Ambulatory Anesthesia for the Exotic Veterinary Practitioner

With the growing popularity in the ownership of nontraditional species, there is a growing need for veterinarians to be able to provide out-of-clinic health assessments on privately owned exotic species. Ambulatory anesthesia is often required for diagnostic and surgical procedures in remote or nonhospital settings. Anesthesia for diagnostic procedures is commonly used to ensure the safety of personnel and exotic veterinary patients, particularly when there is an inability to transport the animal to the clinic. The challenges of exotic animal anesthesia are further compounded by the logistical challenges of performing anesthesia outside of the hospital setting.