3 Ways Your Pet Is Kept Safe Under Anesthesia

 

Your pet’s safety is always the number one priority, particularly when they undergo anesthesia and surgical procedures. We understand you also are concerned about your pet’s health and safety while under anesthesia, and we want to put your fears to rest. We are sharing three of the many ways veterinarians strive to keep your four-legged friend safe during anesthesia. 

 

#1: They perform a pre-anesthetic exam and testing 

Examining your pet on the day of their anesthetic procedure is necessary to determine their current health status. They listen to their heart and lungs, check their temperature, and assess their gum colour and hydration. The physical exam provides them with normal baseline vital signs they can use for comparison while monitoring your pet during their anesthetic procedure so they can quickly spot any issues. 

 

They also perform pre-anesthetic testing, which may consist of blood work, X-rays, a urinalysis, blood pressure testing, and various other tests, depending on your pet’s condition and the upcoming procedure. With the information from your pet’s physical exam and pre-anesthetic testing, veterinarians can customize the safest anesthetic protocol for them.

 

#2: They use cutting-edge monitoring equipment

If you were to step into the surgery suite, you likely would be overwhelmed by all the beeps emitted by the monitoring equipment. They invest in state-of-the-art equipment to help watch over every anesthetic patient. This equipment monitors your pet’s heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, temperature, blood pressure, and more. These values tell veterinarians how your pet’s body is handling anesthesia and the procedure itself and whether they need to make any adjustments. 

 

#3: They employ highly trained staff

No instrument is more important for keeping your pet safe while under anesthesia than the highly trained and experienced team. Veterinary professionals have a great deal of education in anesthesiology, pharmacology, physiology, biology, and anatomy. The team knows what adverse effects can occur with which anesthetic agents, how to correct those issues, and how the body reacts to anesthesia. With a strong education in all things anesthesia, the team can jump into corrective action at a moment’s notice.

 

Do you have questions about your pet’s upcoming anesthetic procedure? Contact your veterinary team to have your concerns answered.