mAAbbu Clinical Competence Center
Diagnostics area
Vital Monitoring
International Guidelines
International guidelines and clinical studies clearly show that continuous monitoring of physiological parameters is a key component of safe veterinary anesthesia.
This page summarizes important international recommendations and scientific sources on hemodynamic monitoring in small animals.
Discover clinical guidelines.
Clinical evidence for safe anesthesia in veterinary medicine
Clinical studies, international guidelines and practical experience.
Monitoring is not optional.
It is essential for safe anesthesia.
Why monitoring is crucial
Veterinary studies show that relevant physiological changes can occur during and after anesthesia.
Key findings include:
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20–40% of dogs develop hypotension during anesthesia
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Hypoxemia frequently occurs during recovery
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Most complications arise perioperatively or postoperatively
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Anesthesia-related mortality remains higher than in human medicine
These findings highlight the need for structured monitoring of key physiological parameters
during anesthesia and recovery.
Clinical guidelines for veterinary monitoring
ACVAA Monitoring Guidelines
American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA)
These evidence-based guidelines define recommendations for monitoring small animals during sedation and anesthesia, providing minimum, alternative, and extended monitoring recommendations for clinical practice. The updated 2025 version particularly emphasizes the continuous monitoring of physiological parameters during anesthesia and the recovery phase.
Bailey K. et al.
ACVAA Small Animal Anesthesia and Sedation Monitoring Guidelines.
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 2025.
AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
These internationally widespread guidelines define standards for the perioperative monitoring of dogs and cats and emphasize the continuous monitoring of physiological parameters throughout the entire anesthesia.
The guidelines emphasize that veterinary teams should use all available means to continuously monitor physiological parameters during anesthesia.
Grubb T. et al.
AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (JAAHA), 2020.
AVA Guidelines for Safer Anesthesia
Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA)
These guidelines were developed to improve the safety of veterinary anesthesia and to promote standardized monitoring procedures during surgical interventions. The aim is the early detection of hemodynamic changes during anesthesia.
Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA)
Guidelines for Safer Anesthesia.
ASAV Anesthesia Standards of Care Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists – Anaesthesia Chapter (ASAV)
These standards define best-practice recommendations for anesthesia and monitoring in veterinary practice and are based on current scientific literature and consensus within the professional society. The guidelines emphasize the importance of structured perioperative monitoring to improve patient safety.
Warne LN et al.
Standards of Care: Anesthesia Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Australian Veterinary Journal, 2018.
WSAVA Global Guidelines
World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
These global guidelines address standards for patient safety, pain management, and perioperative care in small animal medicine and are used in veterinary practice worldwide. They emphasize the importance of: a) structured perioperative monitoring, b) monitoring of physiological parameters during anesthesia, and c) standardized clinical protocols to improve patient safety.
Mathews K. et al.
WSAVA Global Pain Management Guidelines. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
FECAVA – European Veterinary Associations Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA)
These European recommendations support veterinarians in the safe administration of anesthesia and analgesia in small animal practice. The guidelines cover the entire perioperative process – from pre-anesthetic examination and monitoring during anesthesia to postoperative care.
ASAV
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) – United Kingdom, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
RCVS Practice Standards Scheme – Anaesthesia and Patient Monitoring
The RCVS Practice Standards define requirements for veterinary practices in the United Kingdom, including structured protocols for anesthesia and monitoring during surgical procedures. These standards help veterinary practices maintain high levels of patient safety and clinical quality.
WSAVA
Germany – German Veterinary Medical Society (DVG)
Recommendations for anesthesia and perioperative care of small animals. The DVG recommendations are based on international guidelines and support veterinarians in the safe administration of sedation, anesthesia, and perioperative monitoring. The guidelines promote structured anesthesia protocols and systematic monitoring during veterinary procedures.
Spain – AVEPA
(Asociación de Veterinarios Españoles Especialistas en Pequeños Animales)
AVEPA – Spanish Small Animal Veterinary Association
AVEPA publishes guidelines and clinical recommendations for small animal practice in Spain, including anesthesia and monitoring protocols to improve patient safety. These guidelines are based on international standards and promote evidence-based clinical practice.
Hemodynamic monitoring in veterinary medicine -
Essential for safe anesthesia.