Dog Articles

Anesthesia is like any medical procedure—there are benefits and risks, and death can occur under anesthesia. Approximately one in 1,000 healthy cats and one in 2,000 healthy dogs die under anesthesia each year. While any anesthetic-related deaths are unacceptable, these incidence rates are actually quite low. But of course, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. One of the reasons we still see deaths related to anesthetic procedures is because not all practices are actively taking all of the steps necessary to reduce anesthetic risk.

This article will help you understand the process of anesthesia, and empower you to ask the important questions of your pet’s medical team to help minimize your pet’s anesthetic risk.

The Anesthetic Process

Anesthesia occurs in several steps, with opportunities at each step to minimize risks for your pet.  Below I present a simple outline of the steps involved in anesthesia. 

Just like people, pets often have problems with gum disease and plaque and tartar build-up on their teeth. In fact, by three years of age a majority of dogs and cats will have mild-to-moderate dental disease that would benefit from a comprehensive oral examination and treatment performed under general anesthesia.  Left untreated, dental disease can lead to more serious health complications, some of which may extend far beyond your pet’s teeth.  For many reasons, it truly is important to include dental care as part of your pet’s overall preventive health care program.

The benefits of routine dental hygiene include reduced bad breath, better overall health, decreased pain, increased longevity, and reduced pet health care bills down the road.