Cindy Beckman wrote: >I've asked for no pre-meds with a relatively calm dog, and have >always requested inhalant anesthesia
For those of you who are requesting no premeds and ONLY inhalant anesthesia (ie no induction agent using an injectable anesthetic) you should know that MANY animals will go through what we call an "excitement phase" that can last 5 minutes or so while the dog is "masked down" to a good plane of anesthesia. In the excitement stage the animal can thrash around oftentimes quite violently and vocalize. The thrashing can harm either the dog or humans involved in getting the dog ready for surgery. Picture your 90lb Berner trying to launch itself off of a 3 1/2 foot high table. I would suggest that you request your vet to use Propofal (hope I spelled that correctly) for induction and then maintained on the inhalant of choice. Propofal is injectable but wears off very fast but is great for older animals, or others that are a higher risk for complications. Using an induction agent is easier and faster and results in a less stressed animal (so it is not huffing in the gas or hurting itself or clinic workers) and the animal is intubated quicker. Bernerly, Angela Wagenblast (Veterinary assistant for 8+ years)
