Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery Specialists, LLC / Anesthesia Concerns?

Anesthesia safety

Most clients have legitimate concerns about anesthesia safety!

We absolutely agree. Anesthesia is administered meticulously with state of the art monitoring and patient support. The people involved in patient monitoring can improve anesthesia safety in many ways!

There are numerous "myths and misconceptions" that prevail in the veterinary profession with regard to anesthetics and anesthesia safety. These concepts have been detailed in professional veterinary journals. The use of inhalent anesthetics (gasses) without premedication drugs may increase anestheisa risks for veterinary patients. A "" to anesthesia is strongly recommended by anesthesia specialists. Some anesthesia specialists state that the safety in anesthesia is largely derived from the people managing the anesthesia (see Anesthesia philosophy below).

The anesthesia protocol (plan) is established with consideration of the pet's history, physical exam findings, medical tests, and the anticipated procedure to be performed. These assessments may be scored to recognize pets with particularly high risks for anesthesia (pets with heart, kidney, liver and lung diseases). These patients are often referred to Dr. Kressin by caring family veterinarians to optimize anesthesia safety. Dr. Kressin works with critical care specialists at the Milwaukee facility.

See our Anesthesia Chart Below by clicking either of the links.
Charting anesthesia allows for improved patient care. It is a
systematic approach to patient monitoring.

Microsoft Word - Anesthesia Chart.pdf or Anesthesia Protection Chart.doc

Anesthesia Philosophy

Research has shown that a "multimodal approach" to anesthesia provides safety and optimal care. "Multimodal" simply means multiple modes, multiple methods or use of multiple drugs at lower doses (for increased safety) to provide , sedation (reduced anxiety) and predictable anesthetic depth.

The specific drugs selected to provide anesthesia are not the same for each patient. A physical examination, blood screening, the pet's medical history and the intended procedure are considered together in selecting the anesthesia drugs. Safety associated with anesthesia is derived in part from this drug selection process.

The entire perioperative period affects anesthesia safety. "Perioperative" period means the time period before, during and after anesthesia.

Before anesthesia we want to be gentle and reassuring for the owner and the pet during the initial consultation. This is all about reducing fear through verbal and physical communication (petting the pet). If the owner is fearful, you can bet the the pet will be apprehensive as well due to the unique human animal bond. This apprehension affects anesthesia. Premedications allow for sedation (reduce apprehension) and pain prevention.

During anesthesia we diagnose problems identified form dental radiographs, periodontal probing and other evaluations. The diagnosis determines the best treatment and the pain management needs. Regional anesthesia or nerve blocks help dramatically with pain management and in the reduction of anesthesia gasses required to keep the pet anestatized (sleeping). This "multimodal approach" greatly improves safety by using lower drug dosages.

After anesthesia the pet is monitored very carefully. Dr. Kressin prefers to have someone holding the pet (or at least touching them for very large pets) until they are awake. At the Milwaukee facility patients recover in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Pets go home with medications for continued pain relief and infection control.

Equipment to help provide meticulous care and anesthesia safety.

Your pet is kept warm with warm air (Bair Hugger) over the top of the body with over laying towels. Additionally, warm water blankets (Baxter water pump) are used below your pet during the anesthesia period.

No Description resized to 300 pixels wide

No Description resized to 300 pixels wide

Patient warming.
Baxter warm water blanket support.

Patient warming.
Bair Hugger warm air support.

A warm patient is comfortable. Research has shown that careful temperature monitoring significantly reduces anesthesia risks. Our patients are continuously monitored using a temperature probe.

In addition to temperature monitoring, several other periodic evaluations are made (every 5-15 minutes). The Cardell 9405 monitor allows for;

1) continuous evaluations of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2), respiratory rate and depth help us evaluate appropriate lung function (breathing),

2) pulse oximetry (SPO2) and tissue color with cappilary refill time help us evaluate oxygenation and perfusion (to ensure the tissues recieve vital nutrients from adequate blood flow),

3) electrocardiography (EKG), heart rate, heart rhythm, pulse strength, and blood pressure help evaluate heart function.

No Description resized to 300 pixels wide

Cardell 9405 Monitor

No Description resized to 300 pixels wide

IV Fluid Pump

All patients receive intravenous (IV) fluid therapy before, during and briefly after anesthesia.
Fluid therapy is used to prevent dehydration and to help keep blood pressure within a normal range during anesthesia. Research has shown that low blood pressure can cause tissue injury and have negative effects on the major organs (such as the kidneys). Additionally; an intravenous catheter during anesthesia allows for the administration of medications to help ensure patient safety.

Patient care during the period directly after anesthesia is very important to ensure patient safety. Your pet is typically held by a doctor or a technician until they are reasonably awake. Close observation is continued during the anesthesia recovery period to help avoid patient discomfort, fear or injury.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and post
anesthesia recovery in Milwaukee.

No Description resized to 300 pixels wide

Dr. Kressin holding Sebastian. We do
care for you and your pet!

Dog Dental Care

Cat Dental Care

Home