If you are just starting out as a newly licensed veterinarian you are no doubt very excited. Maybe it has been a dream of yours to take care of animals and after all your extensive training you are finally able to do so! If you are going to be performing Surgeries then one of the most important tools you will need is a reliable anesthesia machine. In this article, you will learn some very important information about veterinary anesthesia machines that will help you choose the right one for your clinic.

1. Low Pressure Machines Are Good for Bigger Animals

Do you intend to perform surgery on larger animals? If so then consider buying a lower pressure anesthesia machine. These machines are also known as rebreathing systems. The low pressure machines are ideal for bigger animals because they are able to take deep enough breaths for exhaled gas to be recirculated into their bodies. Simply put, when those gases are exhaled, carbon dioxide is taken out. Then anesthesia and oxygen are added to the gas before it is recirculated back into the animals body. 

2. High Pressure Machines are better for Small Dogs

Small dogs of course take less deep breaths than larger ones, so a high pressure anesthesia machine is ideal for them. A big reason why you would want to use a high pressure machine in this instance is because you can avoid the dog inhaling carbon dioxide.  When the anesthesia is released, it will not be recirculated to the dog. The excess gas will be released through a pop-off valve that is on the machine. Then the gas is moved into what is known as a scavenger hose which will take the gas out of the clinic for safety purposes. 

3. Get to Know Your Anesthesia Machine

As a new vet, you will really want to make sure you thoroughly understand how each part of the anesthesia machine works. As an example, there is going to be a oxygen flush valve on the machine. This is not designed for giving anesthesia to animals. That valve is there to administer oxygen when it is time to wake the animal back up. Another example is to make sure you use the flow meters carefully. Avoid loosening or tightening them too much while treating animals. Those flow meters are what administer things like the air and gas during the anesthesia releasing process and waking them back up.

Hopefully these simple yet powerful tips have helped you on your path to becoming an excellent veterinarian! For suggestions on which machine to get, visit our veterinary anesthesia machine page.