“Is a general anaesthetic safe for my older pet?”

Worry not! Older pets commonly have anaesthetics and we will advise the options for your pet.

If you have an older animal who might require a surgical and dental procedure, you may be concerned about them undergoing a general anaesthetic. However, our veterinarians will be able to provide the best advice specific to your pets needs, and explain how we can manage any potential risks associated with old age.

As part of our discussion with you, we will examine your pet and may touch on some of the following areas:

Cardiovascular health
During the physical examination of your pet, we’ll assess your pet’s cardiovascular health, and can discuss any pre-existing health issues or current medications with you.

Blood tests
In order to check for any underlying health issues in older pets, a pre-anaesthetic blood test will often be recommended. This allows us to be aware of any health conditions and to implement the best treatment to minimise any associated risks.

Medications
We carefully select anaesthetic drug combinations to minimise the risk for older pets.

Intravenous fluids
If your older pet is having a general anaesthetic, our vets often recommend the use of intravenous fluids during the procedure to support their blood pressure and help to flush the anaesthetic drugs out of their system as quickly as possible.

Managing anxiety
If your pet is known to be anxious, we will discuss whether any medications are recommended prior to the general anaesthetic. Your pet will always be carefully monitored while they are in our veterinary hospital.
With these safety precautions, we can maintain your pet’s health and comfort whilst they undergo any surgical or dental procedures. We will advise you about the optimal treatment options available for your pet to help keep them happy and healthy.