This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Before the anesthetic procedure A thorough history of current and past medical problems can provide valuable information about your pet's physical condition. A history of poor ability to exercise may indicate abnormal heart or lung function, an important consideration when planning an anesthetic procedure.
Many anesthetic drugs affect blood flow to major organs and are inactivated by the liver.
Your veterinarian may evaluate a blood sample for anemia and for kidney and liver function prior to deciding which anesthetic technique to use. There are many types of anesthetic regimes including the use of drugs that are injected into a vein or muscle or inhalant drugs that are breathed in and out of the body. Your veterinarian will select the anesthetic regime based on the health of your pet and on the type of surgical procedure to be performed. Tranquilizers are often given before a general anesthetic. Many anesthetic techniques involve the administration of a sedative or tranquilizer before the anesthetic agent is given.