Is Anesthesia Safe?
One of the most common
concerns clients have in regards to their pet’s safety deals with the risk of
anesthesia. While there is always some risk of an unexpected adverse reaction
from anesthesia, it is generally safe for most pets. Even pets that are ill can
often be anesthetized safely if attention is paid to the anesthetic protocol
used and the animal is monitored properly during anesthesia and throughout the
recovery period.
A Thorough Exam should be performed the day of the scheduled
procedure.
Pre-Anesthetic Blood Testing should be done on all patients, not just the
old or sick. In a healthy pet, the blood screen will most often be normal.
However, it is not impossible to find unexpected abnormalities even in young
healthy pets and it is always better to know about these abnormalities ahead of
time. In some cases, if your pet’s blood screen is abnormal, postponing the
surgery may be the best option. In others, abnormalities may trigger a change
in your pet’s anesthetic protocol.
Pre-Anesthetic Electrocardiogram (EKG) will check the heart for abnormalities
such as arrhythmias and enlargement.
Pain Medications should be started prior to surgery and should be continued as
needed after surgery. Preventing pain from occurring will make your pet’s
recovery from anesthesia smoother and will speed healing afterward.
Intravenous Fluids will help combat the decrease in blood
pressure caused by many anesthetic drugs. In addition, if there are any adverse
reactions under anesthesia, an intravenous catheter allows for immediate
administration of emergency drugs.
A Warming System should be used to combat hypothermia.
Anesthesia commonly induces hypothermia by inhibiting the patient’s ability to
stay warm, reducing metabolic heat production, and hindering shivering. In
addition, an open body cavity further exposes the patient to a cool
environment. Hypothermia may potentially affect the central nerves,
cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and metabolic systems. Decreased
wound healing and increased infections have been reported as well.
An Endotracheal Tube (placed in your pet’s throat) will most
likely be used. This will help administer anesthetic gas and oxygen during the
procedure. It can also be used to help your pet breath if needed.
It is critical to Monitor the Patient’s Vital Signs while under anesthesia to ensure that the
respiratory and cardiovascular systems are functioning well. This will also
ensure that the patient is not under too lightly or too deeply. Parameters
measured should include pulse rate, respiratory rate, EKG, pulse oximetry (the
amount of oxygen in the blood), temperature and blood pressure.
Anesthesia will never be completely risk-free.
However, with proper attention to detail, complications can be minimized and
anesthesia can be performed safely.
