Christine Kjeell, LVT

Redstone Review

LONGMONT – As a pet owner, you may have concerns about your pet undergoing anesthesia. However, measures are taken to make general anesthesia as safe as possible. Anesthesia related mortality (death) is very unlikely: in a study performed by Dr. James Gaynor, a board certified anesthesiologist, less than 0.5 percent of the animals suffered a fatal complication from anesthesia. This study population included all animals undergoing anesthesia which means that the complication rate for animals undergoing routine anesthesia (without systemic disease) is even lower.

There are several preliminary and precautionary steps that should be taken prior toanesthesia.  First, a complete history is essential for your pet’s safety and important for your family veterinarian to know – so please inform your vet of any problems that you might be aware of such as systemic disease, heart disease, problems with previous anesthesia, etc.  Provide as much information as possible, even if you feel it is not related to the immediate problem.

Second, a complete physical examination in conjunction with radiographs will assist in identifying your pet’s anesthetic risks, such as underlying heart and lung disease. Third, blood sampling can detect underlying kidney and liver disease, which potentially affects metabolism and excretion of all anesthetic drugs (including pain medications). Finally, a urine analysis may be recommended to further assist in detecting kidney disease. All of these preliminary steps help your vet choose a safe anesthetic protocol which can be tailored to your pet.

What happens during anesthesia? For the majority of procedures, these basic steps are used. Pre-medications are administered under the skin (subcutaneously) or in the muscle (intramuscular). These act to sedate, decrease anxiety, and prevent pain sensation, as well as maintain a suitable heart rate during the surgical procedure. Once these drugs have taken effect (approximately 30 to 45 minutes after administration), an IV catheter may be placed to allow easy access to the vein. At the start of anesthesia, IV fluids are started; carefully selected induction drugs are given either through the IV catheter or through an injectable administration.

Once your pet reaches a certain plane of anesthesia with the induction drugs, a tube is placed in the trachea to administer oxygen and a gas inhalant (such as isoflurane). Overall, gas anesthesia is very safe and is metabolized quickly which is helpful in reducing potential risks. Pets are generally on 100 percent oxygen to help with oxygenation as well as a gas inhalant to keep the anesthetic plane throughout the surgical procedure. These are administered along with intravenous fluids and continuous pain medications. When the gas is turned off at the end of the procedure, the patient is left on pure oxygen and the residual gas in the lungs is breathed out allowing the patient to wake up.

During anesthesia, there are several parameters or physiologic functions that may need to be monitored closely: blood pressure, body temperature, blood oxygen levels (pulse oximetry), heart rhythm and rate (electrocardiograph), and even the amount of carbon dioxide being exhaled (end tidal CO2). Detecting specific changes in these parameters can quickly help identify any abnormalities, prevent a crisis, and allow intervention when necessary. The end goal is to provide a safe and healthy anesthetic procedure and recovery, by maintaining all physiological parameters within a normal range.

After anesthesia what should you expect? The goal is to have a safe and healthy recovery with minimal to no discomfort. All animals react differently to pain medications, hospitalization, and anesthesia. In general, most animals recover quickly from anesthesia. Some may need to spend an additional night in intensive care with your family veterinarian or at your local animal hospital. This allows your vet or emergency center to continue the administration of IV fluids and pain medications and make sure your pet recovers without problems. To properly address your pet’s pain, your vet may continue with a selected course of pain medications post operatively. To find out more about anesthesia in veterinary medicine, visit http://www.aspenmeadowvet.com/education/anesthesia.html.

Christine Kjeell, LVT, is the Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists Hospital Director. Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists, AMVS, is a 24-hour veterinary facility dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary specialty care and emergency services. AMVS’ services include: surgery, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, advanced imaging (MRI/CT/Ultrasound), and physical rehabilitation. Doctors and staff at AMVS always take a collaborative approach with family veterinarians to ensure a complete and accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Please call 303-678-8844 or visit www.aspenmeadowvet.com for more information.

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