Anesthesia for pets is a lot safer now than even a few decades ago. There are more procedures in place to help make the whole process of going under and recovering from anesthesia safer for animals. Our veterinarians at Cashua Veterinary Care in Florence, SC, would like to look at the safety of pet anesthesia.

Low Risk of Death

Studies have estimated that every year, one cat in every thousand that goes under anesthesia dies. The rate for dogs is one out of every two thousand. Although there is no such thing as anesthesia that is 100% safe, it is often less of a risk to go under anesthesia than to live with a health condition that surgery could fix.

Lower Doses of Anesthesia

It is known now that animals only need light doses of anesthesia to remain unconscious. They do not have to be in a deep sleep. Pets are also given a catheter before surgery so that if they fall too deeply asleep, drugs to reverse the anesthetic’s effects can be quickly administered.

Better Pre-Anesthetic Testing

Unless it is an emergency, your pet will be given a thorough checkup to be sure he or she is healthy enough for surgery. This checkup includes blood and urine tests and possibly x-rays, electrocardiograms, or ultrasounds.

Better Monitoring During the Procedure

While undergoing surgery, your pet will be hooked up to monitors to keep track of your pet’s blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygenation, and temperature. If there is any problem, your veterinarian and the veterinary staff can step in to administer aid.

Better Post-Operative Procedures

It is known now that most pet deaths happen in the hours right after getting anesthesia rather than while getting anesthesia. This is because the pet’s body temperature drops. Pets are kept warm when under anesthesia and after receiving it. Pets often have a separate spot in a veterinary clinic to recuperate.

Contact Our Veterinarians in Florence, SC

Don’t put off needed procedures like dental cleanings or spaying/neutering because you are worried about anesthesia. If you have questions about the safety of anesthesia for your pet and live in the Florence area, call our team at Cashua Veterinary Care today at 843-407-9020 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.