Review by Kathy Lyon (Click on stars for an explanation)

You may purchase this book on  Amazon.com.

Publisher’s Comments:

"Anaesthesia for Veterinary Nurses has been written specifically for veterinary nurses by veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons. Easy to read and understand, it provides detailed coverage of the physiological, pharmacological and physical aspects of anaesthesia. Fully updated and reflecting recent changes to veterinary nursing qualifications (England), this second edition is now also illustrated in colour.

Sedation and anaesthesia are a crucial part of veterinary practice, and the protocols and methods involved are often complex and vary considerably from animal to animal. In addition to cats and dogs, Anaesthesia for Veterinary Nurses contains detailed sections on rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, and larger animals.

Suitable for those with or without previous subject knowledge, this book is ideal for quick reference by students, veterinary nurses, and technicians in practice.

This book reflects recent changes to veterinary nursing qualifications (Great Britain, not USA), current terminology and drugs in use.”

I might mention here that the qualifications for veterinary nurses may differ greatly in this country from those described in the book. Nurses in Great Britain are permitted to perform procedures not commonly done by technicians (nurses) in the USA. Some drugs may not be available in this country, and for those that are, some dosages may need to be converted to US measurements.

Includes chapters on small mammals, and a relatively good chapter on birds. Most books with avian chapters are limited in scope, but this book seems to cover avian issues in some detail.

Table of Contents:

1. The Role of the Veterinary Nurse in Anaesthesia (Joan Freeman)
2. Physiology Relevant to Anaesthesia (Mary Fraser)
3. Preoperative Assessment and Preparation of the Patient (Joan Duncan)
4. Anaesthetic Machines and Ventilators (Craig Johnson)
5. Breathing Systems and Airway Management (Craig Johnson)
6. Anaesthetic Drugs (Derek Flaherty)
7. Analgesia (Derek Flaherty)
8. Intravenous Access and Fluid Therapy (Liz Welsh)
9. Monitoring the Anaesthetised Patient (Louise Clark)
10. Nursing the Patient in Recovery (Nichole Hill)
11. Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation and Other Emergencies (Kirstin Beard)
12. Rabbits, Ferrets and Rodent Anaesthesia (Simon Girling)
13. Avian Anaesthesia (Simon Girling)
14. Reptile Anaesthesia (Simon Girling)
15. Large Animal Anaesthesia (Fiona Strachan)
    Index

Regardless of whether your technician is permitted to perform some of these tasks, reading the book will be educational. I recommend it.

Wiley Blackwell (2009).

Paper cover, 400 pages, color and black-and-white photos.

ISBN: 9781405186735.

(Editor's Note: See also the VSPN Review for this book.)