Anesthetic Protocol for Tibetan Spaniels 

By Lewis R. Hartman D.V.M.

This protocol will be most helpful for first time Tibbie owners and their veterinarians who have limited experience with the breed.      Many of you have “Tibbie experienced”  veterinarians, who have developed their own anesthetic protocols. I welcome their inputs. They can send their favorite protocols to me at LRHMDH@aol.com. 

PRE AND POST OP PAIN MANAGEMENT: Tramadal 2 mg/kg 

1-2 Hours prior to surgery give:  Rimadyl 2mg/LB SQ and the Tramadol 2mg/kg 

PRE-ANESTHESIA 

BUPRENEX 0.02mg/kg 

KETAMINE 2.0mg/kg 

DEXDOMITOR 250mcg/m2 

All given in same syringe IM 15 - 20 minutes before mask induction.                                          

INDUCTION: 

Mask with 6% to 6.5% Sevoflurane concentration with 2 Liter OXYGEN flow until deep enough anesthetic plane to intubate. 

MAINTENACE ANESTHESIA:

After intubation maintain at 1.5 to 3.0% Sevo (Sevoflurane) concentration at 1.5 to 2 liter oxygen flow. Recovery starts within a few minutes after Sevo is discontinued. 

ANESTHETIC MONITORING: 

Pulse Oximeter mandatory with ECG monitoring preferred 

CAUTION: 

With extended anesthesia time a DECREASED PULMONARY TIDAL VOLUME is often seen. This occurs even when the respiratory rate is normal. This is why pulse oximeter monitoring is absolutely necessary.  Assist ventilation by bagging two to three times per minute will prevent this from happening.  Also maintain O2 blood levels above 92% with ventilation.