Complex Anaesthesia

Overview & pre-care

In Veterinary Dentistry, general anaesthesia is essential for thorough dental procedures. While it is much safer today, patients with underlying health conditions may face higher risks. Additionally, since pets are family, clients regularly want the highest quality of care. For all these patients, specialised Anaesthetists are crucial to manage risks and tailor anaesthetic plans to individual needs.

Pre-anaesthesia care is essential for optimising outcomes. Some patients benefit from medications given before arriving at the hospital, which help promote relaxation and reduce the amount of anaesthetic drugs needed during the procedure.

We assess each patient individually, considering their health history, age and any concurrent medical conditions, to tailor the anaesthetic approach to their specific needs.

Extended care & monitoring

During the recovery phase, continuous monitoring is crucial to ensure a smooth transition from anaesthesia to wakefulness. A dedicated anaesthetic team, including nurses, technicians and veterinarians, works closely with each patient throughout this process, ensuring they receive the necessary attention and care.

We ensure every patient remains stable and comfortable, promptly addressing any issues that arise. From arrival until the patient is ready to go home, our team provides comprehensive care, carefully overseeing every aspect of the recovery which gives peace of mind to each patient’s human family, knowing their loved one is in expert hands.

Age-related conditions & collaborative care

As advancements in veterinary medicine enable pets to live longer with age-related diseases, the prevalence of dental issues in older patients has increased. Pets with additional health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or renal disease, require careful anaesthesia management due to the potential added risks.

Collaboration with specialists is crucial for managing complex cases. Veterinary Cardiologists may be consulted for patients with heart disease to assess risks and ensure safe anaesthesia. Internal Medicine Specialists are essential for conditions like renal disease, diabetes, Cushing’s disease and liver disease to guide preparation and anticipate complications.

Common conditions impacting anaesthesia

Several health conditions can significantly affect the process:

  • Heart Disease impacts anaesthesia variably, and collaboration with Cardiologists helps assess and minimise risks
  • Renal (Kidney) Disease requires careful monitoring and adjustment of anaesthetic protocols
  • Diabetes necessitates specialised attention to blood glucose levels and tailored anaesthesia plans
  • Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease) involves detailed preparation and monitoring due to potential complications
  • Brachycephalic breeds with respiratory issues need specialised anaesthetic approaches

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

 


Refer a Patient Contact Us

Goo Yang

Goo presented with swelling of the right mandible and an unerupted tooth, indicating a potential underlying issue that required further investigation.

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Fraser Taylor

Fraser was recently adopted and presented with a notable overbite and mandibular micrognathia, indicating a smaller, underdeveloped mandible.

Bundy Gargett

Bundy presented with advanced periodontal disease, which resulted in multiple extractions at a young age.

Minnie Ibell

Minnie presented with severe juvenile periodontitis, which progressed to feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS).

Patient
Stories

Goo Yang

Goo presented with swelling of the right mandible and an unerupted tooth, indicating a potential underlying issue that required further investigation.

Fraser Taylor

Fraser was recently adopted and presented with a notable overbite and mandibular micrognathia, indicating a smaller, underdeveloped mandible.

Bundy Gargett

Bundy presented with advanced periodontal disease, which resulted in multiple extractions at a young age.

Minnie Ibell

Minnie presented with severe juvenile periodontitis, which progressed to feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS).