Can greyhounds have problems with anesthesia?
Last week, we told here on the Blog that brachycephalic dogs
– those with a flattened snout, like the Shih Tzu, Pug and French Bulldog –
need special care when the use of anesthesia is necessary, and this is the case
with Greyhounds.
In the article, we explained that the reason for concern is
not necessarily about the effects of anesthesia, but the fragile breathing that
brachycephalic dogs have. In addition, we explain that the only dog breed
that is proven to be more sensitive to anesthesia is the Greyhound, as well as
other greyhounds (Whippet, Italian Greyhound, Afghan Hound, etc.). And now it's
time to better explain the reasons for you to stay on top of the subject.
Anesthesia in Greyhounds: dog with little body fat
Greyhounds are dogs that excel in races, thanks to their
privileged biotype. But the slight body that helps these canines reach up to 80
km/h is precisely what makes them more sensitive to anesthesia.
“Greyhound is a name for slender, agile, deep-chested dogs
with remarkable abilities for running and activities involving speed. Such
characteristics culminate in a low “score” of body fat, which places these dogs
in a special group, which needs more attention before receiving anesthesia”, explains
Karina Casagrande Ferreira, Veterinary Doctor and postgraduate in Dog
Anesthesiology and Cats.
The doctor says that dogs with low body fat are more
susceptible to drops in temperature during anesthesia and therefore need to
rely on external sources of heat to stay warm until the effects of the
anesthetic wear off.
Anesthesia in Greyhounds: Differentiated Metabolism
A greyhound's metabolism is as fast as a dog on a race
track, meaning the pet's body is super agile to break down food and turn it
into energy for the body. And that contributes a lot for him to stay thin.
However, if the agile metabolism helps the dog maintain
weight, it plays against it when it comes to anesthesia. “This group of dogs
has an accelerated metabolism, making the stabilization of the anesthetic plan
(when the animal is sleeping and keeps all vital parameters stable without
signs of pain) a challenge for the anesthesiologist”, says Casagrande.
This is because the different physiology of the greyhound
means that the dog does not metabolize anesthesia agents in the same way as
other breeds, as its liver has lesser amounts of oxidative enzymes.
Specific anesthetics
“Greyhounds should not receive some anesthetic groups, as
they are more susceptible to side effects, mainly related to a delay in
anesthetic recovery. Among this group, the anesthetics of the thiobarbiturates
group stand out”, reveals the doctor.
So, it is up to the veterinarian to carry out a thorough
pre-assessment, analyzing whether there is a real need for the patient to be
anesthetized and, if confirmed, assess which anesthesia - within this specific
group - is the most suitable to minimize side effects and help the pet to have
a better recovery.
Importantly, despite being more sensitive to anesthesia, greyhounds
can perfectly receive the drug when the situation is necessary. All you have to
do is count on a good veterinarian, who requests all the preventive exams for
the furry and knows how to deal with the particularities of the breed to take
good care of the pet.
Comentários
Postar um comentário