What You Need to Know Before Your Pet is Anesthetized

Owners of cats and dogs alike need to be concerned with this topic because it is very likely your pet will need to be anesthetized at some point in his life. This post today will talk about different questions you should be asking your veterinarian to ensure a smooth procedure for your animal. Being put under anesthesia can be a very scary thing for people as well as pets, and the more knowledge you have about the topic the better prepared you will be when the time comes.

Everything from surgeries, dental cleanings, spay/neuter procedures, and even X-rays may require an anesthetic. Most veterinarians perform use anesthesia on a daily basis so it is important for you to know what questions you should be asking and what answers you should be receiving. Let's go over a list of basic questions you should ask your veterinarian BEFORE the procedure.

Question #1:Will my pet be examined the morning of the surgery? Will pre-anesthetic blood work be done?

Answer: A physical exam must be done to make sure your pet is healthy enough for the surgery as well as the anesthesia. The veterinarian will listen to your pet's heart and lungs and may require pre-anesthetic blood work to be done. This will check the blood sugar, liver and kidney values, electrolytes, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count.

Question #2: Will my pet receive IV fluids during the anesthesia?

Answer: Many anesthesia drugs can cause a drop in blood pressure and if it is severe enough, can damage internal organs. IV fluids given during the process will combat this drop in blood pressure and if there is an emergency during the procedure, the IV allows veterinarians to quickly administer the necessary drugs.

Question #3:What monitoring techniques will be used during the anesthesia?

Answer: Your pet's vital signs will be monitored by a trained veterinary technician, they will make sure your pet's cardiovascular and respiratory systems are functioning properly and they will also make sure your pet does not fall too deeply into the anesthesia.

Your veterinarian may also use a heart monitor (EKG), a pulse oximeter to monitor the amount of oxygen in the blood, a Doppler machine to monitor blood pressure, and a breathing monitor.

Question #4:Is my pet's body temperature controlled during and after anesthesia?

Answer: Hypothermia is very common when pets are under anesthesia. For this reason, it is very important that your veterinarian have hot water blankets, hot air blankets, and possibly hot water bottles for your pet during and after the procedure.

Question #5:What type of pain control will be used?

Answer: Pain medication can be given before, during, or after the procedure. Studies have shown that medication given to the patient (human or animal) can actually block the pain pathways before the pain even starts.

Above all, I just want you to be aware of what your pet may some day have to endure. Having the knowledge and knowing which questions to ask will make you very powerful. You should be interested and curious about the procedure, so be sure to ask lots of questions. If something your veterinarian is saying doesn't add up, get a second opinion - you can never be too careful!!