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?

Any anesthetic drug has the potential to cause an unpleasant reaction. Patients who are sedated lose their normal reflex ability to swallow. If there is food in the stomach, the dog may vomit while still under anesthesia or shortly after.

Some dogs are more at risk for anesthesia due to their breed, size, health, or age. Older and very young dogs may be more susceptible to anesthesia due to changes in or immaturity of some of their body's organs or systems.

Almost half of all anesthetic-related deaths in dogs occur within the first few hours of surgery. There are always risks when administering anesthetic medication to a patient, regardless of how long they are sedated. Reactions can be moderate to severe, with a variety of symptoms, including edema at the injection site. Fasting your pet before anesthesia, as recommended 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:

• A catheter is part of the anesthetic preparation. The catheter can be used to provide anesthetics and intravenous fluids to keep your pet hydrated. Further, if needed, it would serve as a pathway to directly administer life-saving medications, should a crisis arise.
• 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 fully understand what will happen to your dog and are aware of the risks associated with an anesthetic.

The form will include consent to perform surgery or other specified diagnostic testing, as well as an estimate of the treatments' expected costs. In many places, the veterinarian is required by law to obtain written consent from the owner prior to performing anesthetic procedures.

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) measures your dog's heart rate and rhythm. It can detect arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats. If an arrhythmia is discovered, your veterinarian can adjust the anesthetic accordingly.
• 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 his 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 act 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.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.