Prolonged anaesthesia

Prolonged surgical anaesthesia presents different problems from those encountered in the provision of immobilization and unconsciousness for intensive therapy. Meticulous care in applying basic principles will provide surgical anaesthesia of several hours' duration. In dogs, prolonged immobilization for intensive therapy may be obtained by a routine of morphine and diazepam administration, while in cats it may be achieved by ‘Saffan’ anaesthesia. During prolonged unconsciousness careful monitoring of the patient is essential; an adequate urine flow can be ensured by the intravenous infusion of appropriate electrolyte solutions, and particular care has to be given to maintenance of body temperature.