Your heart is set on meeting your dog’s urgent needs because he needs surgery. Surgery may be necessary as a result of an illness, an accident, or even just for a regular dental checkup. Because you are concerned about the safety of the sedation and dog anesthesia that will be used, the experience can be overwhelming.
Although there are risks associated with both, your veterinarian can reduce the risks through careful planning and preparation. Anesthesia in dogs is generally safe with the use of better medications and safety procedures, and studies show that the anesthetic-related death rate among healthy dogs is between 0 and 1. 05% and 0. 12% of healthy animals die, compared to about 4% of sick animals. 77%, which is higher in cats than in dogs (1) and (2).
Fears about veterinary anesthesia are unfounded because it is now much safer than it was decades ago thanks to advancements in technology and increased research. However, the stigma against the anesthetic procedure is still present, and a lot of this “fright” information is untrue (3).
The best course of action if you’re worried about dog anesthesia is to speak with your veterinarian and do your research on the potential effects on your dog. A veterinarian would never advise something that would be harmful to your pet. They’ll outline the dangers of canine anesthesia and assist you in selecting the best course of action.
What Are the Risk Factors for Dogs Undergoing Anesthesia?
Certain dogs have a higher anesthetic risk due to their breed, size, health, or age. These risks can run from minor problems, such as mild vomiting after recovery from anesthesia to life-threatening problems such as cardiac arrest or stroke. The American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia advises that, “The anesthesiologist’s main task is to provide safe, optimal anesthesia, specifically tailored to your pet. Anesthesiologists are trained to administer anesthetics safely to patients who are sick, injured, pediatric, geriatric, or healthy.”
Size: The AAHA notes that due to their greater propensity for hypothermia, potential for difficulty intubating and monitoring, and propensity for overdosing, toy breeds are more susceptible to anesthetic complications. Giant breeds may also be more vulnerable because higher dosages are needed. A dog’s weight can also be a factor. Most vets prefer that your dog lose a few pounds before surgery if it is overweight and the procedure is not urgent.
Age: Due to changes in or immaturity of some of their body’s organs or systems, senior dogs and puppies may be at higher risk during anesthesia. However, Dr. “Age is not a disease, and the anesthetic risk is not significantly higher for a geriatric patient than a patient who is younger, as long as they are healthy with no co-existing disease,” says Berit Fischer, a member of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia Board of Directors. ”.
Monitoring of the Recovering Patient by Trained Personnel is Critical The AAHA reports that almost half of anesthetic-related dog deaths occur during the first few hours of the postoperative period. Late-day and after-hours procedures have also demonstrated higher risk, most likely as a result of the limited time available for examination and stabilization of the dog and the possibility of more exhausted veterinary staff.
Making a plan before your dog receives anesthesia will help ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some precautions you and your veterinarian can take prior to, during, and following surgery.
Your dog’s physical examination by your veterinarian will likely include blood work, such as blood chemistry, blood count, and electrolyte testing, to ensure overall health is sufficient to prevent complications before even scheduling a procedure. Your pet’s medical background, including any allergies, will be requested. You can now inquire about the procedure, dangers, healing, and surgical alternatives.
You will be instructed not to feed your dog on the day of surgery for at least a few hours beforehand to lower the possibility of your dog aspirating food or fluid into the lungs. Your dog may be given a mild sedative when you get to the vet’s office, and after the area has been cleaned and shaved, an intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into a vein, typically in a leg.
Your dog is rendered unconscious by general anesthesia, so he is not conscious or in pain. Your pet will be observed and given care while being sedated in a manner similar to what you would.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, this may include intravenous fluids and/or medications to support your pet’s circulation and blood pressure; endotracheal tube inserted into your pet’s trachea (windpipe) to deliver the anesthetic gas and provide oxygen to your pet’s lungs; pulse oximetry to measure the oxygenation of your pet’s blood; blood pressure monitoring; temperature monitoring and warming blankets to prevent hypothermia (low body temperature); and electrocardiography to monitor your pet’s heart.
When the time comes for your dog to awaken, he will be put in a peaceful crate with cozy blankets and closely watched for any issues. Depending on the procedure and the animal’s health, some animals may be released from the hospital later that day if they recover well from the anesthesia and their pain is under control.
At this time, your vet should give you discharge instructions. It might take your dog a few days to get back to normal. Some dogs whine a bit when they first come home. Keep your dog warm but not overheated because it may take him some time to regain control of his body temperature.
Like any medical procedure, anesthesia does have risks. These risks can range from minor issues, like mild nausea following anesthesia, to serious issues, like cardiac arrest or stroke. Although complications may arise, anesthesia-related deaths are uncommon, and the veterinary team will take all necessary precautions to make sure that your pet is secure and capable of handling anesthesia. The risks and benefits of any anesthesia alternatives should also be taken into account, as well as the risks and benefits of the anesthesia itself. The risks of anesthesia in a life-threatening emergency are typically negligible in comparison to the risks of delaying the emergency procedure. There is a greater chance to delay anesthesia for elective procedures if certain risks can be mitigated through treatment before the anesthesia and procedure.
When your pet has health issues that increase the risk of death while under anesthesia, anesthesia is deemed “high risk.” You should be ready for the possibility that your pet may pass away while under anesthesia, even though this is not a guarantee that they will. In order to decide which course of action is best for your pet, the advantages of the procedure should be weighed against these risks. Your veterinarian may occasionally suggest that you visit a specialty facility or referral hospital with an on-site anesthesiologist and other specialists on call to handle any issues that arise.
Upon completion of the procedure and when it is time for your pet to awaken from the anesthesia, it is likely that they will be kept in a calm, semi-dark cage or kennel to rest. Animals are closely watched during this time to ensure that their recovery is going smoothly and that care is given right away if there are any issues. It’s not unusual to see a pet shivering while recovering from anesthesia, but this doesn’t necessarily mean your pet is cold. Pads and blankets are used to keep your pet warm during the recovery. During recovery, some animals may also vocalize (whine, bark, or meow). When your pet is alert enough to normally swallow, the endotracheal tube is removed. Depending on your pet’s condition, fluids and/or medications may be continued throughout the healing process.
Your pet will probably receive a pre-anesthetic sedative to lessen stress and make the procedure easier before going under anesthesia. It is customary to insert an intravenous catheter to facilitate the administration of fluids and medications. The anesthetic may be administered by intravenous infusion, gas inhalation (using a gas anesthesia machine), or a combination of the two methods.
Your pet will be monitored and cared for while under anesthesia in a manner similar to what you would receive if you were. To support your pet’s circulation and blood pressure, this may entail intravenous fluids and/or medications; an endotracheal tube placed in their trachea (windpipe) to deliver anesthetic gas and oxygen to their lungs; pulse oximetry to gauge blood oxygenation; blood pressure monitoring; temperature monitoring and warming blankets to prevent hypothermia (low body temperature); and electrocardiography (ECG, also known as an EKG) to monitor their heartbeat.
Breed
Your dog’s breed may have a higher risk for complications during anesthesia or surgeries than other dogs (26, 27). Your veterinarian will be able to discuss these different types of risks with you, and go over your dog’s specific medical history with you.
Some breeds, such as the Pekingese and the Pug, have shorter noses and are more challenging to tranquilize. Their smaller nasal passages and shorter noses are to blame for this. This can lead to airway issues during surgery.
Other dog breeds can have a history of what is known as tracheal collapse. Poodles and Pomeranians are both high risk breeds for this condition. Your veterinarian will be able to treat your dog with medications after the surgery to reduce the chance of infection.
Because tracheal collapse is a chronic, progressive condition, your veterinarian will keep track of it. If your dog needs surgery once more, we’ll keep it intubated after the procedure for as long as we can to give it the best chance of a quick recovery.
FAQ
Will my dog be safe under anesthesia?
In general, risks are more closely associated with the procedure being done and your pet’s overall health than they are with the anesthesia itself, and the majority of healthy pets – even senior pets – don’t have any problems with it.
Is it safe to put a dog under anesthesia for teeth cleaning?
Dental anesthesia is both necessary and safe when done correctly. The crucial dental care that all animals need to live the happy, pain-free lives they deserve should be provided to them.
How does anesthesia affect a dog?
Following anesthesia, many dogs experience twelve to twenty-four hours of sleepiness or fatigue. If your dog seems unusually lethargic or is difficult to rouse, call the hospital right away for specific advice.
What dog breeds are sensitive to anesthesia?
We do consider the breed class of sighthounds (including Greyhounds, Salukis, Italian Greyhounds, and Whippets) to have true anesthetic sensitivities. Their unique genetics and metabolism cause their bodies to actually metabolize drugs differently.