Risks of Anesthesia in Diabetic Dogs
The risks include:
- Glucose Instability: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels during the procedure.
- Electrolyte Disturbances: Imbalances that can affect cardiac and neurological function.
- Infections: Increased risk due to impaired wound healing and reduced immune function in diabetic dogs.
Despite these risks, proper preparation and management can make anesthesia safe and beneficial.
Preparing Diabetic Dogs for Anesthesia
Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic workup is essential to identify and mitigate risks. This includes:
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: Establishing baseline levels and identifying trends in glucose fluctuations.
- Urinalysis: Detecting ketones or signs of urinary tract infections that could complicate anesthesia.
- Electrolyte Panel: Assessing sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium levels.
- Imaging: In some cases, imaging studies of the chest or abdomen may be needed to evaluate overall health.
Pre-Anesthetic Fasting and Insulin Management
- Fasting: Diabetic dogs should fast for a shorter duration than non-diabetic dogs to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Insulin Adjustments: Administer a partial dose of insulin on the morning of the procedure based on glucose levels:
- If the blood glucose level exceeds 300 mg/dL, administer 50% to 75% of the standard dose.
- If the blood glucose drops below 100 mg/dL, hold off on administering insulin and monitor closely..
Fluid Therapy
- Pre-Procedure Hydration: Administer intravenous fluids before anesthesia to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Customized Electrolyte Solutions: Include potassium and magnesium in the IV fluids as needed.