Affiliation:
1. Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, CH64 7TE
Abstract
Sedation and general anaesthesia may be required in animals with confirmed or suspected portosystemic shunt for a variety of reasons, not limited to shunt attenuation, such as diagnostic, routine or emergency procedures. Veterinary surgeons should understand normal hepatic functions and processes in order to appreciate the implications of portosystemic shunts associated specifically with sedation and anaesthesia. The pathophysiological and physiological variations, and their effects on anaesthesia and sedation, are discussed, as is management of the peri-anaesthetic period, drug choice for sedation or premedication, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia and analgesia. Patient monitoring and problem solving are also discussed, in relation to situations commonly encountered in portosystemic shunt patients during anaesthesia and sedation.