Have you been told that your pet needs surgery, and are you worried about the dangers that that might entail? Of course, you are. Your pet is a much-loved member of your family, and it is essential to know if the benefits of any procedure outweigh the risk. You might be surprised to learn that modern veterinarian surgery is relatively safe.
What are the Risks of Anesthesia?
The first thing that many are worried about is what effects anesthesia will have on their pet. This is a legitimate concern, but one that is often overblown. Studies have shown that the average death rate for pets due to anesthesia (occurring during anesthesia or within 48 hours afterward) is only 0.15%, which means that 99.85% of animals that undergo anesthesia come out the other side. Though anesthesia does have a degree of risk even for humans, the odds are definitely in favor of a safe outcome.
Check for Up-to-Date Veterinarian Equipment
Different veterinarians use equipment that might impact the safety of anesthesia. It is crucial to make sure that your vet is using an up-to-date medical systems. A veterinary anesthesia system such as the Aphrodite Anesthesia Machine by KeeboVet is a safe bet. Ask them about the rest of their equipment as well to get a sense of how updated (or not) their systems are.
What to Expect Before Your Pet Begins Surgery
Before surgery, you can expect the veterinarian to ask for a complete medical history on your pet. This will allow them to know if your pet has any other medical conditions that they should be aware of or if your pet has ever reacted to a specific medication. The veterinarian may perform a physical examination as well as blood work if necessary. Fasting might be required for a period before your pet undergoes anesthesia.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
A good rule of thumb is to express your concerns to your veterinarian and talk through them. It is their job to help you understand what will take place. The veterinarian will help you to understand the risks of veterinarian surgery as well as the benefits so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you and your pet.
Sometimes veterinarian surgery is necessary, and if that time comes, it is helpful to know what to expect and to rest assured that though it is scary to have your furry friend in the operating room, most of the time the benefits of surgery outweigh the low risks.
