WHAT PREOPERATIVE EXAMINATIONS OR TESTS ARE NEEDED BEFORE ANESTHESIA?
Before general anesthesia is performed on any patient, a complete physical examination is needed. The veterinarian listens to the heart and lungs to detect any murmurs, abnormal heart sounds or abnormal lung sounds. If any abnormal sounds are heard, chest x-rays are taken. This helps determine if there are any changes in heart size or in the lung tissue. The abdomen is palpated to detect any abnormalities or pain. Abdominal radiographs or ultrasound help diagnose any abnormalities detected during palpation. In addition to a physical examination blood work is often performed. A complete blood cell count examines the red blood cells and white blood cells for abnormalities. A biochemical analysis examines the liver enzymes, kidney values and electrolytes. If the patient has any abnormalities noted on these diagnostic tests, measures are taken to make the patient as stable as possible prior to being anesthetized. The drugs chosen to produce anesthesia will be those best suited to the patie
