5 Risks of Anesthesia for Pets That Owners Should Know in Advance. When your pet undergoes surgery, it can be an extremely stressful time. Many owners are more concerned with the outcome of the surgery than with the procedure itself. Anesthesia is an important and necessary part of surgery, but it does come with certain risks that owners should be aware of. To ensure that your pet’s surgery goes smoothly, let’s understand these risks and questions to ask your veterinarian before surgery.
Risks of anesthesia for pets that you should know
1. Why do pets need anesthesia?
According to Dr. Lynn Kushner, a veterinarian and anesthesia expert and professor, the level of sedation or anesthesia used in pets depends on the type of treatment or stimulation the pet needs.
“Veterinarians can’t do their job effectively if an animal can’t move or bite through the tubes. The only way to get an animal to accept a breathing tube is to knock it unconscious,” she says. “The more painful the procedure, the deeper the anesthesia required. Sedation is gentler than general anesthesia and is often used for less complicated procedures, such as ultrasounds, bandage changes and minor wound care.
Your pet may be given local anesthesia, which affects a limited area of the body. For treatments such as the removal of a small tumor, major surgery such as spaying or neutering, treatment of a fracture, emergency surgery, suturing a wound, or abdominal tumors, general anesthesia is required. In this condition, your pet is unconscious and unable to respond to stimuli. Dr. Kushner also recommends general anesthesia for dental problems to protect your pet’s airway and help him or her breathe while scaling the teeth.
2. Your pet’s weight
If your pet’s weight changes, whether it’s a slight increase or decrease, your veterinarian may need to adjust the dosage of medication to suit your pet’s individual weight, which requires delicate adjustments.
Smaller pets require smaller doses than larger pets because smaller animals have less muscle mass and fat, which means the drugs are distributed more slowly throughout the body. “Drugs may stay in the body longer without fat for them to store, which can have a greater impact on the heart,” Dr. Hopkins says. “Also, thin pets tend to feel cold more easily. Their blood pressure drops under anesthesia, and their metabolic rate slows down, so extra care must be taken to keep them warm during surgery.”
On the other hand, overweight pets may not have a problem undergoing surgery, as excess fat can compress internal organs, making it difficult to breathe. “Fat and tissue buildup in the chest wall can interfere with lung function, making it difficult for the pet to breathe and potentially requiring a ventilator during surgery,” Dr. Kushner explains.
3. Cats and dogs
Because cats are unique and sensitive to change, anesthetizing a cat can often be more complicated and risky than for a dog. “Cats tend to be less cooperative during medical procedures and have more mood swings, making them more difficult to control than dogs,” Dr. Kushner says.
In addition, cats’ small size hinders accurate measurement of vital signs. For example, catheterization to measure blood pressure can be more difficult in cats than in dogs because their blood vessels are smaller. Cats are also more likely to experience laryngeal spasm when intubated, which can make intubation difficult and potentially cause injury.
At the same time, larger dogs present different challenges for anesthesia. “Large dogs require extra care in positioning and temperature regulation because they have less surface area exposed to the air and are more susceptible to heat loss,” Dr. Hopkins says.
In conclusion, anesthesia for both cats and dogs varies in complexity, depending on the โปรโมชั่น ufabet size, shape, and temperament of each pet. Veterinarians need to have knowledge and experience in anesthesia specific to the species to ensure the safest and most effective treatment.
4. Your pet’s breed
Some breeds of pets are more at risk for anesthesia than others due to their physical differences.
Flat-faced cats and dogs, also known as brachycephalic, such as Pekingese, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Himalayans and Persians, often have trouble breathing because their nasal passages and upper airway are narrow, making anesthesia and recovery from anesthesia more difficult. “Flat-faced dogs and cats are at higher risk of complications during anesthesia because they already have trouble breathing, and anesthesia can make these problems worse,” Dr. Hopkins says.
Dog breeds that have tracheal problems, such as poodles, Yorkshire terriers, and Pomeranians, are also at risk of anesthesia. This is because their trachea is prone to collapse. Intubation during surgery can further irritate and inflame the trachea, leading to a dog coughing and having difficulty breathing after surgery.
For dog owners who have a collapsed trachea, be aware that their dog may develop a chronic cough after surgery and may require medication to relieve the symptoms. Your veterinarian may recommend antibiotics, steroids, or cough suppressants to help reduce inflammation and infection.
5. Previous medical conditions
The overall risks of anesthesia for pets are relatively low, but there are some factors that can affect the safety of anesthesia.
Studies have shown that healthy pets generally have a very low risk of dying during anesthesia. However, pets with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes, are at higher risk. Dr. Kushner recommends that if your pet has an underlying medical condition, consult with a veterinary anesthesia specialist to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Factors to consider before anesthetizing pets
- Age: Older pets or those in poor health may be at higher risk for anesthesia.
- Medical history: Previous medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, or kidney disease may affect the response to anesthesia.
- Severity of Disease: The severity of underlying medical conditions will affect the risk of anesthesia.
- Duration of surgery: Long-term surgery increases the risk of complications.
Before surgery, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination of your pet, including blood tests to assess overall health and plan appropriate treatment.