Due to the many important variables that need to be considered, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) brought together a group of experts to produce new guidelines for anesthetizing cats and dogs — stressing the importance of comprehensive, individualized anesthetic plans to minimize morbidity and optimize conditions.

The guidelines cover the various aspects of anesthesia, including patient evaluation and examination, diagnostic evaluation, induction and maintenance recommendations, monitoring parameters, equipment, pain management and staffing recommendations.

The items covered include: troubleshooting possible complications; areas of controversy; an anesthetic equipment checklist; and the recommended monitoring tools.

You can find the new guidelines on the AAHA website (www.aahanet.org/).