Why Anaesthesia Is Key to Your Pet’s Safe Dental Surgery

As a loving pet owner, you want the best for your furry companion, especially when it comes to their health. If your pet is scheduled for dental surgery, you might have questions about the procedure, particularly about the use of anaesthesia. At Vetmed, we understand these concerns and want to reassure you that anaesthesia is a critical component in ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort during dental surgery. Here’s why.

Why Dental Surgery Matters for Your Pet

Dental health is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Issues like tartar buildup, gum disease, or broken teeth can cause significant pain and lead to serious health problems if left untreated. At Vetmed, we see dental disease as one of the most common health issues in pets, with over 80% of dogs and 70% cats over three years old showing signs of dental problems1. Dental surgery, such as professional cleanings, tooth extractions, or advanced treatments like root canals and jaw fracture repairs, helps keep your pet’s mouth healthy and pain-free. However, these procedures often require precision and stillness, which is where anaesthesia plays a vital role.

The Role of Anaesthesia in Pet Dental Surgery

Anaesthesia is a carefully controlled medical process that allows your pet to undergo surgery without pain or distress. Here’s why it’s essential:

1. Pain-Free Experience
Dental procedures, even routine cleanings, can be uncomfortable or painful without proper pain management. Anaesthesia ensures your pet is completely unaware of the procedure, eliminating pain and discomfort during treatments like scaling, polishing, or tooth extractions.

2. Keeping Your Pet Still
Pets don’t understand the need to stay still during delicate procedures. Anaesthesia keeps your pet calm and immobile, allowing our veterinarians to perform precise interventions, such as dental X-rays or complex oral surgeries, without risking injury to your pet or our team.

3. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
The sights, sounds, and sensations of a veterinary clinic can be overwhelming for pets. Anaesthesia helps keep your pet relaxed, preventing anxiety and ensuring they remain calm throughout the procedure.

4. Safety and Monitoring
At Vetmed, our team uses advanced anaesthesia protocols tailored to your pet’s size, age, and health condition. Our state-of-the-art equipment and continuous monitoring by a dedicated veterinary nurse ensure your pet’s safety during every procedure. During surgery, we closely monitor vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure to ensure your pet remains safe and stable.

How Vetmed Ensures Safe Anaesthesia for Your Pet

We know that the idea of anaesthesia can be worrying for pet owners, but rest assured that our team at Vetmed prioritises your pet’s safety.

Here’s how we do it:

• Pre-Surgical Assessment: Before any procedure, we conduct a thorough health evaluation, including blood tests, to ensure your pet is fit for anaesthesia. This includes assessing heart, liver, and kidney function to tailor the safest anaesthetic plan.
• Customised Anaesthesia Plans: Every pet is unique, so we tailor the anaesthesia protocol to your pet’s specific needs, taking into account their breed, age, and medical history. At Vetmed, we use the same high-standard anaesthetic protocols for dental procedures as we do for major surgeries, ensuring consistency and safety.
• Close and Careful Monitoring: Our veterinary team uses cutting-edge equipment to monitor your pet’s vital signs in real-time, allowing us to respond immediately to any changes. This includes monitoring respiratory rate, temperature, and ECG to maintain stability throughout the procedure.
• Post-Surgery Care: After surgery, we closely observe your pet during recovery to ensure they wake up safely and comfortably. Our team provides pain relief and antibiotics as needed, along with detailed home care instructions to support recovery. We also provide detailed aftercare instructions to support their healing at home.

Common Concerns About Anaesthesia

It’s normal to have questions about anaesthesia. Here are answers to some common concerns:

• Is anaesthesia safe for my pet? Modern veterinary anaesthesia is very safe when administered by trained professionals. At Vetmed, our experienced veterinarians and technicians follow strict protocols to minimise risks.
• What if my pet is older or has health issues? We take extra precautions for senior pets or those with medical conditions, using specialised anaesthesia techniques and thorough pre-surgical evaluations to ensure their safety. Vetmed’s team is skilled in managing high-risk patients, adjusting protocols to suit each pet’s unique needs.
• How will my pet recover? Most pets recover quickly from anaesthesia and are back to their normal selves within a day or two. Depending on the procedure, your pet may need a soft diet or restricted activity for a short period, and we’ll guide you on how to care for them at home.

Trust Vetmed for Your Pet’s Dental Care

At Vetmed, we’re committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care for your pet. Our advanced dentistry services, led by veterinarians with extensive training in dental surgery, ensure your pet receives top-tier treatment in a safe, controlled environment. Anaesthesia is a cornerstone of safe and effective dental surgery, allowing us to keep your pet comfortable and healthy. If your pet is due for a dental checkup or surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Vetmed has four clinic locations across Sydney in the Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches, making it easy to access quality pet dental care. Visit us a Lindfield, Randwick, Forestville, and Northbridge. We’re here to answer your questions and ensure your pet receives the best possible care.