Anesthesia is not something to take lightly. At University Animal Clinic, we make sure your pet receives the best care in a safe, comfortable environment before, during and after receiving anesthesia. We believe knowledge is the best way to combat fear — that’s why we’ve compiled a list of questions you can ask your vet before your pet goes under anesthesia.
Ask Your Vet About Procedures And Services Surrounding Anesthesia
Before you trust your vet with your pet, you can ease some anxiety and doubts by asking informed questions. These include:
- Do you require blood work? Taking blood work before administering anesthesia is crucial because it allows the vet to check your pet’s organ functions. Blood work gives clues as to how an animal’s liver is going to be able to metabolize anesthesia.
- Does your hospital have a nurse anesthetist monitoring the pet? It’s essential to have a nurse in the room whose only task is to monitor your pet while it undergoes anesthesia, and even pre- and post-anesthesia. This way, the nurse cleaning the teeth can focus on their job and not have to divide their attention from the procedure.
- Will my pet receive an IV catheter during anesthesia? An IV catheter is essential during anesthesia procedures because it provides the vet with access should they need to use emergency drugs. IV catheters also provide your pet with IV fluid therapy — this keeps them hydrated and ensures there are no bouts of low blood pressure, which could be detrimental to your pet’s heart in the long term.
- Will my pet be monitored during the procedure? You can ask your vet what type of monitoring equipment they plan to use and what they are checking for. At University Animal Clinic, we use ECGs and check for appropriate oxygen levels and blood pressure. Keeping tabs on these details allows us to make sure your pet’s heart is beating regularly and that their blood pressure and oxygen levels stay stable and appropriate through anesthesia.
- Can you describe the procedure to me? Your veterinarian should be able to explain everything that will occur during the procedure. For instance, they should be able to tell you whether or not they plan to use dental x-rays to see the parts of the teeth not visible to the human eye such as the tooth root and determine if they need to be extracted.
- Do you have a scaler or any type of equipment to get under the gum line? Asking your vet if they have the equipment (like a scaler) to get under the gum line is imperative. A significant difference between an anesthesia-free dental treatment and a true dental cleaning under anesthesia is the latter ensures the vet can access hard-to-reach areas under the gum line to remove bacteria. The prolonged buildup of bacteria can cause problems to the heart and other organs later on.
Anesthesia For Pets In Bradenton
Sometimes anesthesia is necessary to clean gum infections or remove your pet’s broken teeth. University Animal Clinic is an AAHA-accredited hospital that administers anesthesia to pets needing oral surgery and other services in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota and Bradenton. Contact us to schedule an appointment today or call our office at (941) 355-7707.