Is it possible that using anaesthesia to monitor patients is coming to an end? In recent years, we have seen great advances in the field of Pet Tech, or technology focused on animal welfare. Thanks to these advances, we may soon say goodbye to anaesthesia in order to monitor pets.
But, how do these advances affect patients who need to be anaesthetised for surgical procedures? Is it possible to avoid sedation in animals under hospital monitoring? In this article, we will discuss the main aspects related to monitoring and veterinary anaesthesia.
Is It Necessary to Monitor an Anaesthetised Patient?
The resounding answer is: yes, it is necessary to monitor vital signs to improve the results of the operation and reduce the likelihood of complications or even mortality. On some occasions, there is no choice but to anaesthetise patients. For example, this would be the case in surgical operations where a high level of precision is required. For this reason, it is imperative that the veterinarian is committed to improving the procedures of their clinic to avoid unfavourable outcomes for the animal.
Monitoring the animal during anaesthesia allows you to assess its progress and apply corrections if necessary. However, due to lack of resources, the veterinarian often has to play the role of surgeon and anesthesiologist. As a result, there can be inefficient patient follow-up.
The Role of New Technologies in Monitoring in Veterinary Anaesthesia
Fortunately, new technologies can play a very important role in these cases. Thanks to tools like monitors or (if the operation allows) the multiparametric harness, it is possible to completely monitor the animal, with notifications and alarms that allow the veterinarian to be alerted in case of complications.
However, a disadvantage is that in some cases the price of the equipment may be high for some clinics, as explained in this article on multiparametric monitors. However, there are more affordable options, such as Dinbeat Uno, our multiparametric harness.
Thanks to these options, it is possible to use a device to help the veterinarian monitor different vitals and have enough information to be able to make the right decision in each case. The veterinarian will also have to take into account that it will be necessary to be trained to interpret the data and correctly place the instruments on the patient.
Monitoring in Follow-Up: Is Anaesthesia Necessary?
Another situation in which veterinarians encounter the need to sedate the animal is when postoperative monitoring is necessary. However this type of procedure is rare.
Thanks to the use of the multiparametric harness, it is possible to monitor the animal’s vital signs wirelessly. The animal is much more comfortable and there is no danger of it biting the equipment. Thanks to these new solutions, it is possible to have 24-hour monitoring with access to data in real time. It might sound like science fiction, but these advances are already on the market and allow clinics to offer better service to their patients and reduce their hospitalisation costs by up to 60%.
Monitoring and Veterinary Anaesthesia: Two Increasingly Separate Concepts
In conclusion, monitoring the patient while under veterinary anaesthesia is and will continue to be necessary, as it is key to avoiding a fatal outcome for the animal. However, having the support of new technology has become essential to improving procedures.
Fortunately, the field of monitoring is becoming more advanced, and it is already possible to find options like multiparametric harnesses to improve the monitoring of animals in the operating room or in hospital follow-up.
Do you want to learn more about our multiparametric harness? Check out how Dinbeat Uno works on our website or contact our specialised team directly.
