Does Pet Anesthesia Make You Antsy?

By: Michael Lamping, DVM

            You aren't alone if you get the butterflies when your pet undergoes anesthesia for a veterinary procedure.  Many people are apprehensive and wonder if pet anesthesia is safe.  Some pet owners can recall instances when a friend's pet died under anesthesia, and this understandably raises the concern that the same thing may happen to their beloved pet.  However, these days, anesthesia-related fatalities are rare.  Veterinarians have improved the safety of pet anesthesia through a commitment to using a flexible modern anesthetic protocol, adequate pain control medications, trained technical support, and appropriate monitoring.

            At Murphy Road Animal Hospital, using a current anesthetic protocol refers to choosing medications that have an established history of safety and effectiveness.  Special circumstances call for tailoring the protocol for the individual patient.  Depending on the surgical procedure involved, pain control medications are also tailored.  Effective pain control injections reduce the depth of anesthesia required, thereby reducing the risk.

            Patient monitoring plays an important role in successful anesthesia.  We monitor patients during every anesthesia event.  For patients undergoing major surgical or dental procedures, we assess their blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, breathing rate, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and temperature.  The veterinarian surgeons utilize trained technicians to assist in patient care.  They apply IV catheters and administer IV fluids, monitor patient parameters, and inspect proper anesthesia machine function.    

            Altogether, these measures allow us to maintain safe and effective anesthesia, ensuring that the patient receives the optimal outcome.  If you haven't been into a veterinary hospital in a while, you would be amazed at how advanced the technical equipment is.  It reflects our care and dedication to keep your pet safe and healthy at all times.