Anesthesia

Pet Care

Anesthesia Has Minimal Risk but Maximum Benefits

It is normal for pet owners to be concerned when their veterinarian recommends a procedure that will require anesthesia.  General anesthesia is used frequently and in most practices, daily.  Now, it is not totally risk-free, but this risk has been greatly reduced by the availability of pre-anesthetic testing, improved anesthetic drugs, and new monitoring equipment.  There has been a great increase in veterinary expertise that will assist in the monitoring process while a pet is anesthetized.  Pets of all ages can be acceptable candidates for anesthesia.

Anesthesia does several things.  It will bring about a state of unconsciousness so that patient is not aware of what is going on.  It will block pain sensation all over the body.  Muscle relaxation and reflex suppression occurs when a pet is anesthetized.  There is minimal anxiety and stress for the animal.

There are several procedures that require anesthesia including surgery, dental work, and x-rays.  Providing anesthesia for these procedures allows for a quicker and more successful procedure.  In most cases, it makes the procedure must less stressful on the pet.

The depth and type of anesthesia required for each procedure will vary.  There are many different types of drugs that can be used.  Your veterinarian is the only one who can determine what type and depth will be best for your pet and the procedure being done.

To minimize the risk, your veterinarian will review your pet’s medical history.  He or she will give your pet a thorough physical examination.  Lab tests that measure liver, kidney and heart functions may be run to determine which anesthetic technique to use.  You pet’s vital signs will be monitored to help recognize and respond to any problems.  Your pet will continue to be monitored after the surgery until it is ready to go home.

There are some things that you, as the owner, can do to help minimize the risk of anesthesia.  Before surgery, you should follow the instructions given by the veterinarian on what to do prior to surgery.  Feeding instructions are commonly given to be sure your pet has an empty stomach during the procedure to decrease the risk of vomiting and aspiration of food into the lungs.  You should also closely follow any instructions given after the surgery.  Most pets will need to be confined afterwards and a warm, quiet, dry area is ideal.  Leaving the pet alone with small children or other pets is sometimes not advisable for the first few days.  If your pet becomes dehydrated or feverish, or has not fully recovered after 48 hours, you should call the veterinarian.

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