Why We Recommend our Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Profile and I.V. Fluid Therapy
What is a Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Profile?
Our Pre Anaesthetic Blood Profile is a hematology and biochemistry panel, that helps us assess different parameters, primarily red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets which tells us information about clotting disorders, infections, or anemias. It also assesses kidney and liver function prior to anaesthesia where any drops in blood pressure could affect them negatively. This is performed prior to sedation/general anaesthetic. It is done on the day of the surgery/procedure (unless your veterinarian specifies otherwise).
What are the key benefits of getting this testing done?
The biochemistry checks two of the organs responsible for processing anaesthetic are the kidneys and liver and disease of these organs is not always apparent when your veterinarian examines the patient in consult. Pre-anaesthetic blood tests enable us to detect any issues with these organs prior to giving sedation/anaesthetic drugs. With this information we can formulate a plan to better reduce the risk to these organs. This may involve changing the drugs used or even the entire approach to surgery. In very rare cases we may need to cancel surgery due to the findings on the blood tests.
The hematology measures the Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red blood cells, White blood cells and platelets. This can help to identify clotting disorders, infections and anemias. The PCV is a way to measure if your pet is anemic before starting the procedure, we do not want to begin a nonemergency surgery on a patient with a low PCV. Some blood loss occurs during most surgical procedures. A presurgical level is also important if excessive bleeding occurs during surgery or if we suspect bleeding internally after surgery in that we can compare post surgical PCV level with presurgical PCV levels.
We will determine the Total Protein content of the serum to make sure your pet is adequately hydrated. A dehydrated patient undergoing anesthesia could potentially result in kidney failure. Total protein is also important in interpreting the PCV level.
Which patients are these tests often recommended for?
These tests are recommended for all patients, especially those over the age of 6 years as they are more likely to have kidney and liver issues so pre-anaesthetic blood tests are often routinely recommended for these animals. Pre-anaesthetic blood tests may also be recommended if we are suspicious of disease. For example, if the animal is unwell or if there may be an internal disease causing the surgical condition.
Intraoperative I.V. fluids
To continue to provide great patient care and to improve patient experience all general anaesthetics include Intra-operative I.V fluids to all patients. For patients receiving sedation (not general anaesthesia), the owner has a choice if they wish to add I.V fluids, see below for information regarding the benefits of I.V fluids.
What are intraoperative I.V. fluids?
These are fluids given intravenously (into the blood stream) during the procedure/anaesthetic.
What are the key benefits of providing I.V. fluids?
- The biggest side-effect of anaesthesia is hypotension (low blood pressure) and I.V. fluids help us to maintain/increase blood pressure. The kidneys, liver, and heart in particular are very sensitive to changes in blood pressure. If the animal already has some kidney/liver/cardiac issues, keeping blood pressure within a normal range becomes especially important.
- We can replace fluids that might be lost during surgery. For example, if there is some bleeding, we can replace some of the fluids lost in the blood.
- We help correct dehydration that might have occurred before surgery.
- We can help correct electrolyte imbalances.
- By having I.V. fluids in place, we are also more quickly able to give emergency drugs if needed.
- Having I.V fluids improves metabolising the GA drug and speeds up the patients recovery.
Which patients are I.V. fluids often recommended for?
For patients over 6years of age who are receiving sedation, please speak to your veterinarian or admission nurse if you are wanting to add I.V fluids to their treatment. Patients over the age of 6 are more likely to have issues with organs that are sensitive to changes in blood pressure. Fluids may also be recommended if we are aware of a medical condition which would benefit from their use (eg. kidney disease/liver disease/dehydration/heart disease).