If you have recently found out that your pet needs surgery, you may be feeling understandably nervous about the upcoming procedure. After all, your pet is a beloved member of your family and of course, you want to make sure your pet is in capable hands, regardless of the severity of the procedure. For almost all pet surgeries, a veterinarian will recommend having your pet placed under general anesthesia, which will essentially knock your pet out of consciousness until well after the procedure is complete.
Many pet owners are uncomfortable with the idea of their pet being placed under anesthesia, especially because of the risk of complications. Still, so long as your pet's anesthesia is administered by an experienced pet anesthesiologist, you should have nothing to worry about.
Pre-Surgery Blood Testing Should Be Done
In all cases except for emergency surgeries, your veterinarian should complete pre-surgical blood work. There are many purposes to this blood work, but one of the main reasons for it is to test for potential medical issues that would make anesthesia unsafe for your pet. This blood work (along with other factors, such as your pet's size and weight) can also help your vet to get a better idea of the proper dosage of anesthesia needed for the procedure.
Your Pet's Vital Signs Will Be Monitored Closely
Putting a pet under general anesthesia is not something that any veterinary team will take lightly, so rest assured that your pet's vital signs will be carefully monitored at all times not only before and during the surgery itself, but also afterward as your pet begins to come out of anesthesia.
Anesthesia is Beneficial to Your Pet and the Vet
Overall, having a pet placed under general anesthesia (as opposed to local anesthesia or no anesthesia at all) is beneficial to both your beloved pet and the veterinary team who will be completing the procedure. Pets who are not put under general anesthesia will likely experience high amounts of stress during even a minor procedure, which could in-turn put them and the veterinary team operating on them at risk. Unless your veterinarian has found a medical reason for not placing your pet under anesthesia, it is the best option.
No pet owner wants to see their pet put under for surgery, but it's important to realize that any reputable veterinarian will take the necessary measures before, during, and after surgery to ensure your pet's safety and well-being.
Contact a vet office like Coastal Carolina Animal Hospital for more information and assistance.