What is anesthesia?
Anesthesia uses medications that will keep your dog comfortable and pain-free during various procedures such as surgery or diagnostic testing.
Because no two dogs are alike, the amount and type of anesthesia will be administered based on your dog's individual needs. The veterinarian or anesthesiologist will also perform pre-anesthesia laboratory testing to ensure your dog's organs are working properly and there aren't any underlying health issues which may cause complications.
We are fortunate that our anesthesiologist (only veterinary anesthesiologist in Nova Scotia) will help to ensure protocols are in place to maximize your pets safety and comfort.
In what situations would a dog need anesthesia?
Certain veterinary procedures, such as diagnostics and surgery, will require your dog to be under anesthesia so they can remain comfortable and not experience any pain. The medication will also keep your dog still during the procedure to reduce the risk of accidents and potential complications.
What are the risk factors for dogs under anesthesia?
Some dogs may be at a higher risk of experiencing complications when under anesthesia due to their breed, size, health, or age. These can include mild side effects like vomiting or more severe complications such as cardiac arrest or stroke.
Breed:
Certain breeds have specific sensitivities to anesthesia. For example, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers, may be more likely to experience airway-related complications.
Size:
Toy breeds can be more prone to hypothermia and can sometimes be more difficult to intubate and monitor, increasing the risk of potential side effects. With giant breeds of dogs, it can be more difficult to gauge the correct dosage rate for the medication. A dog’s weight can also increase the risk of complications. If your dog is overweight and the surgery is not time-sensitive, your veterinarian may recommend placing them on a diet to lose weight before scheduling.
Age:
While risk factors do not increase in healthy senior dogs, many diseases and conditions develop as dogs age. Therefore, older dogs are more likely to have an underlying internal condition that can increase their risk of complications during anesthesia.
How can I reduce my dog's risk of anesthesia-related complications?
You can take the following steps to help ensure the best possible outcome for your furry friend:
- Inform your vet of previous times when your dog was placed under anesthesia.
- Share a list of any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) your dog takes.
- Keep up with regular examinations and preventive care for your pup.
- Ensure that your dog maintains a healthy weight for their age and breed.
- Follow all instructions provided by your vet before the anesthesia.
Why do I have to sign an anesthetic consent form?
It is important that you fully understand why your pet will be receiving anesthesia, along with both your and the hospital's responsibilities. We also need to confirm that you acknowledge the potential risks involved in having anesthesia administered to your pet. Our hospital staff also require the contact information for how and where you can be reached on the day anesthesia is administered.
For these reasons, we have our clients sign an anesthetic consent form as part of the pre-surgical process.
How will my dog be monitored while they are under anesthesia?
Anesthetic monitoring in a veterinary hospital is like that found in any human hospital. Below is a list of common methods of monitoring anesthesia:
- Respiratory Monitor: To track the breathing rate.
- Electrocardiograph Monitor: To monitor, track and document your heart's electrical activity.
- Pulse Oximetry: To measure the blood's oxygen level.
- Capnograph: to measure your pet's expired carbon dioxide.
- Blood Pressure: To continually measure your dog's blood pressure.
- Temperature: To ensure that your dog's body temperature stays within a safe range (36.6 - 38.3°C)
How long will it take my dog to recover from anesthesia?
Pet parents often ask, 'How long does anesthesia last in dogs? In some cases, a dog may experience lethargy, nausea, and poor appetite for between 24 and 48 hours after anesthesia. This is entirely normal. They may just not feel well in general after anesthesia. While some dogs may feel like themselves within minutes of waking up, others may need a few days to return to normal.
What should I do if my dog is acting weird after anesthesia?
While the symptoms should fade over the first 48 hours, there may be some concern if they continue to act strangely longer than that. If your dog experiences a lack of appetite or excessive sleepiness for longer than a day or two, or if their symptoms are severe, please contact our emergency veterinarians at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital right away.
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 veterinarian.