Greyhounds and Anaesthetic

[Swirlymurphy]

One of ours is always very slow to recover from a sedation, no matter how light. We always make sure the vet knows about her history with them but no matter what efforts are made to minimise the impct, they do have an effect on her.

Other than keeping her warm and quiet, are there are any other tips to help the effects wear off faster?

Thanks

 

[{97702}]

Sorry but no there aren't - I hate having any of mine sedated for just that reason, and always insist on a drip beforehand etc. to minimise the impact Just keep her warm, quiet and she will pick up soon xx

 

[Swirlymurphy]

Thank you. I loathe seeing her so spaced out and not her normal slightly manic self. All our other lurchers and greyhounds have been fine so I think we have got off lightly generally. It's just this little flower! Thanks for the reply

 

[Clodagh]

Mine last time was ill for literally months after an anaesthetic so now at 16 (she is a lurcher) we just ignore the remaining rotten teeth, I won't put her through it again. If younger it would be more difficult to decide.

 

[Aru]

How long are you considering a long time to recover? Days,weeks or hours?
Hours..ie evening and overnight is pretty normal for most dogs.but some individuals are pretty sensitive and will take a bit longer (the reason hospitals wont let you drive home after procedures even if you seem fine)...days and weeks I'd be more concerned.

It really depends on what drugs are used and why..ie with an operation/dental/stitch up and how long they are sedated or under general for. And also if reversals are used if its sedation only.age of the dog to a lesser extent also comes into it. If iv fluids are used throughout procedure then they do tend to recover sooner also.

Inhaled anaesthetics are processed much quicker then the sedative drugs and induction agents so in some cases a full ga can sometimes be safer then a deep sedation. Certain induction agents and injectables take a long time for the lean muscley dogs to breakdown (its to do with fat levels drug absorbtion and metabolism)and leave longlasting hangover affects so we take care with these in skinny dogs and sighthounds and use specific doses levels if they have to be used.

If shes getting longterm hangovers from normal drugs and hasnt had bloods done recently I'd be checking to make sure the liver values are all normal as a lot of the drug processing goes through that organ.

Tlc and letting her rest up and keep warm is often the best you can do. Her body just needs time to process and remove the drugs and is keeping her safe by keeping her quiet as its doing this. Sometimes a drip before,during and after can help as it keeps the body hydrated(esp as they have to be fasted the night before)and the blood pressure up ensureing all the organs are kept at full function but its not always a miracle fix.
Its competely normal for some dogs to be out of sorts until the day after through...the drugs used are processed at different speeds by each animal and some do feel the affects even at the lowest of doses.think people and the hangover you get from alcohol.everyones a bit different in recovery as they process the alcohol!


They do like to worry their owners and greys esp are absolutely the worst for being dramatic when they feel rough!