At Birdneck Animal Hospital, we go to great lengths to decrease the risk of any anesthetic procedure. In addition to a thorough examination, we also perform preoperative blood work, do a preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG), put in place an intravenous catheter and give supportive intravenous fluids. Additionally, we do chest x-rays for older and at risk patients. Throughout the surgical or other general anesthesia procedure we are constantly monitoring the ECG, the blood oxygen level, and the pet's respiration. A surgical assistant then stays with your pet until he/she is fully recovered. Birdneck Animal Hospital, while under the ownership of Dr. Wayne Johnson, has never had a pet die while under anesthesia.