No matter how old your pet is, you naturally worry about them undergoing anesthesia. Many pet owners worry more as their pet ages, and while age is not a disease, a senior pet often brings health issues to an anesthetic procedure. Your family veterinarian will take every step possible to ensure the health and safety of your pet while under anesthesia and will likely engage in the following safety measures. 

Preanesthetic testing for your pet

Before your pet undergoes anesthesia, your family veterinarian will carefully evaluate their health status. Preanesthetic testing is essential and consists of the following:

* Physical exam — While a thorough physical exam is part of your pet’s normal wellness visit, a lot can change since their last veterinary checkup. Your pet’s vital signs will be checked on the day of their anesthetic procedure, and additional diagnostic testing may be required if any abnormalities in heart and respiratory rate or rhythm are found. If your pet is running a fever, the procedure may be delayed until they are healthy. 

* Complete blood count — A complete blood count (CBC) calculates your pet’s red and white blood cells and platelet levels. This information is useful for determining if your pet is anemic, dehydrated, battling an infection, or has clotting issues, all important information prior to anesthesia and surgery. 

* Blood chemistry panel — Similar to a CBC, a chemistry panel takes a closer look at your pet’s health but looks at the bigger picture. A chemistry panel provides information on your pet’s liver, kidney, and pancreas function and blood glucose level. 

Based on your pet’s pre-anesthetic testing results, your family veterinarian may recommend additional testing. 

Customized anesthetic protocols for your pet

The pre-anesthetic test results will help the team create a customized anesthetic protocol to ensure your pet is as safe as possible. For example, changes will be made for pets with kidney or liver disease, heart arrhythmias, or clotting problems. Part of your pet’s anesthetic protocol will likely include an intravenous (IV) catheter, IV fluids, and pre-calculation of emergency drugs. An IV catheter in your pet provides instant venous access in case of an emergency and allows the team to administer drugs to boost heart rate and function immediately. Your pet’s anesthetic medications and IV fluids to help support blood pressure and aid in drug metabolism are also administered through the IV catheter.

State-of-the-art monitoring for your pet

During your pet’s anesthetic procedure, they will be closely monitored by a highly trained team and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment. While nothing can replace a skilled veterinary professional’s watchful eye monitoring your pet’s vital signs and adjusting their anesthetic protocol as needed, monitoring equipment provides a useful backup. These devices may provide the following features:

* Heart rate and rhythm monitoring — An electrocardiogram (EKG) measures your pet’s heart rate while recording arrhythmias that can complicate anesthesia. Leads attached to your pet’s limbs and chest will detect and record their heart’s electrical activity, allowing the veterinary technician to assess their response to anesthesia, medications, and the procedure. 

* Blood pressure monitoring — Anesthesia tends to lower blood pressure, but a blood pressure monitoring cuff allows your pet’s systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure to be closely monitored. 

* Carbon dioxide and oxygen level monitoring — Keeping an eye on your pet’s breathing, measured by carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in their blood, is critical during anesthesia.

Depending on your pet’s condition and health status, more advanced monitoring equipment, such as a blood gas analyzer, may be necessary. While your senior pet may not be in perfect health, your veterinary team will use all their skills and equipment available, and take extra care, to keep your beloved pet as safe as possible while undergoing anesthesia. 

Deciding what is best for your beloved companion can be tough if your pet has been diagnosed with organ dysfunction but needs an anesthetic procedure. If your pet’s health declines and treatment is no longer an option, you may choose to support them through their final days with hospice care.