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What Anesthetic Should Be Used On Manchester Terriers And Why

The concern over anesthetic safety has been, still is and always will be a concern. Complications from the anesthetic agent is more common than complications from the surgical or dental procedure. Modern medicine has markedly improved the safety of the anesthetic agents. To make them truly safe, a thorough understanding of their actions is essential.

A study done at Cornell University Veterinary School, noted there are differences in how some breeds of dogs metabolize premeds (preloads) and anesthetics, with "leaner" dogs with active metabolisms being more at risk. The Manchester Terrier is one breed of dogs that is at RISK.

A Manchester Terrier should not be given premeds. They should be gassed straight down - (this is a little more difficult for the Veterinarian , but better than losing the dog on the table). Sensitive breeds do not metabolize an initial premed sedative out of the bloodstream quickly enough. When gas or injected anesthetic is administered, it causes a doubling up of the anesthetic load, resulting in depression of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

Some of the most common factors that need to be considered when selecting an anesthetic are the following:

1. Age of the patient
2. Pre-existing problems of the patient (liver disease, kidney insufficiency, cardiac irregularities, etc.)
3. Rate of induction (how rapidly can the patient be anesthetized)
4. Speed of recovery
5. Affects to heart rate and rhythm
6. Affects on blood pressure
7. Overall safety to the patient and the hospital staff
8. Cost

~~~Isoflurane~~~

Is the newest of the gas anesthetic agents, and is considered by many to be the anesthetic of choice. This is especially true for the young, the geriatric and the critically ill patient. It is a very volatile gas which makes for very rapid induction and rapid recovery of the Manchester Terrier

as a patient. The amount of isoflurane that is absorbed by the body tissues and has to be metabolized by the body (mainly the liver and kidney) is only 0.7%. This is 100 times less than halothane and 300 times less than methoxyflurane (metoghane). This makes it much safer for the liver and kidneys and these organs have much less to do in breaking down absorbing anesthetic, making it the anesthetic of choice for the Manchester Terrier.

Some disadvantages of isoflurane are:

1. The affect it has on lowering blood pressure

2. Need of close monitoring because of its high vaporization rate

3. Cost

~~~It is very important that the Manchester Terrier be well hydrated prior to and during the time,

the anesthetic is being given. Water should NEVER be restricted prior to surgeries, in Manchester Terriers. Intravenous fluid administration is recommended for surgeries lasting longer than 20 minutes. We ask for hydration intravenously during procedures of any length.

A Manchester Terrier should be awake and normal within 10 minutes after Surgery.