The Statistics on General Anesthesia

Author: Emi Kooyman | Founder

Any time a pet (or human, for that matter) undergoes anesthesia, there is always  a  risk of a complication, up to and including death. There is no such thing as risk free anesthesia. 

As a general rule, the basic data on Anesthesia states:

1. For healthy pets, anesthesia is very safe. The risk of a perianesthetic fatality is

   1. • 1 in 2,000 for dogs

      • 1 in 1,000 for cats.

2. For pets with significant health problems or emergencies, the risk is higher 1 in 100 

Pets with higher Anesthesic risk include those with:

1. Concurrent Health conditions (Any systemic medical condition makes your pet a higher risk:  ie: Heartworm disease, Endocrine disorders, Parasites, anemia, etc).

2. Emergency procedures (Pyometra).

3. Underweight or Overweight.

4. Breed sensitivities (brachycephalic breeds, MDR1 gene mutation dogs).

5. Previous anesthesic complications

At Spay Neuter Vets, here is our approach to anesthesia:

Patient Selection: 

1. 2 mo to 7 years - Why?
   Age alone is not a reason to avoid anesthesia—However, older pets are more prone to organ dysfunction or failure.  Therefore, we recommend bloodwork and possibly some additional testing prior to surgery. It's important that you review our article "Age is Not A Disease" to understand more on our approach to anesthesia based on overall health, not just age.

2. No comorbidities - Why?
   We take the initial step to determine if your pet is a good anesthetic candidate by asking several questions about their health and medications in the e-appointment.  Answering completely and honestly is in the best interest of your pet so we may identify any risks.  We then perform a physical exam to review for any risks.  

3. Considerations regarding BOAS
   Read more about this on our article Understanding BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Common Concerns Regarding Anesthesia

Q: I’m worried my pet won’t wake up.

A: This is the most common concern. For healthy pets, the risk is very low. We take every precaution to keep your pet safe, including individualized anesthetic plans and continuous monitoring by trained staff.

Q: Will my pet be in pain?

A: Pain management is a top priority. We use multiple techniques and medications to keep your pet comfortable before, during, and after their procedure, following veterinary standards and best practice guidelines.

Q: What about nausea or vomiting?

A: Many pets will experience nausea and vomiting, and therefore we highly recommend opting for the anti-nausea medication during your appointment check in process.

Q: Will my pet act differently after anesthesia?

A: Some pets may be a bit unsettled or “off” for a day or two. This is usually temporary. We’ll explain what to expect for your pet’s recovery and are always here to answer your questions.

Q: My pet’s breed is sensitive to anesthesia.

A: Certain breeds do have special considerations.  If your pet or their bloodlines have had problems with anesthesia before, please tell us.