There are many surgeries for dogs that require anesthesia in order to minimize pain and anxiety. However, if your dog has never gotten anesthesia before, you might be wondering what to expect of the process. Here, our Springfield vets discuss anesthesia in dogs and what owners can expect during their recovery.
When is anesthesia used for dogs?
Some veterinary treatments, including dentistry and surgery, must be performed while your pet is sedated. Anesthesia allows the vet to ensure that your pet won't move during the procedure and that they don't feel a thing during the operation.
While most healthy pets, including senior dogs, don't typically react negatively to anesthesia, there are some things owners should know prior to their pup's operation.
Is anesthesia safe for dogs?
With anesthetic administration in dogs, there is always the chance of a negative 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, which is why your veterinarian will usually instruct you not to allow them to eat for a number of hours prior to surgery.
Due to differences in breed, size, health, and 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 anesthetic-related canine deaths occur within the first few hours after surgery. There are always hazards when administering any anesthetic medication to a patient, regardless of how long the patient remains sedated. Reactions can range from moderate to severe, with a wide range of symptoms including edema at the injection site. Fasting before anesthesia, as recommended by your veterinarian, is critical to lowering your dog's risk.
Are there ways to reduce my dog's risk of anesthesia-related complications?
Below are some steps you can take as an owner to help your dog before they receive anesthesia:
- 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.
In addition to blood tests, your vet may 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 essential that you understand the risks and benefits of anesthesia for your dog, and that you are aware of the hazards involved with an anesthetic.
The form will include consent to perform veterinary surgery or another specified diagnostic testing, as well as an estimate of the treatments' projected costs. Before undertaking anesthetic operations, the veterinarian is required by law in many places to seek written agreement from the owner.
Will the veterinary team monitor my anesthetized dog?
Yes they will!
There are several practices our veterinarians and vet tech team might include in your dog's sedated surgery process, including:
- 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 your 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 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 do the effects of anesthesia last in dogs?
Dogs after anesthesia often feel sleepy or groggy for approximately 12 to 24 hours after anesthesia was administered. 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.
After the procedure, 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.