Pulse oximetry measure the percent of oxygen in your pet's bloodstream. Anesthetized pets breathing pure oxygen are usually maintained at 99-100%. If this value decreases, there may be a problem with the pets lungs or ability to oxygenate, or in some cases an equipment issue (leaking hose or connection). This enables us to discover and fix the problem quickly. If your pet has an issue with breathing or if they happen to be undergoing surgery with a general anesthetic, a pulse oximeter is a great option for monitoring their heart rate and blood oxygen levels. We often will utilize this in any situations where there is a pet in respiratory distress as well.