General anesthesia in animals is a state of controlled unconsciousness induced by the administration of drugs to achieve a reversible loss of sensation and awareness. It is commonly used in veterinary medicine for various surgical and medical procedures that require immobilization, pain relief, and a lack of awareness of sensory stimuli. General anesthesia ensures the safety and comfort of the animal during procedures that may otherwise be painful or stressful.
Before your surgical appointment your pet will come in to see a registered veterinary technician (RVT) who will collect blood for pre-anesthetic bloodwork to evaluate organ function and assess any potential risks. Your pet will be prescribed a mild sedative to be given prior to surgery to ensure your pet is comfortable and stress-free.
The morning of surgery the veterinarian and RVT assess the patient’s overall health. This assessment includes reviewing the patient’s medical history, conducting a physical examination, and reviewing pre-anesthetic bloodwork.
A pre-anesthetic medication is given to induce sedation, provide pain relief, and reduce anxiety. We also place intravenous (IV) catheters to provide access for administering fluids and medications.
An endotracheal tube is placed in the animal’s airway to maintain an open airway, deliver the inhalant anesthetic, and assist with ventilation if necessary. This tube helps prevent aspiration of fluids into the lungs and allows for controlled ventilation.
Throughout the procedure RVTs closely monitor the animal’s vital signs, anesthetic depth, and response to stimuli. Adjustments to anesthetic agents and supportive medications are made as needed to ensure the animal’s well-being.
After the procedure is complete, the animal is carefully monitored as it emerges from anesthesia. The endotracheal tube is removed once the animal can maintain its own airway and reflexes. Pain management and post-operative care protocols are initiated to ensure a smooth recovery.
The animal is monitored during the recovery phase to assess its overall condition, including its level of consciousness, respiratory function, and response to stimuli. Specialized care is provided to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery process.
General anesthesia in animals is a complex and carefully managed process that requires the expertise of our trained veterinary professionals. The goal is to provide a safe and pain-free experience for the animal while allowing veterinarians to perform necessary procedures. Each anesthesia event is tailored to the individual animal’s needs, and patient safety is always a top priority.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your pet receiving general anesthesia or about the procedure for which your pet is scheduled.