Our hospital offers a variety of anesthesia services for your pet. The term anesthesia indicates the use of medication to block pain sensation, typically resulting in unconsciousness. Anesthesia is induced using a variety of medications, both injectable and inhaled. It is used for procedures that require an unconscious animal, such as surgery, certain imaging studies (e.g., x-rays, MRI, CT scans) or medical procedures (e.g., endoscopy).
While a patient is under anesthesia, he or she will be monitored in much the same way as a human undergoing anesthesia would be. This monitoring includes listening to your pet's heart and lungs, visually assessing your pet's reflexes, and using equipment to monitor your pet's blood pressure, level of blood oxygen, and temperature. Your pet will also be monitored using an ECG that allows the veterinarian to monitor the patient’s heart.
Pets undergoing anesthesia are typically pre-medicated with an injectable drug. This pre-medication helps the pet relax so that full anesthesia can be induced more smoothly and safely. Next, the pet receives intravenous medication usually through an IV catheter to cause loss of consciousness. A breathing tube is then placed into the pet's upper airway, and gas anesthesia keeps the pet comfortably anesthetized during the course of the procedure.
Veterinarians and trained veterinary nurses monitor pets closely during their procedure. Inhaled gas is used to achieve a good plane of anesthesia. Isoflurane, a gas anesthesia, is safe for the heart, has minimal effects on liver and kidneys, is easily excreted by the lungs and allows for faster recovery for our patients. Ask your veterinarian about any concerns you may have regarding your pet and anesthesia.
