below.  All drug dosages are listed in RAR's formulary . Stages of Anesthesia These stages occur (when using inhalation anesthesia alone; other drugs added will modify these stages. Stages of Anesthetic Recovery (including comments about monitoring) Recovery Stage 4 - Animal is unconscious or semi-conscious and in lateral recumbency. Some reflexes are still diminished or absent. In RAR's Post-Operative Care program, the animal is monitored closely until it has passed through these recovery stages. For animals in Stage 4, it is standard procedure to assess body temperature, heart rate & rhythm, pulse, respiratory rate and character, capillary refill time and state of hydration at least every two hours. The condition of the surgical site is monitored, and analgesics are administered when the animal becomes semi-conscious. Recovery Stage 3 - Animal is conscious and all reflexes are present, but may not be able to control its body position. The swallow (gag) reflex is present, and the endotracheal tubes (if used) can be removed. In Post-Op, the animal is still being closely monitored. The parameters listed above are assessed, but less frequently- approximately every 8-12 hours. Analgesics are continued. Recovery Stage 2 - Animal can either maintain itself in a sternal position, or can stand and move about, but may still show some sedation, ataxia, hypothermia or dehydration. In Post-Op, the parameters listed above, as well as attitude, activity, food and water consumption, are assessed at least every 12 hours. Recovery Stage 1 - All functions are normal, unless altered directly by