In Practice 12: 113-119 (1990)
© 1990 British Veterinary Association

Clinical use of neuromuscular blocking agents in dogs and cats

Neuromuscular blocking agents have been used in clinical canine and feline anaesthetic practice for over 35 years. A wealth of experience has been gained in the use of relaxants, which have more than proved their worth particularly in the management of seriously ill and traumatised animals.

There remains a reluctance in general practice to adopt anaesthetic techniques involving relaxant drugs. This may be because of an absence of trained veterinary anaesthetists and the fact that veterinary surgeons, while operating on the animal, tend to entrust at least the maintenance of anaesthesia to a nurse or theatre assistant.

There is little doubt that relaxant anaesthetic techniques involve more effort, require a thorough knowledge of the pharmacology of the drugs to be used and call for a sound understanding of the mode of operation of the ventilating system selected. Nevertheless, the widespread availability of relaxants and relatively inexpensive ventilators might encourage veterinary surgeons to review their anaesthetic procedures. The goal should be the provision of the very best in anaesthetic practice, rather than settling for cheap and convenient alternatives which may not always serve the best interests of the animals.