Do vets give anesthesia tests?

Eyssa · 11-05-2009, 11:09 AM

Someone mentioned that our vet doesn't do anesthesia tests, but is there even such thing? A google search rendered no results, and I'm a little worried now about getting my six-pound Pom puppy neutered... not that I haven't had all of my other animals spayed/neutered, it's just for some reason right now I'm all of a sudden very wary, though it does need to be done.

Pai · 11-05-2009, 05:07 PM

I just know small dogs shouldn't be given ACE (Acepromazine). They have a higher risk of a reaction to it.

meandean · 11-05-2009, 05:14 PM

YES!!! they do and i can't stress the importance of it!!

we have a cat that had to get an eye removed the vet insisted on doing a blood test for a mere $20 before the surgery. he was alergic to one anesthesia but not another...so the latter was used.

our friend has (had) a cat that they rescued....took to get nuetered and when they gave the cat the anesthesia for the operation it died on the operating table.

Its not a very common thing to be allergic to anesthesia i'm told...but i have 2 examples that say otherwise. $20 and a couple phonecalls to other vets in the area doesn't seem like a waste.

Michiyo-Fir · 11-05-2009, 05:19 PM

Some vets do it, some don't. Some do it for free, some do it at a charge. But ask the vet to use isoflurane, it's much better than some of the older anesthesia that give dogs allergic reactions.

Cracker · 11-05-2009, 06:54 PM

The preop blood tests done for animals at the vets include liver and kidney function tests to ensure there is not an underlying condition that could CAUSE the deadly reaction to the anesthesia. Not all vets do it in young dogs for spay neuter but my vet has always insisted on it. If you request it they will do it.

soliaris · 11-06-2009, 08:15 AM

Pre-GA test is highly recomended for dogs at 7 y/o and older; Cost approx 100-120;
Pre-GA blood test includes:
Albumin (ALB)
Alanine Aminotrasferase (ALT)
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Creatinine (CREA)
Blood Glucose (GLU)
Total Protein (TP)
ELECTROLYTES
HEMATOLOGY
Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Additional testing that may be required.
URINALYSIS
SERUM THYROID HORMONE
HEARTWORM BLOOD TEST
FECAL ANALYSIS
FELINE LEUKEMIA BLOOD TEST
FIV TEST

Cracker · 11-06-2009, 08:25 AM

Thanks for that list Soliaris.
I also want to mention that I personally recommend preop bloods on all ages of dogs. We had a client once that refused preop bloods on his JRT puppy (he was going under for neuter)..the dog got very sick afterwards, turns out he had a liver shunt..if the blood work had been done we would have been able to catch the issue PRIOR to surgery and we would have been able to deal with the health issue before neutering him. What WAS a routine surgery became a very expensive, very traumatic illness for the owner and the puppy. He survived and had surgery to repair the shunt, but his recovery would have been quicker and safer if we'd found it before.

vabird · 11-06-2009, 12:19 PM

Blood tests will show the health of the dog. Certain tests will show how well the liver functions, some will show how well the kidney functions, and some will show whether a dog is anemic. Other tests can help determine whether a dog has an underlying infection or hormonal disorders such as Addison's disease.

The tests, themselves, will not tell how an animal will do under anesthesia but we can use them to tailor anesthesia protocols that may prevent any further damage, or even to tell whether we should avoid anesthesia until the illness is under control. If a dog has kidney disease, we might avoid drugs that are filtered through the kidneys and be extra careful maintaining blood pressure.

"But ask the vet to use isoflurane, it's much better than some of the older anesthesia that give dogs allergic reactions."
They don't have "allergic reactions" to the gas. Iso is a little safer than other older gas agents for different reasons. Sevoflurane may also be used which is a new agent and as safe as Iso.

" just know small dogs shouldn't be given ACE (Acepromazine). They have a higher risk of a reaction to it."
That is not true.

Ayanla · 11-06-2009, 12:41 PM

My vet recommended the pre-op bloodwork, but only requires it for senior animals. I opted for it with both of my pups.

The odds are very high that your pup is perfectly healthy and has no kidney or liver issues that would complicate surgery. For my own sanity, though, it was worth the extra $33 I paid for the bloodwork.