As a pet parent, it’s natural to feel some concern when your furry companion, who has been with you through thick and thin, needs to undergo anesthesia, especially as they enter their golden years. The thought of potential risks can be daunting, but rest assured, with proper precautions and a tailored approach, older pets can safely navigate through anesthesia.
Anesthesia Risks for Older Pets
Even if your aging pet appears to be in good health, physiological changes that come with age can pose challenges during anesthesia.
- The cardiovascular system undergoes age-related changes, reducing the body’s ability to cope with physiological shifts that may occur during anesthesia.
- Respiratory capacity tends to decrease, increasing the likelihood of oxygen level drops and elevated carbon dioxide levels.
- Diminished kidney and liver function can slow down the metabolism and elimination of drugs.
- Issues like decreased vision, hearing, and cognitive function might make older pets more prone to anxiety surrounding anesthesia.
Every furry friend is unique, and it’s vital for veterinarians to gather a comprehensive health history, conduct a thorough physical examination, and carry out necessary lab work to tailor the anesthesia plan to your pet’s specific needs.
Reducing Anesthesia Side Effects in Older Pets
Depending on your pet’s age and pre-anesthetic assessment, veterinarians will choose anesthetic drugs carefully, avoiding certain ones and opting for safer alternatives. For instance, instead of using acepromazine, which is common in younger pets, diazepam or midazolam might be preferred for sedation in older pets due to their gentler impact on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
In many cases, veterinarians opt for lower doses of multiple drugs to minimize the risk of a severe reaction to any single drug.
Ensuring older patients have an IV catheter in place is crucial; not only does it allow for quick drug administration in emergencies, but it also helps in maintaining their blood pressure with IV fluids throughout the procedure.
Special Measures for Older Pets Under Anesthesia
Due to their delicate nature, older pets require extra attention during anesthesia. Veterinarians take special care in positioning, supporting, and padding to prevent pressure sores, considering their thin skin and reduced muscle mass.
Monitoring devices like ECGs, pulse oximeters, and thermometers are kept on for an extended period post-anesthesia, as older pets may have a slower recovery compared to younger counterparts.
It’s common for older pets to feel disoriented post-anesthesia, but a reassuring presence from familiar faces often helps more than additional medication. Veterinarians aim to shorten the post-anesthesia hospital stay for older pets, allowing them to recover in the comfort of their homes, surrounded by loved ones, once they are stable enough to do so independently.
Remember, while the thought of anesthesia may be worrisome, rest assured that with proper care and attention, your beloved older pet can safely navigate through the process and continue to enjoy their golden years by your side.