consider the potential causes for central nervous system depression. Several commonly encountered medical conditions enhance sensitivity to or decrease the elimination of anesthetic and sedative agents. The astute clinician will be aware of the medical condition and its impact on anesthetic drug effect and elimination to avoid prolonged recoveries.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10193047/