Anesthetic Procedures 

Before Anesthesia

The following steps allow our veterinarian to design a personalized anesthetic plan for your pet and help avoid complications during anesthesia.

A comprehensive physical exam is the first line of defense to detect any physical abnormalities.  Our veterinarian will assess your pet’s physical appearance, palpate the internal organs and listen to the heart and lungs.

Blood testing helps to identify hidden and potentially life threatening diseases not detectable on physical exam.

Pre-anesthetic blood panels include:

-Complete Blood Count

-Electrolyte panel

-Full Chemistry panel - 10 values

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) is used to detect any abnormal heartbeats or heart rhythms.

Pre-operative pain management/anesthetic sets the stage to protect your pet against any anticipated pain. These medications also reduce the amount of anesthetic drugs your pet will receive during the procedure by being to sedate and calm them. 

-these medications are chosen based on results of the blood panels

An intravenous (I.V.) catheter is placed to deliver medications, to administer fluids during and sometimes after the procedure, and should the need arise, for immediate treatment of cardiovasular or respiratory distress. This is a critical safety measure in anesthesia and no pet should be under general anesthesia without one.

Pre-oxygenation. Your pet will breathe 100% oxygen, for about 5 minutes, before beginning general anesthesia to ensure the organs and tissues are working at full capacity.  

During Anesthesia

The same safety measures provided to you during anesthesia are provided here for your pet. 

Balanced Anesthesia provides your pet with a combination of medications tailored to meet you individual needs. Receiving a combination of medications allows your pet to require smaller doses of each medication, greatly reducing the chance of an adverse event.

Surgery assistant is a veterinary nurse who is trained to perform anesthesia responsibilities. The nurse's responsibilities include monitoring your pet throughout the procedure, adjusting medications based on your pet's vital signs, and ensuring your pet remains safe and stable throughout the procedure. 

At VCT the doctor will monitor your pet while a dental cleaning is performed and only a doctor will do extractions. 

Monitoring equipment adds an additional layer of protection. Various equipment is used to monitor your pet's blood pressure, heart rhythm, body temperature, oxygenation, breathing and heart rate. 

Blood pressure has been shown to be one of the most important elements of monitoring for your pet's safety. The goal is to address problems as they arise and not after they have become severe. Monitoring is crucial to the process. 

A warming unit and warm blankets prevent your pet from getting cold during the procedure. 

Intravenous (I.V.) fluids are delivered throughout the procedure to maintain blood pressure, support kidney function, and speed the recovery process. Another critical component in reducing risk to your pet! 

We prevent surgical pain through the use of local anesthesia before any incision is made or catheter is placed. 

Sterile surgical gown, gloves, mask, and cap  

New sterile suture and blades are always used for soft tissue surgery. 

All instruments are cleaned and autoclaved. We do not use cold sterilization which is inferior to an autoclave process. 

An endotracheal tube is placed in the trachea (windpipe) to deliver oxygen and anesthetic gas, and to protect the lungs for aspiration of liquids. It is also essential if in an emergency, we need to breathe for the patient. Yet another critical component to reducing risk!

Recovery

Appropriate post-operative care ensures a smooth recovery for your pet.

Staying warm is very important while waking up from anesthesia. Each patient is wrapped in a warm blanket, which is changed often, to ensure each patient remains warm and cozy. Being warm helps metabolize anesthetic drugs faster. it is also more comfortable to wake up warm and not shivering. 

A recovery nurse will awaken your pet from anesthesia. Being close to a person provides comfort to your pet while waking up in a strange place. It also adds an extra layer of monitoring, to ensure a smooth recovery. 

Post-operative pain medications are delivered as your pet recovers. Depending on the need, your pet may go home with additional pain medications.