Anaesthesia & Patient Safety
Keeping Your Pet Safe and Asleep During Surgery
We understand that the prospect of your dog undergoing general anaesthesia can be just as nerve-wracking as the surgery itself. It is entirely normal to feel anxious. However, veterinary anaesthesia has advanced significantly, mirroring the strict safety protocols used in human medicine.
Because orthopaedic procedures are inherently invasive, meticulous anaesthetic monitoring is not just an optional extra—it is the foundation of our surgical philosophy. Operating as a peripatetic service, we work seamlessly alongside the dedicated veterinary nurses at your primary care clinic. Together, we ensure your dog is safe, stable, and carefully monitored from the moment they arrive until they are fully awake and ready to go home.
1. The Morning of Surgery: Preparation
Safety begins long before the anaesthetic is administered. On the morning of surgery, your dog will receive a thorough physical examination to check their heart, lungs, and overall health. We highly recommend pre-anaesthetic blood tests to ensure the liver and kidneys are functioning perfectly, as these organs are responsible for safely processing the anaesthetic drugs.
Once cleared, an intravenous (IV) catheter is placed in their leg. This gives us direct, immediate access to administer medications and life-saving fluids. They are then given a customized "pre-medication" injection. This mild sedative reduces anxiety, allows them to relax in their hospital bed, and begins blocking pain signals early.
2. Induction and Intubation: Going to Sleep
When it is time for surgery, a fast-acting medication is administered through the IV catheter. Within seconds, your dog will smoothly transition into a deep sleep.
Immediately after they fall asleep, a soft, flexible breathing tube (an endotracheal tube) is gently placed down their windpipe. This tube does two vital things: it securely protects their airway so nothing can accidentally enter the lungs, and it delivers a precise mixture of pure oxygen and anaesthetic gas to keep them asleep during the procedure.
3. The Safety Net: Intraoperative Monitoring
While the surgeon focuses entirely on the orthopaedic procedure, a dedicated, highly trained veterinary nurse is stationed alongside your dog. Their sole responsibility is anaesthetic monitoring. Your dog is connected to advanced, multi-parameter monitoring equipment that acts as our "safety net," tracking:
- Capnography (CO2): Measures the carbon dioxide in every single breath, ensuring their lungs are expanding and ventilating properly.
- Pulse Oximetry: A sensor placed on the tongue or paw to ensure their blood oxygen levels remain near 100%.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Monitors the electrical activity of the heart to instantly detect any abnormal rhythms.
- Blood Pressure: Ensures adequate blood flow is reaching the brain and kidneys throughout the surgery.
- Core Temperature: Anaesthesia lowers body temperature, so we actively monitor and manage their heat.
In addition to the anaesthetic gas, your dog receives continuous intravenous (IV) fluids through their catheter. This helps maintain a healthy blood pressure and supports their kidneys while they are under anaesthesia.
4. The Recovery Phase: Waking Up
As the surgery concludes, the anaesthetic gas is turned off, and your dog begins breathing pure oxygen. Within a few minutes, their reflexes return, and the breathing tube is gently removed.
They are then moved to a quiet, warm recovery area. Because body temperature drops during surgery, we utilize warm air blankets (like a Bair Hugger) and cozy bedding to ensure they wake up comfortably. The veterinary nursing team continues to monitor their vital signs and pain levels closely until they are sitting up, alert, and ready for a gentle pat.