Monitoring respiratory function during surgical or prolonged procedures

Observing the movements of the chest can be used to monitor the pattern and depth of respiration, although this becomes difficult if surgical drapes have been placed. In larger animals, monitor movement of the anaesthetic breathing system’s reservoir bag can be monitored if one is present. In addition, an oesophageal stethoscope can be used to monitor breath as well as heart sounds, or a conventional stethoscope placed on the chest wall.