How Safe Is Pet Anesthesia?

Knowing that your pet needs surgery can be scary. Many pet owners worry about the risks of anesthesia. However, when used correctly and with the correct precautions, anesthesia is safe for your pet. At Power Road Animal Hospital in Mesa, AZ, our veterinarians are trained and experienced in using anesthesia. We will answer any questions you have before your pet’s surgery.

Risk Factors of Pet Anesthesia

It is not possible to eliminate all the risks of anesthesia. However, taking precautions such as examinations, blood tests, and heart testing decreases those risk factors. While certain pets are more susceptible to risk, such as pets over 12 years old, overweight pets, pets under 5 kilograms in weight, and pets with brachycephalic or pushed-in noses, like Persian cats or bulldogs. Sighthound breeds like greyhounds are also at risk because their bodies handle anesthesia differently than other dog breeds. Our veterinarians are highly skilled and trained to know the risk each pet has and will take it into account when setting their individual plan for anesthesia.

Monitoring Anesthesia

All pets under anesthesia are monitored consistently by surgically trained team members. The equipment in the surgery suite mimics what you would see in a human hospital, including monitors watching pulse, respirations, heartbeats, and breathing. All pets have an IV placed for fluids and fast access in the event of danger. Our surgical team and veterinarians check on your pet frequently in the hours after recovering from anesthesia. Pets recovering from anesthesia are usually placed in a different area of our animal hospital to help them keep warm and quiet.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarians in Mesa, AZ Today

If your pet needs surgery, we can help. At Power Road Animal Hospital in Mesa, AZ, our team will walk you through the anesthesia process and answer any questions you have. Our goal is to keep your pets healthy and happy. Call us today at (480) 641-4141 to schedule an appointment.