Animal Anesthesia And Your Dog's Next Procedure
Does your dog need animal anesthesia? If your pup is scheduled for surgery, take a look at the top pet anesthesia questions asked.
Why Would a Dog Need Anesthesia?
Like humans, dogs feel pain during surgical or medical procedures. To avoid any discomfort and minimize your pup's stress, it's likely the veterinarian will anesthetize or sedate your pet for a surgery, a dental procedure, or a complicated imaging study.
Along with eliminating potential pain, anesthesia can make an unruly animal more compliant during a complex procedure. An unwanted mid-surgical movement could pose a significant injury risk for your pet. Anesthesia allows your dog to rest comfortably, quietly, and safely during surgery.
What Happens Before Anesthesia?
The vet will need to examine your dog and take a full medical history before they administer anesthesia or perform a procedure. Your pup may also need blood tests, chest x-rays, an electrocardiogram, or other types of imaging to make sure they don't have a pre-existing medical condition. Some types of animal illnesses or disorders could put your dog at risk for anesthesia-related complications.
How Does a Vet Give a Dog Anesthesia?
If your dog is overly excited, anxious, or shows clear signs of stress, the vet may give them a sedative before administering anesthesia. When your pup is ready and prepped for their procedure, the veterinarian will place an IV catheter in a front or hind limb vein. The vet and medical staff will use the IV to give your dog anesthesia medication and fluids. The type of anesthesia your dog gets depends on the breed, size, medical issues, your dog's overall health, and the veterinarian's preferences.
Some anesthetics depress breathing. To prevent respiratory complications, the vet will put a tube down your dog's throat to help them breathe normally. Along with breathing, the veterinary staff will monitor your dog's blood pressure and heart rate during their surgical procedure.
How Quickly Does Anesthesia Wear Off?
After the procedure, your dog will slowly wake up. Don't expect your canine companion to act like themselves or resume normal activities immediately. It may take a day or more for the anesthesia and after-effects to fully wear off. The vet may want to keep your dog in a recovery area of the animal hospital for some time before their release. This gives your pup a few hours to regain consciousness. It also allows the veterinary staff to monitor your dog's vital signs. Talk to the vet about recovery-related signs to look for before you take your dog home.
If you still have questions, ask your local vet about animal anesthesia.
