Barbara A. Willhouse, DVM
Surgical Anesthesia
Your pet may be undergoing a surgery that will require general anesthesia, characterized by a sleep-like state with generalized muscle relaxation and pain relief. Each animal is assessed to determine which anesthesia is best depending on the procedure, age and the breed of the pet. Every animal metabolizes drugs differently. "Balanced anesthesia" is composed of small amounts of multiple drugs that minimizes the effect of any one drug, but collectively assures a safe, painfree procedure.
Initially, drugs may be used to calm the patient and reduce anxiety prior to surgery. Pain medications are used pre-emptively so that better pain control is achieved. If your pet will require general anesthesia, please fill out our anesthesia consent form before your pet is admitted for surgery.
ANESTHETIC OPTIONS
General anesthesia may be accomplished in a variety of ways. Certain drugs can be administered by injection. We reserve these types of drugs for short, less 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 lessor degree of pain, a single injection of a good pain medication is usually adequate. For more serious or longer procedures, constant pain relief through the use of a "pain patch" or constant rate infusion drugs are frequently used. Additional pain medication are frequently dispensed to go home with the patient when 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 is state of the art including respiration(CO2 and oxygen monitors), temperature, EKG, and blood pressure monitors. IV catheters are placed to allow fluid administration and an open "line" should emergency drugs be required.
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.
