The Hidden Risks of Canine Anesthesia

General anesthesia for people and pets has improved dramatically from the days of ether and injectable barbiturates. All pets, from the very young to seniors can safely undergo anesthetic procedures when precautions are taken.

But despite the use of modern high tech monitoring and pre-anesthetic blood analysis, unexpected adverse side effects can occur, even death. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin may have found the reason – genetics.

Some pets may have a genetic predisposition for an idiopathic ‘allergic response’ to anesthetics. One common type of adverse reaction is a malignant hyperthermia. A pet suddenly spikes an extremely high body temperature. This can lead to irreversible brain and muscle damage. Researchers are hoping to develop a test to screen for this defective gene.

Some pets have a genetic predisposition for an idiopathic ‘allergic response’ to anesthetics.

If your veterinarian recommends an anesthetic procedure should you decline because of the possibility of an undesirable side effect? No. Delaying a surgical operation may not be in your pet’s best interest. A small lump may seem innocuous now, but it could be cancerous, and spread throughout the body before you acquiesce to its’ removal. Bad teeth are more than just a source of halitosis. Bacteria in the mouth can access the general blood stream though inflamed gums and cause permanent liver, kidney, heart and joint disease.

When in doubt if an anesthetic procedure would help to improve your pet’s quality of life, ask questions. What are the alternatives? What are the risks and what are the benefits? Why ask? Because it is “Your Pet…Health Matters.”