Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that it can be stressful to know that your four-legged family members need general anesthesia. Learn more about the process here.
Why is general anesthesia necessary for my pet’s procedure?
General anesthesia is a critical component of many veterinary procedures, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of the animal throughout the process
- Immobility: This allows the veterinary team to perform procedures safely and effectively without the risk of sudden movement
- Safety During Intubation: In many cases, intubation is necessary to secure the airway and provide oxygen. General anesthesia facilitates this process.
- Pain Management: It ensures that pets remain pain-free during surgical procedures, which is crucial for their comfort and recovery.
- Comprehensive Monitoring: While under general anesthesia, pets are closely monitored for vital signs, allowing for immediate intervention if any issues arise.
How is anesthesia administered to pets?
The process isn’t too different than what you’d see in a human hospital! Once a safety checklist has been performed, your pet will have an intravenous catheter placed which will allow for the administration of sedative and analgesic drugs. Then a different drug will be administered that facilitates muscle relaxation and profound sedation. This allows the anesthesia team to place an endotracheal tube (breathing tube) in the trachea. That is connected to an anesthesia machine that allows us to administer oxygen and inhaled anesthetic throughout the procedure.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
There are always risks when any patient undergoes general anesthesia. That is where having an anesthesiologist as a part of the team can elevate the level of care provided to your pet. Great care is taken to evaluate each patient on a case by case basis and each anesthetic protocol is tailored to that patient and that procedure.
How do I prepare my pet for anesthesia?
When you have decided to pursue a procedure involving general anesthesia for your pet, be sure to communicate with your pet’s veterinarian about their complete physical and medical history. This information is helpful when Dr. Jarosinski tailors a plan for anesthesia. Have a discussion with your veterinarian about drugs that need to be continued or discontinued prior to anesthesia. Your veterinarian can also consult with Dr. Jarosinski about this. Lastly, your pet will need to be fasted the night before their procedure, but water can continue to be provided.
What role does Sentinel Veterinary Anesthesia Consulting play in my pet’s care?
Your pet’s primary veterinarian will reach out to Dr. Jarosinski to request involvement either in person or via remote consultation. If on site assistance is requested, Dr. Jarosinski will be present for your pet’s anesthetic event and procedure. She will assist the veterinary staff at your pet’s hospital in providing care for your pet before, during and after the procedure.