Don't let fears of anesthesia keep you from getting your pet the treatment they need
Q: My dog needs to have her teeth cleaned under anesthesia, and I'm so nervous. Is it really safe?
No anesthetic procedure, medication or even natural remedy can have a 100% guarantee of safety, but the anesthesia protocols veterinarians use now with pets have substantially reduced the risks, even with pets who are seniors or who have chronic illnesses.
Today's techniques emphasize safety and comfort before, during and after anesthesia. They include pre-op testing to ensure that pets don't have any underlying conditions that could cause problems; monitoring by specially trained veterinary technicians; and improved anesthesia drugs and techniques.
Modern anesthesia involves an individualized combination of injectable medications (that often combine anesthetic drugs and pain medication), anesthesia-inducing gas and oxygen, all of which contribute to your pet's safety and well-being.
Use of intravenous fluids helps to maintain blood pressure and hydration, as well as flush the anesthetic from the body after the procedure is completed. And having an IV line in place allows the veterinarian to react rapidly with appropriate medication if there's an emergency. Warming procedures such as heated towels or pads − to maintain core body temperature, prevent organ damage and allow your pet to recover more smoothly − are another safety and comfort measure.
You can take steps on your end to protect your pet by following your veterinarian's directions not to feed your pet or give water after midnight prior to the procedure. That helps to prevent aspiration of food into the lungs during the procedure, which can have serious consequences. If you forget, always let your veterinarian know so they can either make allowances or reschedule the procedure.
While there can always be some risk with anesthesia, don't let your fears keep you from providing your dog with treatment that can dramatically improve her quality of life. You'll both be happier. Learn more here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/pet-experiencing-dental-pain-how-to-know-and-what-to-do-about-it.
— Dr. Marty Becker
THE BUZZ
Could your dog donate blood?
Blood donors are often needed for humans after disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes, but did you know that dogs and cats need blood donors as well? Veterinary blood banks provide blood for pets, or some veterinary practices may maintain their own in-house blood bank. Feline donors often live at veterinary practices, where they receive lots of love and attention and often are adopted into forever homes after short periods of "work." Canine blood donors must be large and healthy. They may live on the premises, but sometimes they are volunteers. Some veterinary practices offer discounts on care to their regular donors. If you want to know if there's a pet blood donor program in your area, do an internet search for "canine blood donor" and your city and state.
The Mi-Ki is a new longhaired dog toy breed
You're likely to see more and more of a small, cute dog called a Mi-Ki (pronounced "mee-kee"). The longhaired toy breed is gentle, affectionate, smart and playful, with a size range of 3 to 11 pounds. Created by crossing several small breeds − Shih Tzu, Papillon, Maltese, Yorkshire terrier, Japanese chin, Pekingese and Pomeranian − the dogs have a silky single coat that comes in many colors, including cream, red, silver, black, white and apricot. Puppies may start out one color and change as they move toward adulthood. Some are parti-color, meaning their coats are white combined with another color. If you're interested in one, buy from a breeder who does health testing and raises pups in the home with a good socialization program.
Greyhound vs. thoroughbred
A top racing greyhound running at full speed can hit 45 mph. Racehorses can go just a little faster, with quarter horses being clocked at 55 mph and thoroughbreds at 44 mph. The cheetah can smoke them all, though, hitting 70 mph at full speed.
Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker. Pet Connection is produced by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, journalist Kim Campbell Thornton, and dog trainer/behavior consultant Mikkel Becker.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Pet Connection: Risk of anesthesia has been reduced
