Most dogs are given anesthesia when they are spayed or neutered, and the majority of them will require it at least once throughout their lives. Our four-legged pets, like us, may require anesthesia as part of a surgery or procedure. Today, our Clarksville vets discuss what you should know about anesthesia for dogs.
In what situations is anesthesia used?
Some veterinary treatments, such as dentistry, spay and neutering procedures, and surgery, must be performed while your pet is sedated. Anesthesia is regulated unconsciousness, where your pet's degree of consciousness is controlled so that they do not feel pain or move.
Most healthy pets, including senior pets, have no problems with anesthesia, and the dangers are generally tied to the treatment being performed rather than the anesthetic itself.
What are the risk factors of anesthesia?
When we employ any anesthetic drug, there is always the possibility of an unpleasant reaction. Patients who are sedated lose their typical reflex capacity to swallow. If there is food in the stomach, the dog may vomit while under anesthesia or shortly afterward.
Because of breed, size, health, or age, some dogs have a higher anesthetic risk. Because of changes in or immaturity of some of their body's organs or systems, older dogs and very young dogs can also be more vulnerable to anesthesia.
Almost half of all canine deaths caused by anesthetics occur within the first few hours of surgery. Regardless of how long a patient is sedated, there are always risks when administering any anesthetic medication. Reactions can be mild to severe, with a variety of symptoms including edema at the injection site. Fasting before anesthesia, as advised by your veterinarian, is critical for reducing your dog's risk.
How can I reduce the risk of anesthesia-related complications in my dog?
Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of anesthesia-related complications:
- Let your veterinarian know if your pet has ever reacted to sedation or anesthesia.
- Make sure your veterinarian knows of all medications and supplements (including over-the-counter products) your pet takes.
- Follow your veterinarian’s instructions before anesthesia, especially with regards to withholding food, water, and medications.
The following diagnostic tests before undergoing anesthesia normally include:
- Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
- A complete blood count (CBC) to rule out blood-related conditions
- Electrolyte tests to ensure your dog isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
In addition to blood tests, your vet might also recommend the following:
- Anesthetic preparation includes the use of a catheter. The catheter can be used to administer anesthetics and intravenous fluids to your pet in order to keep him or her hydrated. Furthermore, in the event of a crisis, it would provide a route for directly administering life-saving medications.
- Intravenous fluids to help maintain hydration and blood pressure. IV fluids also help your dog with recovery by aiding the liver and kidneys in clearing the body of anesthetic agents more quickly.
All of these steps are designed to make sure your pet undergoes a successful treatment without any complications arising from the anesthesia.
Why do I need to sign an anesthetic consent form?
It is critical that you completely comprehend what will happen to your dog and that you are aware of the hazards involved with an anesthetic.
The form will include consent to perform surgery or other specified diagnostic testing, as well as an estimate of the treatments' projected costs. Before performing anesthetic procedures, the veterinarian is required by law in many places to obtain written permission from the owner.
Do vets monitor an anesthetized dog?
Yes, we do! Several practices are in place to make sure your dog doesn't suffer any complications from anesthesia. These include:
- A technician or assistant is present during the anesthetic event to monitor your dog’s vital signs and to help adjust anesthetic levels, under the direction of the veterinarian.
- A heart rate monitor counts your pet’s heartbeats per minute. Anesthesia and other factors can affect heart rate. By monitoring your dog’s heart rate, your veterinarian can make anesthetic adjustments quickly.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) analyzes the rhythm and beat of your dog's heart. Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, can be found by it. Your veterinarian can change your anesthetic as necessary if an arrhythmia is found.
- If your dog is enduring a lengthy surgical treatment, his core body temperature may be monitored. Body temperature fluctuations might lead to serious problems.
- A blood pressure monitor measures the blood pressure of your dog. It provides detailed information on your pet's cardiovascular state when used in conjunction with other monitoring equipment.
- Pulse oximetry may be used to monitor the amount of oxygen in your dog's blood and her pulse rate.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is frequently monitored alongside oxygen because it helps assess if your pet is getting enough oxygen under anesthesia.
How long does anesthesia last in dogs?
Many dogs feel sleepy or tired for 12 to 24 hours after anesthesia. Your dog should be virtually normal by the time he is discharged. If your dog appears to be acting particularly weird after anesthesia, or you are unable to rouse them quickly, contact the hospital right away for specific guidance.
Always make sure to follow any post-surgery advice your vet gives you for a speedy recovery.