Dog Anesthesia - Understanding Dog Anesthesia

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians

When would my dog need anesthesia?

Anesthesia is used when pets undergo certain surgical procedures that require them to stay still. It is also used for other diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, ultrasound, and physical exams, especially if there is aggression involved. Anesthesia helps to fully evaluate your pet by keeping them still.

Dr. Kristin Fornara
Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians

What are the different types of anesthesia?

There are two main types of anesthesia: sedation and general anesthesia. Sedation is a lighter form of anesthesia, often referred to as a "twilight zone." It is used for shorter procedures, such as physical exams, when we need to look in a pet's mouth, or to keep them calm during a blood draw. Pets usually recover from sedation within minutes after the procedure. General anesthesia is used for more in-depth procedures, such as surgeries, where the pet needs to be completely still and asleep for a longer period.

Are particular dog breeds more sensitive to anesthesia?

It is not so much the breed of the dog but rather certain conditions that can cause sensitivity to anesthesia. These conditions will be discussed during the pre-anesthetic exam to assess the risks for your pet.

What do I need to know before my dog goes for an anesthetic procedure?

The first step is to meet with your veterinarian to discuss the procedure and any potential risks. A full physical exam is performed to ensure your pet is in optimal health. Pre-anesthetic lab work is also conducted to ensure your pet can tolerate the anesthetic medications. If necessary, medications can be adjusted based on the lab results. Additionally, you will be advised about fasting, ensuring your pet does not eat a big meal prior to the procedure, and any other concerns you may have.

What monitoring will be done by the veterinarian to ensure my dog is safe while undergoing anesthesia?

Similar to human procedures, vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature are monitored. Blood pressure, oxygenation, and carbon dioxide levels are also closely observed. A technician is assigned to monitor your pet from the beginning of the anesthetic procedure through to an hour or more post-procedure. Vitals are monitored every five minutes during the procedure and every 15 minutes during recovery.

What do I need to watch for at home after my dog has undergone anesthesia?

After the procedure, ensure your pet is moving around, acting like themselves, and not exhibiting signs of pain, extreme vocalization, or excessive drooling. Watch for vomiting and ensure they are interested in eating. It is normal for them to be a bit sleepy and not want to eat a full meal within 12 hours of the procedure. However, within 24 hours, they should be up, moving around, eating, and behaving normally.

If you have any other questions, please give us a call at (480) 233-7276. You can also email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we are able. Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram

Dog Anesthesia - FAQs 1

Dr. Kristin Fornara
Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians

What kind of anesthesia is used for my dog?

There are two main types of anesthesia we use for your dog. The first one is an injectable form, and the second one is a gas form where they are breathing in the medication.

How is my dog given anesthesia?

With the injectable form, we are giving that medication either into the muscle or into the vein, which then will make them sleepy. With the gas form, they are breathing that in, and they have to be maintained on that gas for the duration of the procedure.

What is the difference between sedation and general anesthesia, and when is each used?

With sedation, that's usually the injectable form that we've been referring to for anesthesia, and that is used when we are performing shorter procedures. If we have a pet that's in pain, we need to do a complete physical exam to try to figure out why they're painful. Often, we will have to make them a little sleepy, putting them in what I like to call a twilight zone, just to be able to perform that exam. Sometimes if they're scared or too anxious, we need to use that injectable form as well. For things like x-rays or ultrasound where we just need them to hold still, we will have to use sedation. General anesthesia, primarily using gas anesthesia, is used for longer procedures like spays, neuters, and dental procedures where we need them to be asleep for a longer duration.

Will my dog need an exam and lab work before anesthesia?

Yes, we always recommend meeting with your veterinarian prior to an anesthetic procedure to discuss what will be needed depending on the procedure and the condition of your pet. Pre-anesthetic lab work is usually recommended along with a full physical exam to ensure your pet is in optimal health for the procedure.

How do you ensure the safety of my dog under anesthesia?

There are many ways we ensure the safety of your dog under anesthesia. First, we conduct a full physical exam and discuss any concerns you may have. We recommend pre-anesthetic lab work to evaluate organ function, which helps us determine the best medications for your pet. During the procedure, we monitor their vital signs. One pet nurse is designated to your dog throughout the whole procedure and recovery, monitoring heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygenation, and carbon dioxide levels. This ensures the safety of your pet during the procedure and recovery.

What pain medications will my dog receive before, during, and after the anesthetic procedure?

Depending on the procedure and the level of pain the doctor anticipates your pet will experience, or the amount of pain your dog had going into the procedure, we will determine the types of pain medications. We have varying levels of pain management, and this really depends on the veterinarian and the specific procedure performed.

How long do anesthesia procedures last?

Anesthetic procedures can vary anywhere from 15 minutes up to a couple of hours, depending on the procedure and the condition of your pet prior to the procedure.