How Safe Is Anesthesia for Your Pet?

Several veterinary procedures require your pet to be under anesthesia. It could be dental work, neutering, or treating a torn ligament. Like any other medical procedure, there is a risk to using anesthesia. However, the risk is not as much when your pet is healthy. 

Be aware of the potential complications so you can plan. Work with a vet when preparing your pet for a procedure. Ask questions. It reduces risk. So, what factors may predispose your pet?

Health

Sick pets have a higher risk when it comes to the use of anesthesia. Some at-risk conditions include heart, tracheal, airway, or pulmonary diseases. They are also more at risk the longer they have to be under anesthesia during the procedure. Ensure that your vet practice has an anesthesiologist on staff.

Some conditions like heart disease will require that you get it under control before using anesthesia. If the heart is not pumping adequately, it will affect the distribution of anesthesia. So, prepare beforehand.

Age

The younger your pet, the more probability it will not respond well to anesthesia. The organs of young pets are not functioning at capacity. Thus, they cannot process the anesthesia adequately. It makes them susceptible to hypotension. To mitigate the situation, keep them warm during the surgery.

The organs of older pets may not be fully functional, making them susceptible to anesthesia. Those that have low blood pressure do not have optimal blood flow. Using anesthesia may result in loss of organ function, shutting down the liver and kidneys. Elderly pets also have various medical conditions that add to their predisposition.

Weight and Size

The vet may need to adjust the dosage depending on your pet’s weight. It calls for a delicate balance, but a knowledgeable vet will handle your pet carefully. Smaller pets have less muscle and fat, so they need less medication. Anesthesia hangs around longer where there is no fat. Thinner pets also feel colder, so keep them warm during the procedure.

Overweight pets may have breathing issues since the tissue and fat makes it difficult for the lungs to expand. Anesthesia also reduces respiration levels and makes it hard to breathe.

Breed

Some breeds of dogs and cats have different shapes on their faces and noses. These brachycephalic breeds have smaller nasal passages, putting them at a higher risk and causing airway issues during and after the procedure.

Tracheal collapse may occur, causing them to cough frequently over the next week. If the vet suspects tracheal collapse, they will leave the intubation tube for some time. It allows inflammation to subside and gives an open airway as the animal recovers.

Cats Versus Dogs

A cat’s nature makes it more susceptible to anesthesia than a dog. They are harder to handle and more temperamental. Their small size also impedes the processing of anesthesia and the use of proper monitoring equipment. You will need an expert to perform the intubation since they tend to experience laryngeal spasms. Multiple attempts to intubate them may damage their airway.

For more information on the safety of anesthesia for your pet, visit Vet Express at our Port of Spain, Trinidad office. Call (868) 221-2257 to schedule an appointment today.