Hypotension during anesthesia in dogs and cats: Recognition, causes, and treatment

Perianesthetic hypotension is common in veterinary patients. The pathophysi ology of hypotension is multifactorial but includes effects of injectable a nd inhalant anesthetic agents on the cardiovascular system. Hypotension can result in decreased perfusion to vital organs such as the brain, heart, an d kidneys, leading to dysfunction. Direct and indirect methods of arterial blood pressure monitoring are available to veterinary practitioners. Contin uous or frequent perianesthetic blood pressure monitoring allows quick reco gnition of hypotension and treatment of its underlying cause before negativ e consequences can occur. Treatment of hypotension may include decreasing a nesthetic depth and administering intravenous crystalloid and colloid fluid s, anticholinergic agents (as positive chronotropes), and positive inotropi c agents to improve contractility. All these help to improve cardiac output and tissue perfusion, thereby preventing organ damage.