A general anesthetic results in a loss of consciousness in the animal and a loss of sensation throughout the entire body. Most general anesthetic procedures involve several steps beginning with the administration of a sedative. An intravenous injection of an anesthetic renders the animal unconscious while a breathing tube is placed into the animal’s trachea. A gas anesthetic is delivered in combination with oxygen to the animal via the breathing tube to maintain the state of unconsciousness.

During anesthesia, our patient’s vital signs are monitored closely by a veterinary nurse. Your pet’s heart rate, respiratory rate, capillary refill time, blood pressure, EKG, and temperature are charted and recorded every five minutes. A change in blood pressure is an early indication of a likely problem. Monitoring our patient’s vital signs so closely during anesthesia allows early intervention on our part and prevents anesthetic risks to your pet.