Dog Anesthesia
Is anesthesia safe for dogs?
While anesthesia always carries some risks, there have been significant advances in anesthesia over the decades and we can confidently say that general anesthesia in dogs is very safe. All patients undergo a thorough physical examination and evaluation as well as have baseline bloodwork prior to any anesthetic event. During general anesthesia patients are maintained on inhaled oxygen and intravenous fluids. We monitor heart rate, respiratory rate, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, temperature, ECG, pulse oximetry,blood pressure, and end tidal CO2.
What types of procedures would anesthesia for dogs be used for?
- Surgery - Dogs undergoing surgical procedures are placed under general anesthesia which allows us to maintain sterility and control the amount of pain the patient experiences.
- Dentistry - Dogs undergoing dental procedures are placed under general anesthesia which allows us to examine, chart, and clean all surfaces of the teeth. It also allows us to take radiographs (x-rays) of all of the teeth to evaluate any non-visible disease that is hiding below the gumline. Because dogs under general anesthesia also have an endotracheal tube placed it protects the dog from aspirating any of the debris as it is scaled from the teeth. General anesthesia also controls pain if dogs need any oral surgery procedures such as tooth extraction.
Are there procedures where dog anesthesia may not be needed?
There are some procedures that dogs may not need general anesthesia such as superficial lacerations or broken toe nails. But these dogs still benefit from sedation for the procedure.
What types of anesthesia are available for dogs?
Anesthesia can include local anesthetic, sedation, and general anesthesia.
- Local anesthetic involves injecting a numbing agent into the tissue around the injury or area of concern. It is most often used in conjunction with sedation and/or general anesthesia
- Sedation involves administering drugs that result in reduced awareness and reactivity. They are typically still aware but more relaxed. Medications used often include a combination of medications to allow sedation and control pain.
- General anesthesia is achieved with a combination of injectable sedation medication and inhalant anesthesia. It causes a complete lack of consciousness, pain sensation, and muscle control.
Are there dog anesthesia side effects that I need to be aware of?
Senior dog anesthesia side effects
Are there certain dogs that should not undergo anesthesia?
- Age restrictions - Age itself is not a restriction for anesthesia. As pets get older we evaluate the general health of the pet at home, the comprehensive physical examination, and evaluation of baseline bloodwork to determine the safety of anesthesia
- Health conditions or diseases - concurrent health conditions and underlying disease can impact safety of anesthesia and in most cases more in depth evaluation and laboratory testing may be needed to determine if anesthesia is safe and the level of risk associated with it outweighs the benefit to the pet.
- Breeds at higher risk - there are some breeds that have been known to have a higher risk around anesthesia and the drugs that are used. These can include brachycephalic breeds, sighthounds and smaller dogs. Specific drugs are to be avoided with those known to have sensitivities.
What are some possible complications of anesthesia that my dog could experience?
As with people, there are many possible complications to anesthesia that dogs can experience. These include hypotension, hypothermia, arrhythmias, airway obstruction, aspiration pneumonia, delayed or prolonged recovery, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea), neurologic effects, and allergic reactions.
What can be done to reduce the risks associated with anesthesia for dogs?
At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital we do everything we can to mitigate the risk that comes with general anesthesia. Prior to each anesthetic event we perform a 'risk:benefit' analysis to ensure that we are doing the right thing for each pet. During this analysis we perform a complete and thorough physical examination, a general health evaluation, obtain a complete health history, and obtain baseline bloodwork to evaluate the health of organs vital to metabolizing drugs used during anesthesia.
Are there any differences in dog sedation vs anesthesia?
There is a difference between sedation and anesthesia.
- Injectable sedation is used for mild to moderate restraint, minor procedures, or as a pre-anesthetic to calm a dog prior to induction of general anesthesia.
- General anesthesia is used for surgeries and more invasive procedures where complete unconsciousness and pain control are required.
How do you monitor an anesthetized dog?
- Heart Rate - to monitor heart rate, we listen to the heart with a stethoscope, feel the pulse, and have electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse oximetry
- Blood Pressure - blood pressure is monitored by an oscillometric non-invasive blood pressure cuff. We also have the ability to measure blood pressure with a doppler unit
- Core Body Temperature - core body temperature is measured with an esophageal temperature probe
What does the process for dog anesthesia recovery look like?
The recovery process from dog anesthesia is a carefully monitored multi-stage procedure designed to ensure the animal regains consciousness safely and with minimal discomfort. Right after anesthesia the dog may still be groggy, so close observation is key, with updates on the dogs vital signs like heart rate, breathing, and temperature. Recovery continues until the dog fully wakes up and regains control over their bodily functions.
If my dog is acting weird after anesthesia, what should I do?
If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior after an anesthetic event, call your veterinarian or your nearest veterinary emergency immediately. While some abnormal behavior is not uncommon as the sedation drugs wear off, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
How long does it take for anesthesia to wear off in dogs?
While the inhaled anesthetic drugs are worn off within minutes of waking up, the other medications and the body’s response to anesthesia can have longer effects. We typically expect dogs to be back to normal within 24 hours of anesthesia. However, as dogs age they can sometimes metabolize medications more slowly resulting in a delay in complete return to normal.
How much does dog anesthesia cost?
Anesthesia cost can vary greatly depending on the reason for the procedure. Please discuss this with your veterinarian to get an accurate estimate.
Are there alternatives to general anesthesia for dogs?
There are no alternatives to general anesthesia if your dog needs a surgical procedure.
Can anesthesia affect my dog’s long-term health?
For most dogs, a properly maintained anesthesia has little to no long-term impact. But it can have long term effects on some dogs, especially those with underlying health conditions. Some possible concerns may include cognitive changes and changes to organ function (particularly the liver and kidneys).
What should I do if my dog refuses to eat or drink after anesthesia?
It is not uncommon for general anesthesia to cause some low grade nausea. In these cases dogs may go 12-24 hours without eating or drinking. If your dog experiences this please call your veterinarian immediately for advice specific to your dog.
How can I find a veterinary clinic with a good track record for safe anesthesia practices?
It is very important to find a veterinarian that fits your needs. Building trust and establishing good rapport with your veterinarian is important to ensure proper care of your dog.
Look for Accreditation - Clinics that are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) have to go through regular evaluations to ensure they meet the high standards set for anesthesia and patient care. Clinics that practice low stress handling are also beneficial for ensuring a smooth anesthetic procedure.
Ask about Anesthesia protocols:
- What pre-anesthetic testing is done?
- Is there a dedicated technician monitoring anesthesia?
- Are IV fluids used during surgery?
- How is pain managed?
Have questions about your dogs surgery or anesthesia? Call or Text us at (503) 968-2911, send us an email at [email protected] or