b'Age is only a concern with anesthesia if there are otherdisorders present. Ensuring that any disorders are treated orregulated, lessens any anesthesia risk. Age unto itself is not adisease and not a reason to avoid anesthesia. Whenaveterinaryteamisawareoftheabovenotedfactors, anesthesia can be made very safe. All pets undergoinganesthesia should have medication administered via a catheterbefore connection to an anesthesia machine. The catheter alsoallowsfordirectadministrationofmedicationsthathelpregulate heart function and respiratory function. And finally,fluids can be induced to help flush the injectable anestheticdrugsfromthebody,maintainbloodpressureandnormalhydration. Fluids can also be warmed to help maintain normalbody temperature.Anesthesia is introduced through a breathing tube (endo-trachealtube)insertedintothetrachea(windpipe). Theendotracheal tube is connected to a gas anesthesia machinewhereupontheanestheticgascombinedwithoxygen,isadministered to the pet. This gas is breathed into the lungs,passestothebrainrenderingthepetunconsciousandpreventingthebrainfromperceivingpain.Itisatthistimethatsurgery,radiographsorotherprocedurescanbepainlessly performed.Aveterinarianand/orveterinarynursewillperformphysical monitoring to ensure that breathing, heart function,gum color, etc. are all within normal parameters. MonitoringmachinesincludinganECGtomonitorheartrateandrhythm; pulse oximeter to monitor heart rate, pulse qualityandtheamountofoxygenintheblood;bloodpressuremeasurements,temperaturemeasurements,etc.Shouldanyabnormality be noted, then prompt action can be taken tocorrect the abnormality and ensure pet anesthetic safety. The post anesthesia period is when most deaths related toanesthesia have been reported to occur. Continued monitor-ingofalltheparameterslistedaboveisneededuntilthepatient is conscious. The endotracheal tube is removed oncethe pet has a normal swallow/gag response. The pet is keptwarm with special heating pads or warm air blowers. Oncethepetcanswallow,maintainitselfinanormaluprightposition and has a normal body temperature, the anestheticperiod is safely complete.The fact is, with a great physical exam, pre-anesthetic labtesting,modernanestheticdrugs,exceptionalfunctionofmonitoring equipment and a well trained health care team,the risk of anesthetic complications and death is very low. Thebenefits of a needed anesthetic event far outweigh the risk.Discuss any concerns you have with your veterinarian and Imsure your fears will be allayed. U Y Dr. Timothy Hodge has been practicing veterinary medi-cine in Tampa since 1995. He has completed his trainingat the Chi Institute and provides acupuncture and herbaltherapies in addition to traditional medical care. He may bereached at one of his two Tampa offices: Harbourside AnimalHospital, in Channelside at 831.229.3322 or at the Cross Creekfacility at 813.994.6929.www.TheNewBarker.com Spring 2016 THE NEW BARKER 57'