Monitoring anaesthetics in exotics

Anaesthetic death rate is higher in exotic patients than in dogs and cats. Unfamiliarity with monitoring and inability to intubate are frequently cited reasons for higher death rate. Ability to hide signs of illness, and fewer healthy, elective aneasthetic procedures likely influence death rate as well. Direct vascular support can be challenging. For some patients, small size or unique anatomic features present unique challenges. Sophisticated monitoring equipment (e.g. capnographs, blood pressure monitors) designed for canine/feline use must often be adapted for exotic patients, and is more likely to fail when used in exotic patients. For this reason, the anaesthetist must develop a plan for addressing equipment failure, and have a backup monitoring device ready, if applicable. Anecdotally, it appears that changes in respiratory and cardiovascular parameters may occur more rapidly than in canine and feline patients. While careful patient preparation and monitoring are important for any anaesthetic patient, particular attention to detail may help improve anaesthetic survival rate in exotic species.