Risks of General Anaesthetic

Please read through this information and ask the veterinary team any questions you may have at your pets admit appointment.

RISKS OF GENERAL ANAESTHESIA

General anaesthesia is a controlled, reversible, sedation of the central nervous system that allows your pet to undergo procedures without pain or stress. In elderly or debilitated patients we use very short acting human anaesthesic drugs and intravenous fluids to minimize the risks.

Risk factors include age, breed, size and weight, overall health condition and/or pre-existing medical issues. Very occasionally complications can arise, these include allergic reactions, organ dysfunction (heart, liver or kidneys), breathing difficulties and/or blood pressure abnormalities.

PRE-ANAESTHESIA PREPARATION

We do our best to minimize these risks by carrying out a full examination of your pet prior to anaesthesia, advanced monitoring during anaesthesia, having modern and safe anaesthesic equipment, trained professional medical staff and post-anaesthetic care.

Pre anaesthesia bloods and urine tests may be recommended. If your pet is not in good health, the procedure may be postponed.

OWNER CONTRIBUTION

Food needs to have been withdrawn from 10pm the night before surgery. If the animal has not been starved correctly, this can cause vomiting and lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Please inform us of any medications or supplements your pet is taking.

Let us know of any health concerns or changes in your pet’s behavior.

SURGERY

As with anaesthesia, there are risks and complications associated with surgery.

It is important that the surgical procedure has been discussed fully, and any post operative conditions explained to your satisfaction. These can include wound discomfort and swelling, wound breakdown, infections, nausea, vomiting, shivering, itchiness and in very rare cases death. Every effort is made to minimise these risks, through surgical technique and post operative care of your pet. Drugs may be prescribed for pain and infection.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER ANAESTHESIA

Your pet may experience mild side effects like grogginess, mild incoordination, or reduced appetite for 24-48 hours. If you notice severe symptoms, such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, or prolonged lethargy, contact us immediately.

THE ADMIT NURSE WILL CHECK THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE FOLLOWING:

The procedure, together with possible risks and potential complications, as well as the expected outcome, has been explained to you, to your satisfaction.

All sedation & general anaesthesia has some degree of risk. You understand this will be minimized through careful patient assessment, management and monitoring.

All procedures (especially more complicated, non-routine procedures) may result in unexpected complications and outcomes. If unexpected complications occur, the situation will be reassessed, and further treatment options will be discussed with you. Any further reasonable treatment costs directly incurred will be your responsibility, either during or following the procedure, either by your veterinarian or a veterinary specialist.

In the unlikely event of an accident or emergency during the procedure, immediate lifesaving surgical or medical intervention may be required. In that situation, you authorise the practice to take every reasonable action to control and rectify the problem. You understand you will be liable for all reasonable costs associated with emergency treatment. The practice will attempt to contact you, on the contact phone number that you have given, to discuss options as soon as is reasonably possible.

You also give permission for the veterinarian to use human medicines on your animals or to use registered veterinary medicines in ways other than their labelled use if the veterinarian believes this is necessary. You understand that these medications are used widely and any increased risks of use relating specifically to your pet will be discussed with you prior to use.

You understand that a pre-anaesthetic blood test is optional, however it is recommended to reduce the anaesthetic and surgical risk and help rule out pre-existing problems that may lead to complications.

The fees for the procedure/s being performed and terms of payment have been explained to your satisfaction.

If you have any further concerns about anaesthesia or surgery regarding your animal, please feel free to discuss these with the veterinary nurse at admission.