Pure Dog Talk

Breed Specific Anesthesia Fact and Fiction Dr. Marty Greer brings us information about breed specific anesthesia myths and realities to provide peace of mind and knowledge. "Everyone has an opinion and an experience," Greer said. "Anesthesia is controlled death. We have to be respectful and appreciative of the advances in medicine. Your vet wants to know that you have the facts to have an informed conversation." Modern anesthesia drugs are "So impactful in the ability to wander through the body surgically in a way we can cure things we never could before. It’s amazing," Greer said. Breakthroughs in new drugs and monitoring equipment make today's anesthetic procedures safer for all dogs. Nonetheless, certain groups of dogs have specific needs. Sighthounds Sighthounds, athletes that they are, boast only 17% body fat vs 35% body fat in most dogs, Greer said. This means the anesthesia drugs metabolize slower in their systems. Higher red blood cel count and lower albumin also changes the metabolism of drugs in