If you are not getting your pet a needed medical procedure such as neutering or a dental cleaning because you are concerned about your pet reacting to anesthesia, don’t be. In recent decades, there have been great advances in the whole process of giving pets anesthesia. Our veterinarians at Lange Animal Clinic in Pekin would like to look at the safety of pet anesthesia.

Is It 100% Safe?

Pet anesthesia is not 100% safe, but several precautions are taken before, during, and after a pet undergoes anesthesia to make it as safe as possible. There are different types of anesthesia, so pre-anesthesia testing makes it easier for the veterinarian to pick the right kind for your pet.

Pre-Anesthesia Testing

The veterinarian will give your pet a comprehensive exam to make sure he or she is healthy enough for anesthesia. Your pet will need bloodwork to help make sure it does not have an underlying condition that could make going under anesthesia risky. Bloodwork also checks for anything special that needs to be done while your pet is under anesthesia. If your pet is dehydrated, then fluids will be given before the anesthesia. Your pet may need a chest x-ray or other tests to make sure the heart and lungs are normal.

Easy Does It

It is known now that pets should not be put into a very deep sleep, but only need light amounts of anesthesia. Giving your pet painkillers not only helps with any post-surgical pain but also means that less anesthesia needs to be given.

Keeping Your Pet Warm

Decades ago, when pets died due to anesthesia, it was usually a few hours after the anesthesia was administered. We now know that when pets go under anesthesia, their body temperatures go down. They are monitored to stay warm during and after surgery. Staying warm also helps the painkillers work more efficiently.

Contact Our Veterinarians in Pekin, IL

If you have questions about the safety of anesthesia for your pet or would just like to schedule a checkup with one of our veterinarians, contact Lange Animal Clinic. Call our team today at (309) 347-4679 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.