Introduction

• The administration of an inhalation anesthetic requires a gas source, eg oxygen, a source of volatile agent and a breathing system.
• Before the volatile agent is delivered to the patient, it must turn from a liquid to a vapor. This vapor must be diluted to a safe concentration.
• It is also desirable to be able to control the depth of anesthesia quickly and accurately.

Oxygen supply

Nitrous oxide

Vaporizers

Machine checks

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Steffey E P (2002) Recent advances in inhalation anesthesia. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 18 (1), 159-168 PubMed.
• Eicker S W & Cuvelliez S (1990) Equipment for inhalation anesthesia. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 6 (3), 543-551 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Taylor P M & Clarke K W (2005) Handbook of Equine Anaesthesia. 3rd edn. W B Saunders, UK.
• Hall L W & Clarke K W (1983) Veterinary Anesthesia. 8th edn. Bailliere Tindall, UK. pp 162-169.