Anesthesia and Monitoring For Dogs

Minimally Invasive Specialty Center for Animals

Anesthesia and Monitoring For Dogs

PREPARATION FOR ANESTHESIA

  • Withhold food for at least 8 hours prior to your pet’s drop off time.  Withhold medications the day of the procedure unless directed otherwise by your care team.
  • Bring all medications that your dog is currently receiving.
  • If your dog is on a prescription diet, bring a sufficient quantity for the hospital stay.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • A personalized anesthetic protocol and medication plan will be devised by your pet’s veterinary team after reviewing all diagnostic results.
  • Your pet will be given a sedative, and an intravenous catheter will be placed in a limb.
  • Medication will be given through the catheter and into the vein to put your dog under anesthesia.
  • A breathing tube (endotracheal tube) will be placed to administer oxygen and the anesthetic gas to keep your pet anesthetized.
  • Your dog will be maintained on intravenous fluids as well as medications appropriate for the procedure (such as antibiotics, pain medications and medications to support blood pressure and heart rate).
  • Your pet’s heart rate, breathing rate, heart rhythm (ECG), oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, blood pressure and temperature will be monitored continuously throughout the procedure.
  • Your pet will stay in the hospital at least 2-3 hours after anesthesia to recover. 

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

  • A low blood pressure can occur in older dogs, dogs with systemic disease, or when undergoing prolonged anesthesia.  Your pet’s blood pressure will be supported with fluids and/or medications as needed.
  • An air and/or fluid warming blanket will be used during the procedure to maintain body temperature.  Active warming will be maintained until the temperature has normalized.
  • Rarely, an allergic reaction will occur after administration of a medication.  Your pet may be given an injectable antihistamine if indicated. 

AT HOME

  • A pressure bandage may be on your pet’s leg in the location of the removed IV catheter.  This bandage should be removed when you get home to prevent complications.
  • Lethargy, nausea, decreased appetite, and mild behavioral changes are not uncommon after anesthesia.  Call MISCA if these signs have not resolved within 24 hours.  
  • You may feed your pet a small meal after being home for 1-2 hours.  If your dog refuses to eat or vomits, please wait approximately 8-12 hours before feeding.