The Cutting Edge Veterinary Podcast

STUDENTS: Nicole McClure and Jaimie Warren

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Nigel Caulkett

Airway management is critical during anesthesia, both in-clinic and in field settings. Adequate airway management can help ensure a patent airway is present in order to facilitate the delivery of oxygen and anesthetic gases, the removal of carbon dioxide and minimize complications such as aspiration of gastric contents. Aspiration can potentially lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication requiring intensive care. While endotracheal intubation is often considered the gold standard, this can be challenging to achieve in the field, in patients undergoing oropharyngeal surgery, or in species with challenging upper airway anatomy (such as rabbits). As a result of these challenges, alternative methods of airway management need to be considered. In this presentation, we will compare endotracheal intubation, facemasks, laryngeal mask airways, laryngeal tube airways, supraglottic airway devices and unsupported airways. We will discuss their pros and cons, as well as their use and applications in a variety of traditional and non-traditional species.