Don't let your dog have surgery until you know this (death risk in 2024)

🐾 Did you know that the risk of a dog dying under anesthesia can vary significantly based on their health and the type of surgery they undergo? In a UK study of 150,000 dogs, there were 14 deaths per 10,000 procedures, with 10 of those deaths occurring within 48 hours of the procedure. This underscores the importance of understanding the real risks our furry friends face when they undergo surgery.
🐶 Neutering surgeries in dogs, such as spaying and castration, carry a much smaller risk of death, with only 1 death per 10,000 procedures. However, the difficulty of the surgery can impact this risk, and the overall health of the dog is a crucial factor. When assessing a dog's health for surgery, the ASA score is used, with higher scores indicating a higher risk of death.
🎓 One key takeaway is the importance of understanding the specific risks your dog faces if they require anesthesia and surgery. Considering your dog's health, the type of surgery, and the urgency of the procedure, can help in making more informed decisions about their care.
#PetCare #VeterinaryMedicine #DogAnesthesia #PetHealth #DogSurgery
Do you know the Secret to a healthy pet?
- Find out in my FREE 7-step guide - ourpetshealth.com/resources
Disclaimers:
- My views are my own, guests views are theirs, sponsors are noted.
- I earn money from linking to qualifying Amazon purchases (and other affiliate programs). Thanks for your support and helping my channel!
- Enjoy my educational content, but remember, it's not specific veterinary advice for your pet. Consult a veterinary professional in person for your pet's needs.
Timestamps:
00:00 Dog surgery death rate
00:36 Spay-neuter dog death risk
02:28 Surgical death trends
03:37 Surgical risk vs health status
05:49 The risk vs benefit of surgery
06:56 Critical patient surgery risk
07:45 Surgical risk factors
08:46 How to reduce surgical death risk

[@DanTheVeterinarian]

Thanks for this! Great info!

[@OurPetsHealth]

thanks doc!

[@Soyloca666]

I have a question :
Is it normal for one animal hospital to recommend surgery for removing a cancerous bump on my dogs back leg but for another animal hospital to say they don’t recommend surgery because they think it would be too dangerous to put him under anesthesia?
My senior pitty was 11 with confirmed Cushing’s disease that was uncontrolled at the time and his regular vet said no to a dental for a abscess in his gums but yea to surgery for removing cancerous mass
I got a second opinion and his new vet said they wouldn’t recommend it due to his condition.

[@user-nd9ck5xg3v]

im in so much pain. im wishing i put my senior dog through surgery despite the vet saying there was a risk of dying. he didn't have heart problems or cancer but was overweight but losing weight rapidly. he wasn't overweight anymore after the rapid weight loss...he had dropped 2kg very quickly even though he eats a lot. btw he was 15 and a few months. he had a problem with falling on his back legs and sometimes couldnt control bowel movements. he had a problem with his lower back/spine area. btw he eats but mostly drinks sooo much water. should i have tried the spine/disc surgery on my 15 year old shih tzu? im in so much deep regret for not trying. the vet had said his heart was normal but heard cracking noises when she listened to his chest. i feel like i dont deserve to live anymore since my baby is gone, btw its only been a few days since his passing and i havent stopped crying and regretting my decision. i dont deserve to be alive either now

[@charlesbryson7443]

My dog needs a procedure due to her thigh/hip joint deteriorating from low blood flow. She’s only 8 months, but she needs it so we’re risking it.

[@OurPetsHealth]

Sounds like a good decision based on very low risk and likely significant benefit

[@sreyadutta]

This was all helpful and made me feel so much less anxious. I have been delaying anesthesia dentals for my 10 lb chimix and now I know what to consider. She is about to turn 9 so I need to do it before she gets much older. Is there a correlation between a dogs weight and increased or decreased risk from anesthesia?

[@OurPetsHealth]

There is no different risk I am aware of based on body size, more certain breeds (such as out flat faced breeds especially). I hope it all goes well for you and your dog

[@lizstubbs2969]

This sounds complicated for the general public to remember how this works and to assess it, surely we are able to trust our vet to assess the risk?

[@OurPetsHealth]

Of course, and that's why a trusting relationship is really important. Some pet parents get very worried though so the figures, especially for healthy animals, should hopefully reassure them

[@lizstubbs2969]

@@OurPetsHealth aah I see, thank you for replying, I got baffled by the science