ANESTHETIC SAFETY

Anesthetic safety is paramount! Statistically, the risk of anesthetic complications is much higher in pets than in people.  Pets can often have hidden diseases or conditions that increase the risk of anesthesia.  Without proper pre-anesthetic screening and careful administration and monitoring of anesthesia, our patients may experience life threatening complications.  Our bottom line goal is patient safety.

In order to maximize safety and comfort, our standard of care for all pets undergoing anesthesia or prolonged sedation includes:

• Pre-surgical exam
• Pre-anesthetic blood work
• Pre-anesthetic EKG, possibly BP
• Preemptive and multi-modal pain management
• Anesthetic monitoring
• IV fluid support
• Intra-op and recovery temperature support

Anesthetic monitoring includes physical assessment of the patient by the doctor and the technician, and use of appropriate monitoring equipment (EKG, Doppler blood pressure, pulse oximetry).

Intravenous fluids are essential for safe, smooth, comfortable anesthesia.  IV fluids help maintain blood pressure, which is critical for the health of vital organs like the heart, brain and kidneys.  Our patients must not only survive the procedure, they must have vital organ support to prevent occult injury that shows up later in life.  IV catheters provide instant access to the bloodstream in the event that lifesaving drugs are needed during a procedure.  Finally, IV fluids prevent dehydration and help maintain homeostasis, which allows for a quicker, smoother recovery. 

Riverview Animal Hospital requires pre-anesthetic testing, the use of IV surgical support and anesthetic monitoring for all patients undergoing anesthesia or prolonged sedation.