Your pet may be undergoing a surgery that will require a general anesthesia. A sleep-like state, generalized muscle relaxation and pain relief characterizes general anesthesia. Each animal is assessed to determine which anesthesia is best depending on the procedure and the breed of the pet. Certain breeds such as the greyhound are extremely sensitive to certain drugs. Cats metabolize drugs very differently from dogs. The potential for pain is addressed for each patient as well as the length of the procedure.

The use of multiple drugs will allow us to specifically address the needs of the anesthetized patient. Initially, drugs may be used to calm the patient and to reduce anxiety prior to surgery. Pain medications are administered prior to anesthesia. When pain medication is given prior to the onset of pain, better pain control is achieved.

ANESTHETIC OPTIONS

General anesthesia may be accomplished in different ways by the use of a number of drugs. Certain drugs can be administered by injection. We reserve these types of drugs for short, not so painful procedures. Inhalant anesthesia (gas) is administered by the simple act of breathing. Gas anesthesia provides a more profound sleep and pain control with a greater degree of safety for longer procedures.

PAIN RELIEF

Many types of pain relief are available. For short surgical procedures with a shorter lessor of pain, a single injection of a good pain medication is usually adequate. For more serious or longer procedures such as those requiring animals to be hospitalized, constant pain relief through the use of a "pain patch" is frequently used. Additional pain medication can be dispensed to go home with the patient if necessary.

ANESTHETIC MONITORING

Although the surgical skills of the surgeon are extremely important, so is the monitoring of the patient during the anesthetic procedure. At Lexington Blvd. Animal Hospital, our technicians are constantly keeping up on the latest skills for monitoring the anesthetized patient. Our equipment for administering inhalant anesthesia is computerized to alert us at any time if the rate or depth of respiration should change. An EKG monitor is utilized to follow the heart rate at all times. A device called a pulse oximeter is placed on the patient's tongue to monitor blood oxygen levels.

DISCHARGE

A handout will be given to you when you go home to help with the recovery of the surgery patient. We are available 24 hours a day should you need us for any reason. Please do not hesitate to call.

WHAT QUESTIONS CAN I ASK TO INSURE MY PET GETS THE BEST CARE?

There are many types of sedatives, pain relievers and anesthetics. Ask why the specific drug combinations are used for you pet, their duration of activity and potency. In general, a combination of drugs is better than the use of any single agent. Even gas anesthetics vary from the standpoint of safety, duration and effectiveness. Many clinics will offer a series of anesthetic "Cost Packages" from which you are to choose one for your pet. At Lexington Animal Hospital, we choose to provide the highest level of anesthetic and surgical care at a reasonable cost, so that you don not have to make that choice.

Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital 2627 Cordes Drive Sugar Land, Texas 77479 24-Hour Emergency Care for Our Clients Phone:(281) 980-3737 Fax: (281) 265-5584 Email:info@lexingtonpethospital.com