Continued from part V
Like most of you, every time my dog requires anesthesia, I'm concerned. Not because of Jasmine's dramatic reaction to the Buprenorphine; that is so rare it is really unheard of. And not because of the events towards the end; who knows what crazy factors were at play.
Anesthesia protocols have come a long way and became much safer. Proper monitoring during and post anesthesia are also crucial, but our vets do all this thoroughly.
JD, for example, seems to take anesthesia quite hard. He never had what you'd call a true adverse reaction, but he had a very hard time coming out of the effects the last two times. I tried to discuss that after the first time but it didn't look anybody revised his protocol.
While is generally accepted that small and/or brachycephalic dogs are the ones most likely to have a hard time with going under, as it turns out, large dogs can have some issues as well. For reasons having to do with their metabolic rate, the biggest challenge with large and giant breeds is dosage. As it seems, pound-per-pound, they require a lower dose than small breeds.
It seems that calculating the right dose can be quite tricky. There are other breed considerations. It is important to make sure your veterinarian understands what is the best protocol for your particular breed.
I already wrote about that here. While there might have been other factors at play, I insisted that Cookie's protocol was carefully reconsidered. The next time, with a different protocol, Cookie had no issues at all.
When it comes to medications for your dog, it is important to be mindful of potential adverse effects. It can be one pill or one dose that causes trouble. But it can be a medication your dog was on for a long time and handling it well. Just because there was never a problem before, it doesn't mean bad things can't happen.
Learn what you might expect and be ready. If all goes well, you can sigh with relief. But if something should happen, you'd be prepared.
Further reading:
Breed-specific anesthesia
Canine Breed-Specific Considerations for Anesthesia
Related articles:
Our Dogs' History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part I)
Our Dogs' History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part II)
Our Dogs' History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part III)
Our Dog's History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part IV)
Our Dog's History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part V)
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part I)
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part II)
Do you have a story to share?
Your story can help others, maybe even save a life!
What were the first signs you noticed? How did you dog get diagnosed? What treatment did/didn't work for you? What was your experience with your vet(s)? How did you cope with the challenges?
Email me, I'll be happy to hear from you.
Like most of you, every time my dog requires anesthesia, I'm concerned. Not because of Jasmine's dramatic reaction to the Buprenorphine; that is so rare it is really unheard of. And not because of the events towards the end; who knows what crazy factors were at play.
There is always some risk with anesthesia.
Anesthesia protocols have come a long way and became much safer. Proper monitoring during and post anesthesia are also crucial, but our vets do all this thoroughly.
Issues can always crop up, though, whether with anesthesia or with sedation.
JD, for example, seems to take anesthesia quite hard. He never had what you'd call a true adverse reaction, but he had a very hard time coming out of the effects the last two times. I tried to discuss that after the first time but it didn't look anybody revised his protocol.
While is generally accepted that small and/or brachycephalic dogs are the ones most likely to have a hard time with going under, as it turns out, large dogs can have some issues as well. For reasons having to do with their metabolic rate, the biggest challenge with large and giant breeds is dosage. As it seems, pound-per-pound, they require a lower dose than small breeds.
I think that's what was behind JD having a hard time getting over his anesthesia.
It seems that calculating the right dose can be quite tricky. There are other breed considerations. It is important to make sure your veterinarian understands what is the best protocol for your particular breed.
Cookie, on the other hand, had a major reaction to sedation.
I already wrote about that here. While there might have been other factors at play, I insisted that Cookie's protocol was carefully reconsidered. The next time, with a different protocol, Cookie had no issues at all.
There is never a problem until there is.
When it comes to medications for your dog, it is important to be mindful of potential adverse effects. It can be one pill or one dose that causes trouble. But it can be a medication your dog was on for a long time and handling it well. Just because there was never a problem before, it doesn't mean bad things can't happen.
Always review the product sheet for any medication you're about to give your dog.
Learn what you might expect and be ready. If all goes well, you can sigh with relief. But if something should happen, you'd be prepared.
Further reading:
Breed-specific anesthesia
Canine Breed-Specific Considerations for Anesthesia
Related articles:
Our Dogs' History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part I)
Our Dogs' History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part II)
Our Dogs' History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part III)
Our Dog's History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part IV)
Our Dog's History of Adverse Drug Reactions (Part V)
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part I)
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part II)
Your story can help others, maybe even save a life!
What were the first signs you noticed? How did you dog get diagnosed? What treatment did/didn't work for you? What was your experience with your vet(s)? How did you cope with the challenges?
Email me, I'll be happy to hear from you.
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