Anaesthesia
Pre-Operative Checks
As many dental patients are elderly and as we know dental disease can affect other body organs, a blood test may be suggested as part of the pre-operative checks.
A physical exam, checking the heart, circulation and lungs should also be carried out. Depending upon the patient intra-venous fluids may be recommended during the anaesthetic. Antibiotics and pain relief may also be needed pre-operatively.
General Anaesthesia
Your veterinary surgeon will advise on the safest anaesthetic regime for your dog. Various anaesthetic monitors may be used, together with trained staff to monitor the anaesthetic. Heated beds are often used to maintain body temperature as the water spray around the mouth can be quite cooling.
Intubation
This is where a tube is passed into the airway. It is considered essential when scaling and polishing. This, together with suitable packing material in the back of the throat, will prevent inhalation of debris and fluid from the scalers.
Local Anaesthetics
Increasingly veterinary dentists are using local nerve blocks in addition to general anaesthesia. The aim is to increase pain relief and to also allow a lighter depth of general anesthetic to be used.
Safety is the first priority for any anaesthetic.
Did You Know?
Spot the Lesion
Colour changes to the tooth and pimple to the gum - a tooth root abscess.
