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A general anesthetic results in a loss of consciousness in the pet, a loss of sensation throughout the body, and a variable degree of pain control. Most general anesthetic procedures involve several steps, beginning with the administration of a pre-anesthetic sedative. An intravenous injection of an anesthetic then renders the animal unconscious, which then allows the placement of a breathing tube into the animal’s trachea. An inhaled anesthetic is then delivered in combination with oxygen via the endotracheal tube to maintain the state of unconsciousness for as long as needed. Once the planned procedure is complete, the anesthetic gas is turned off, and the patient generally wakes up within a few minutes.
Although general anesthetics are significantly safer than they have been in the past, there is still a very small chance of complications. There are many ways to reduce the risks associated with anesthesia, including a thorough physical examination and blood work prior to anesthesia. The availability of qualified staff to oversee the patient’s anesthetic, the presence of anesthetic monitoring equipment and the particular protocol used can all contribute to a safer anesthesia.
Although general anesthetics are significantly safer than they have been in the past, there is still a very small chance of complications. There are many ways to reduce the risks associated with anesthesia, including a thorough physical examination and blood work prior to anesthesia. The availability of qualified staff to oversee the patient’s anesthetic, the presence of anesthetic monitoring equipment and the particular protocol used can all contribute to a safer anesthesia.
