We utilize the safest anesthetics and anesthetic husbandry procedures for your pet. Using the most modern equipment, our team members monitor your pet’s vital signs during all anesthetic procedures.
The hospital doctors perform a multitude of surgical procedures daily which require general anesthesia and anesthetic procedures. The doctors are fully aware of the potential risks involving general anesthesia but are necessary in treating your pet’s medical condition. The doctors and veterinary technicians will design an anesthesia protocol according to your pet’s specific needs. They will monitor the patient closely and alter the amount of anesthetic given to suit the patient’s requirements throughout the medical procedure.
Balanced anesthesia is a standard hospital protocol in today’s veterinary health care industry and is required when performing general surgery, dental care, cancer surgery, orthopedics, radiology or special diagnostic treatments. The doctors and medical staff are well aware that, as a pet owner, having your pet undergo a general anesthesia can be worrisome. Therefore, with this in mind, the doctors highly recommend pre-anesthesia blood chemistry screening prior to anesthetizing your pet. This will better define your pet’s hepatic and renal function to metabolize and excrete the required anesthetic drugs. This anesthesia assessment helps the doctor (anesthetist) use several strategies to increase the safety of anesthesia and minimize the adverse effects of general anesthesia agents. Please refer to our Laboratory section.
Prior to anesthesia, the veterinary technicians will perform a pre-surgical patient history and examination followed up by the doctor conducting a physical examination. Based on the physical findings, including age, breed, physical condition, and blood chemistry panel, the final patient assessment will be determined if your pet will be anesthetized. The doctor (anesthetist) will administer several agents used in combination with a sedative to provide a balance anesthesia for your pet’s medical treatment and/or surgery.
Once the patient is cleared for the medical procedure, the doctors and medical staff prepare the patient for the anesthesia procedure. The patient will have an intravenous catheter placed, which establishes a pathway for the medical staff to administer I.V. fluids and necessary medications safely. The I.V. fluids are to help support the cardiovascular system along with other vital organ systems (renal & hepatic) from the point of induction, maintenance of anesthesia, and recovery of the medical procedure. The goal of a balanced anesthesia procedure is for the patient to enter into a stable level of anesthetic depth for analgesia to be established, skeletal muscle relaxation, and cessation of voluntary movement. The patient is intubated with an endotracheal tube which maintains the airway and provides the anesthetist a pathway to administer oxygen and anesthetic (isoflurane) directly to the patient. Also, the patient is placed on a blanket along with a circulating warm water heating pad to prevent hypothermia. An MEC-1000 patient monitor system is used to monitor the patient’s vitals during the complete anesthetic procedure.
Upon completion of a surgical procedure, your pet will be awakened from anesthesia on a warm blanket, in a clean, dry recovery area. The patient is monitored throughout the day until you pick up your pet.