Tuesday, April 26, 2011

5 common myths about veterinary anesthesia

Myth: Anesthesia complications are common.
Fact: Don't let horror stories prevent your pet from recieving necessary vet care. Complications do occur but are rare. Studies suggest that for normal healthy cats and dogs the risk of death is 1 in 2000. For animals with pre-existing disease that number increases to about 1 in 500. Here at AVH we have a well trained veterinary staff that take every precuation. We even have a Registered Vet Technician with a specialty in Anesthesia. We have appropriate monitors to help minimize these risks.


Lisa our RVT, VTS (Anesthesia) monitoring a patient while
Dr. Neilan performs a surgical procedure.
 Myth: Most complications occur during a procedure while my pet is asleep.
Fact: Almost half of anesthesia deaths occur after the delivery of anesthetic drugs during the recovery period. Ask the veterinarian of a rundown of how your pet will be cared for. Here at our hospital we actually have a designated recovery ward nurse dedicated to each patient in the recovery ward.

Myth: Most veterinarians provide a similiar level of anesthetic care.
Fact: Each veterinary clinic has a different way of doing things. Some may have boarded veterinary anesthesiologists while others rely on an in house team. If you have questions or concerns ask your veterinarian before your pet undergoes any anesthetic procedures.

Myth: The internet is the most reliable sorce for information about potential risks.
Fact: While some sites offer riliable information plenty can contain inconsistancies or flat out mislead you. So don't be fooled by misinformation which can spread quickly from website to website. Do your research, ask the veterinarian for the most accurate picture. This should help you get rid your mind of a few unfounded fears.

Myth: Certain anesthetic drugs could harm my pet.
Fact: In fact monitroing the pets condition (like anesthesia depth, blood oxygenation, respiration, blood pressure, body temperature and electrical activity of the heart) during a procedure is much more important than which drug protocol is used. Seldom is one drug better or worse than another since they all have benefits and risks. Certainly if the patient is compromised ( ie. liver or heart disease) then the selection of dugs that we are able to use,  decreases.

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