Anesthesia
We understand that anesthesia can be worrisome and take every precaution to ensure your pet’s safety before, during, and after their procedure.
Anesthesia Safety at Parkdale Animal Hospital
Anesthesia is a routine and essential part of veterinary medicine, and when performed with the right protocols, training, and monitoring, it is very safe. At Parkdale Animal Hospital, we take a thoughtful and individualized approach to every patient—because we know every pet (and every family) is unique. Our goal is to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort at every stage of their procedure.
Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
Before any anesthetic procedure, we complete a thorough medical review. This includes assessing your pet’s age, breed, medical history, current medications, lifestyle, and any previous anesthetic experiences. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is an important part of this process—especially for middle-aged and older pets—as it helps identify underlying changes that may not be visible on a physical exam. This allows us to make informed decisions and select the safest medications and approach for your pet.
Dedicated, Highly Trained Team
During anesthesia, your pet is supported by a dedicated and highly trained team. In most cases, this includes a veterinarian and two Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), with one RVT assigned solely to monitor your pet throughout the procedure. This allows the veterinarian to focus entirely on the surgery or treatment, while your pet is continuously and closely observed.
RVTs are regulated medical professionals who have completed accredited education programs, passed national board examinations, and maintain their skills through ongoing continuing education. Their training allows them to recognize even subtle changes and respond immediately, providing an additional layer of safety and expertise for your pet.
Advanced Monitoring
We use advanced monitoring equipment to continuously track your pet’s vital signs from start to finish. This includes oxygen levels, breathing effectiveness through carbon dioxide monitoring, heart rhythm via ECG, and blood pressure.
Blood pressure monitoring plays a critical role in assessing how well blood—and oxygen—is being delivered to your pet’s vital organs. Rather than relying on a single reading, we monitor multiple values to give us a more complete and accurate picture, allowing us to make timely adjustments and keep your pet stable throughout anesthesia.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. Your pet is closely monitored as they wake up in our treatment area, where our team can respond quickly to any changes. We focus on a smooth and comfortable recovery by monitoring vital signs, assessing pain control, and ensuring your pet is progressing appropriately.
Pets are only discharged once they are stable, comfortable, and safely on their way to recovery—so you can feel confident bringing them home.
Our Commitment to Your Pet’s Safety
Our approach to anesthesia is built on preparation, training, and attention to detail. By combining experienced professionals with advanced monitoring and individualized care, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and compassionate experience for every patient entrusted to us.
