The anaesthetist aims to preserve normal physiology of the horse notwithstanding the use of general anaesthetic drugs and pre-existing pathological changes. Provision of analgesia and maintaining an adequate plane of anaesthesia are important alongside monitoring cardiorespiratory performance, response to noxious stimuli and temperature. There are a variety of techniques that subjectively or objectively assess physiological variables, and the results should be interpreted in the context of the anaesthetic protocol. Basic 'hands-on' monitoring of anaesthesia requires no equipment and is a core skill for every anaesthetist. However, as technology advances, many more electronic monitoring options have become available. This review describes how to use specific monitoring techniques, discusses the evidence underpinning them and evaluates their place in clinical practice. Where appropriate, normal and abnormal values are highlighted, although evaluation of trends may be more important in some cases. Regular documentation of variables enables trends to be identified and is key to appropriate early intervention. All basic monitoring techniques that require no equipment, such as ocular and mucous membrane assessment and pulse palpation, are recommended for every general anaesthetic procedure. The use of capnography, pulse oximetry, electrocardiography and blood pressure monitoring devices is recommended where indicated (Martinez et al., 2008), recognising that anaesthesia in horses is performed in a variety of places with different facilities and using various drug combinations.

Pain is a common condition of dogs and cats that is managed by veterinary surgeons with variable degrees of success. The complex pathophysiology of different types of pain is a significant reason why they can be challenging to manage. It is important to consider the goals and outcomes of any intervention(s) for both acute and chronic pain, but the cornerstone of the management of both is regular objective assessment with a validated scoring system. The feasibility of any interventions should also be considered with both the owner and animal in mind. Consideration of relevant legislation must be made when prescribing pharmacological therapies. Effectively managing acute pain may reduce the incidence of chronic pain in dogs and cats.

This report describes the peri‐operative anaesthesia and analgesia management of a 5‐year‐old Kunekune pig undergoing surgical correction of an umbilical hernia. Premedication with azaperone (1 mg/kg), xylazine (0.5 mg/kg), butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg) and ketamine (5 mg/kg) intramuscularly preceded induction of anaesthesia with ketamine (2 mg/kg) intravenously. General anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Analgesia was supported intraoperatively by a transversus abominis plane block with lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg), and a ketamine (10 μg/kg/min) infusion intravenously. Crystalloid fluid boluses and atropine intravenously were administered, and mechanical ventilation was stopped to aid correction of hypotension. Post‐operative analgesia was supported with a continuous infusion of ketamine (5 μg/kg/min) intravenously, butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg) intravenously every 6 hours, paracetamol (10 mg/kg) intravenously orally every 8 hours and meloxicam (0.4 mg/kg) intravenously orally every 24 hours. The pig made progressive clinical improvement and was discharged 7 days after the surgery.

This report describes the perioperative anaesthesia and analgesia management of a 4‐month‐old lamb undergoing surgical decompression of a paraspinal abscess while adhering to the drug‐prescribing cascade. This is a legal requirement covered under UK prescribing regulations. Premedication with 2 μg/kg detomidine and 0.1 mg/kg butorphanol preceded induction, with 6 mg/kg ketamine administered to effect. General anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen, 1 μg/kg/h detomidine and 10 μg/kg/min ketamine. Additional analgesia was provided with 10 mg/kg paracetamol, 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam and infiltration of 10 mg lidocaine. Postoperative analgesia was achieved with ketamine 5 μg/kg/min IV, butorphanol 0.1 mg/kg IV q6h, 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam IV q24h and 10 mg/kg paracetamol IV q8h. A withdrawal period of 28 days for meat/offal and 15 days for milk was recommended. Neurological improvement was observed, and the lamb was discharged at 7 days.

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