Most people are aware that there are always risks associated with general anesthesia when it comes to people, but they seem to accept them more readily and with less anxiety than they do when they have a pet that needs surgery. As a veterinarian, you will have the responsibility of helping pet owners understand veterinary anesthesia so you can help alleviate their fears. This is important because the more stressed the pet owner, the more stressed the pet, and that could add to the stress of separation they are already feeling.
One thing you can do is show the surgical suite to them ahead of time. They won’t be able to be present during the surgery, but if they can visualize where their pet is during veterinary anesthesia, it will be less stressful for them. It will also give them more confidence to see the equipment that will be used. Another step to helping the pet owner is to take the time to address their questions. Go over everything that they can expect regarding how their pet will be after surgery and what follow-up care will be needed. As a special touch for the extra anxious person, you could also arrange to text or email them a photo of their pet resting peacefully in recovery. If they are especially concerned about veterinary anesthesia, it can be helpful to inform them that the risk of death from anesthesia is very minimal- far below one-half of one percent and that the risk can be minimized with preoperative blood work to rule out any issue that would put them at added risk.
As mentioned, letting them see the surgical suite can go a long way to putting an anxious pet owner at ease. At Georgian Anesthesia and Medical Corp., we offer the latest in surgical and veterinary anesthesia equipment and services so you and your patients’ owners can be confident that the pets you operate on are in safe hands. Reach out today to learn more.