When their pet is facing surgery, many pet owners are more concerned about the pet anesthesia than the surgery itself. We understand. Rest assured that at Academy Pet Hospital, our highly trained staff adheres to highest standards of care and up to date medication use, as well as monitoring all of your pet’s vital functions during surgery Our monitoring equipment includes EKG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and continuous manual monitoring by a anesthesia-trained technician. This means that any changes in your pet’s anesthetic stability is noticed and addressed immediately to prevent complications.
What Safety Measures Do We Take When Administering Pet Anesthesia?
Before Surgery
We carefully examine heart and lung function, blood circulation, and the general condition of your pet. Then we determine the following, as the answers influence the proper choice and administration of the anesthesia:
- Can we safely perform the surgery with no or light anesthesia?
- Is this breed sensitive to any anesthetic drugs?
- Is this animal young, adult, or senior?
- Are there any other special considerations?
- How painful is this surgery?
- Is this surgery a long or a short procedure?
During Surgery
We continuously monitor heart and lung function with manual monitoring by a trained technician and use of EKG, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry.
After Surgery
We carefully supervise and control recovery. We monitor the following:
- Breathing/heart rate
- Bleeding
- Temperature
- Comfort levels
- Need for pain medication
And one final safety measure:
We do not allow pets to return home while still under the effects of anesthesia. You will be notified when your pet has fully recovered to allow you to be at ease with your pet when he or she returns home.
Additional Considerations…
The liver and kidneys are important organs for the elimination of anesthetic. For this and other reasons, we recommend blood screening before all anesthetic procedures. Evaluation for platelet abnormalities which may affect clotting ability and screening for anemia and inflammatory processes is achieved with a CBC (complete blood count). A chemistry panel evaluates basic liver, kidney, and hydration status, as well as evidence of endocrine (hormonal) disorders.
Fluid therapy is given to all patients based on their individual need assessed prior to and during anesthesia.
- The liver and kidneys are important organs for the elimination of anesthetic. For this and other reasons, we recommend blood screening before all anesthetic procedures. Evaluation for platelet abnormalities which may affect clotting ability and screening for anemia and inflammatory processes is achieved with a CBC (complete blood count). A chemistry panel evaluates basic liver, kidney, and hydration status, as well as evidence of endocrine (hormonal) disorders.
- Fluid therapy is given to all patients based on their individual need assessed prior to and during anesthesia.
