title: Prolonged anesthetic recovery.
abstract: Failure to awaken, delayed awakening, and blunted responsiveness following anesthesia constitute a continuum which must be recognized, diagnosed accurately, and responded to appropriately. One must determine whether it is a normal recovery for this animal or a pathological delay. A delayed recovery results in continued depression of many organ systems. The possible etiologic factors, some obvious, others quite obscure, must be considered quickly to provide the patient with the best possible care. Diminished responsiveness is usually the result of a complex interaction between multiple factors. A systematic approach to treatment first begins by ensuring cardiac output, oxygenation, ventilation, and supportive care in all patients. Then consider the potential causes for prolonged recovery and either rule them out or treat them. First consider the potential causes for central nervous system depression. Several commonly encountered medical conditions enhance sensitivity to or decrease the elimination of anesthetic and sedative agents. The astute clinician will be aware of the medical condition and its impact on anesthetic drug effect and elimination to avoid prolonged recoveries.
authors: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg 24061, USA.
authors: R V
authors: RV
authors: Broadstone
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D000820:Animal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000494:pharmacology; D014730:Veterinary Medicine
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants