Assessment Step 5: AnesthesiaAnesthesia is a concern for everyone. The only way we can achieve the best possible outcome is to select the proper patient, tailor anesthetic protocol and monitor the patient during and after the procedure.Why General Anesthesia Is Necessary for the ORAL ATP® VisitAccording to the American Veterinary Dental College:
![]() Oral exam under anesthesia
Choosing the Right PatientGeneral anesthesia is required to diagnose and treat dental disease in companion animals. Patient safety is everyone's top concern. An important part of the anesthesia safety trilogy (choosing the correct patient, anesthesia protocol and patient monitoring) is preoperative patient testing after the physical examination.Addressing Pet Owners' ConcernsPet owners are often concerned about anesthesia. Some clients may have more than one concern, especially in the case of two pet owners for the same pet. Be sure to always speak to each person about his/her particular concerns.
Tailoring an Anesthetic ProtocolDifferent anesthetic protocols are used for dogs and cats. Evaluate the animal's blood and heart tests before deciding which and how much medication to use.Use intraoral local anesthesia together with general anesthesia for oral surgery to alleviate pain and decrease the amount of general anesthetic needed. Customized intravenous fluid therapy is essential for circulatory maintenance and to prevent dehydration. Patient Monitoring During AnesthesiaA trained assistant is helpful to monitor the patient while performing dental procedures. Vital parameters, such as body temperature, heart rate and rhythm, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and end-tidal carbon dioxide levels give helpful information to adjust the anesthetic protocol.![]() Technician monitoring anesthetized patient
Preservation of the dog and cat's body temperature is essential because the patient may become wet and dental procedures can be lengthy. Temperature control can be accomplished through the use of a forced warm air blanket. Stop anesthesia delivery when the procedure is finished but continue to monitor the patient. Once swallowing begins, remove the endotracheal tube, and assign an assistant to monitor the patient until full recovery occurs. Most dogs or cats wake up within minutes. ![]() Technician waiting for the swallowing reflex to remove the endotracheal tube
![]() Patient recovering from anesthesia
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