Introduction
- Most deaths in animals under anesthesia are preventable with careful preparation and attention to detail.
- In a large survey of perioperative deaths in small animals an overall death rate of 0.17% in dogs and 0.24% in cats was found (Brodbelt et al 2008). This study just looked at death rates and not the causes of the deaths.
- In healthy animals death rates reduced to 0.05% in dogs and 0.11% in cats. This group of fatalities was probably due to human error of some description.
- In sick animals the rates increased to 1.33% in dogs and 1.4% in cats.
Risks
- All stages of anesthesia are a potential hazard.
- Always discuss the risks of anesthesia with owners before surgery.
- Signed consent forms should be utilized.
- Physiologically imbalanced patients are particularly at risk.
- Successful outcomes depend upon:
- Prompt recognition of developing problems.
- Rapid diagnosis of the underlying cause.
- Taking appropriate measures to correct the problem quickly.
Types of complications
- Airway obstruction.
- Breathing/respiratory compromise.
- Circulatory failure.
- Equipment failure.
- Human error.
Failure of perfusion of the tissues is the primary concern. 3 minutes without oxygen can result in permanent cerebral damage: resuscitation is the 'three minute emergency'. Beyond this time irreparable damage occurs.
Sources
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed.
- Brodbelt D C, Blissett K J, Hammond R A, Neath P J, Young L E, Pfeiffer D U & Wood J L (2008) The risk of death: the confidential report into perioperative small animal fatalities. Vet Anaesth Analg 35 (5), 365-373 PubMed.
- Joubert K E & Lobetti R (2002) The cardiovascular and respiratory effects of medetomidine and thiopentone anaesthesia in dogs breathing at an altitude of 1486m. J S Afr Vet Assoc 73 (3), 104-110 PubMed.
- Sap R & Hellebrekers L J (1993) Medetomidine/propofol anaesthesia for gastroduodenal endoscopy in dogs. Vet Anaesth Anal 20 (2), 100-102.
- Clarke K W & Hall L W (1990) A survey of anaesthesia in small animal practice - AVA/BSAVA report. J Vet Anaesth 17 , 4-10.
Other sources of information
- Hall L W & Clarke K W (1991) Veterinary Anaesthesia. London: Bailliere Tindall.
