Genetic differences
among breeds and anatomical variations can increase the risk of anesthesia for
certain dogs and even cats.
Brachycephalic pets –
those with “pushed in” faces – are at high risk for airway obstruction, which
makes anesthetization a special challenge.
Other breeds tend to be
hypersensitive to sedating drugs, which makes the risk of over-sedation higher
than usual.
If you have a pet at
higher than normal risk for anesthesia complications – including a brachy, a
sighthound, one of the herding breeds, a tiny dog, a giant breed, a Doberman
Pinscher or a boxer bred in the UK – you’ll want to inform yourself about your
pet’s special needs.
Sedation and anesthesia can
be done safely and successfully with any breed of dog or cat, providing all
necessary pre-work is accomplished and the patient is carefully monitored from
premedication through extubation.
