Many senior pets require anesthesia and surgery, whether a routine dental cleaning or more serious tumor removal. However, age should not be considered a disease when deciding if your pet is a good surgery candidate. Instead, you should proceed by evaluating each pet’s health individually, regardless of age. Before you schedule a surgical procedure for your senior pet, learn what to expect, and help ease your worries.

Before your senior pet undergoes surgery

Three parts of your senior pet’s preanesthetic protocol will be completed prior to undergoing surgery. They include:

A thorough physical exam — Your primary care veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your senior pet from nose to tail, searching for any abnormalities. They’ll listen to the heart and lungs, check vital signs, and evaluate your pet’s condition as a whole. If they find an issue, this can change the preanesthetic diagnostic testing they recommend.

Preanesthetic blood work and diagnostic testing — Standard preanesthetic blood work typically includes a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry panel. A CBC determines your pet’s number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and indicates if anemia, infection, or a clotting issue are present. The chemistry panel evaluates your pet’s organ health, which is essential for determining an appropriate anesthetic protocol. In some cases, senior pets may undergo additional diagnostic testing. For example, a pet who is having a tumor removed will likely have chest X-rays taken to check for metastasis to the lungs. Each diagnostic test provides more information that is used to keep your pet as safe as possible during their procedure.

Formulation of a customized anesthetic protocol — Based on your pet’s preanesthetic test results, your veterinarian will devise a personalized anesthetic protocol, choosing the safest anesthetic agents for your pet’s condition, to maintain good health during and after the procedure. 

During your senior pet’s surgery

During your senior pet’s surgery, skilled staff will use monitoring equipment to keep a close eye on their vital signs. Your pet will likely be hooked up to a multitude of equipment pieces that evaluate various bodily functions. Common monitoring devices include:

•Thermometer

•Pulse oximeter

•Capnograph

•Blood pressure cuff

•Electrocardiogram

These machines will help the surgical team monitor your pet’s heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, oxygen intake, and carbon dioxide build-up. Based on your pet’s vital signs and response to stimuli, anesthetic agents will be adjusted to ensure your furry companion feels no pain and is completely unaware of the procedure.

During surgery, your pet will also receive intravenous (IV) fluids. An IV catheter, which is used to quickly administer life-saving medications and blood pressure-supporting fluids, is critical for ensuring your pet’s safety while under anesthesia.

After your senior pet’s surgery

Once your senior pet’s surgery is completed, they will recover from anesthesia under the watchful eye of a skilled veterinary professional. During this phase, your pet will be kept warm and comfortable to ensure a smooth recovery. Since senior pets do not regulate their body temperature as well as younger pets, they will be warmed with hot air, hot water bottles, and plenty of blankets. Your pet will be closely monitored for discomfort or pain, and given additional pain medication, as needed. IV fluids will also likely be continued to help your pet’s organs flush out anesthetic agents for a faster recovery, and to prevent postoperative dehydration.

After your senior pet has fully recovered from anesthesia, they will be released back to your care for postoperative healing. The first 24 hours following anesthesia and surgery is typically the most difficult, as your pet may be nauseous from the anesthetic medications and refuse to eat or drink. You must ensure your pet eliminates appropriately and does not irritate their incision through licking or scratching. You may need to help support your senior pet as they stand, lie down, eat, drink, or eliminate while they are recovering. Stay in close contact with your primary care veterinarian about your pet’s progress to eliminate potential problems and ensure a smooth recovery. 

With advanced age come medical issues, such as dental disease and tumor development, that may require surgery. However, if you are unsure whether your senior pet is a good candidate for anesthesia and surgery, discuss their options with our telehospice service.