Question:
I'm hoping that the online Vets on this forum can answer my question about anesthesia for my puppy.

She's going to have spaying and other procedures done with in the next 6 months, and I'm getting my ducks in the row in anticipation of this. I want a little stress as possible for my little dog.

I've been reading about isoflurane gas as an anesthesia for surgical procedures. Basically, it knocks the dog out, but once the gas tube is removed, the animal wakes up almost immediately and effect are cleared within about 1/2 hour.

Is this the best way to go for general anesthetic? Safest? What are the risks?

I read the thread about anesthetic shock this morning. Got me to wondering.

I don't have a cat, but would this be the anesthetic of choice for cats, too?

Answer:
I'm not a vet, but I thought I'd answer what I know...

Anaethesia is always risky. If you're really worried, you can get the pre-op kidney function tests or a general blood test before putting the doggy/kitty under.

The vet I worked with used Isofluorane and never had any issues with it...

Some vets will also give another sedative (sometimes ketamine) before going under the gas. Ketamine is a bit scarier... It's a super hallucinogen and when they wake up from it, it's just horrible. They just freak out, have muscle spasms, shakes, etc (which is also why you can't be there when they wake up, usually).

Here's the monograph for isoflurane... It has all the details of the drug (I tried to find the "real" version from a drug company, but I couldn't... )
http://www.drugs.com/cons/Isoflurane_Systemic.html

Answer:
I've always paid the little bit extra to have isofluorane given with the anaesthesia for surgical procedures. I've been with a dog right after it's come out of surgery and it's so sad to see all the thrashing about. It is alot easier on the dog/cat when they wake up if they've been given isofluorane and I highly recommend it.

Answer:
Thanks, Prin, I'll have a look at the monograph. The material I've already read suggests that if the dog will allow it, Isoflurane can be administered with a mask to get the dog sleepy enough to entubate. Since I'm new to having a dog in the Reno area, I'm going to start interviewing Vet Surgeons soon. There is a holistic Vet here, she's got the inside track, I think, but she's popular enough that there's a 2 week wait to see her for normal stuff.

Reading about Katamine/diazapam, I don't think I want that stuff in my dog.

Answer: