ABSTRACT
Several preemptive analgesic drug combinations that are commonly used as preanesthetics in dogs and cats with normal cardiopulmonary function are listed in Figure 2-1. For many short surgical procedures, NSAIDs (e.g., carprofen or deracoxib) may be incorporated with the preanesthetic protocols listed below when contraindications to their use are not present (i.e., preexisting gastrointestinal, renal, or bleeding disorders). For longer surgical procedures, or when compromised tissue perfusion is of concern, NSAID therapy should be delayed until recovery from anesthesia is underway and adequacy of tissue perfusion is assured.
