In the event of surgical complications, and at the termination of surgery or procedure, the level of anesthesia can be rapidly altered. Inhalants are usually administered via an endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube decreases the risk of airway obstruction during anesthesia. Inhalants are delivered to the patient in oxygen. Disadvantages a. Cardiovascular depression of particular significance to horses which may develop myopathy after anesthesia as a consequence of hypotension.
Halothane sensitizes myocardium to catecholamines.
Significant to dogs and cats with myocardial ischemia or contusions. Anesthesia machines are expensive. It is easier to measure anesthetic concentration in gas than blood. MAC is unaffected by duration of anesthesia, unaltered by hypocarbia or mild hypoxia. Knowledge of the MAC value is used to assist in determination of anesthetic concentration to be delivered to a patient.