Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications and mortality associated with anesthesia in dogs and cats.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 1999
- Authors:
- Gaynor, J S et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
A study looked at the risks and deaths related to anesthesia in dogs and cats at a university hospital over one year. Out of 2,556 dogs and 683 cats that were put under anesthesia, some experienced problems like low blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, and a need for blood transfusions. Specifically, about 12% of dogs and 10.5% of cats had complications during or after the procedure, and there was a small risk of death, with 0.43% of both dogs and cats not surviving the anesthesia period. Overall, while most pets do well, there are some risks involved with anesthesia that pet owners should be aware of.
Abstract
The complications and mortality associated with anesthesia of dogs and cats in a university teaching hospital were determined. During one year, 2,556 dogs and 683 cats were anesthetized by the anesthesia service. Hypotension occurred in 179 (7%) dogs and 58 (8.5%) cats. Cardiac dysrhythmias occurred in 64 (2.5%) dogs and 12 (1.8%) cats. Transfusions were required in 31 (1.2%) dogs. Hypercapnea occurred in 33 (1.3%) dogs and one (less than 1%) cat. Hypoxemia occurred in 14 (0.5%) dogs. Anesthetic complications, as defined, occurred in 12.0% of dogs and 10.5% of cats, while deaths associated with the perianesthetic period occurred in 0.43% of dogs and 0.43% of cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9934922/