Surgical interventions and diagnostic tests can sometimes be a delicate moment for the patients who visit us. Being outside of their comfort zone, often without the company of family or familiar faces, can make them more nervous than usual, complicating the professionals’ work and the patients' health status.

For this reason, at IVeM, we have Quique Plaza, who is responsible for the anesthesia and analgesia service.

Dogs and cats that are overweight generally require lower doses of medications compared to smaller animals, due to their reduced body surface area.

Obese patients are more prone to airway collapse and atelectasis, while cachectic patients risk developing hypothermia and hypoglycemia.

Neonates or newborn animals have a physiology that differs from adult animals, which can affect their response to anesthesia.

In the cardiovascular system, the myocardium is less contractile, meaning that their cardiac output depends on heart rate; therefore, medications that significantly reduce heart rate should be avoided.

Respiratory effort increases, and their oxygen demand is high, making them prone to hypoventilation, which may require manual ventilation.

Liver metabolism is immature, leading to prolonged drug action and potential hypoglycemia. Glucose should be regularly monitored and supplemented if necessary. The kidneys have reduced concentrating ability, making them less capable of coping with decreased fluid intake, so administering fluids during anesthesia is advised.

Neonates are less able to regulate body temperature; combined with a high surface area to body mass ratio, they are prone to hypothermia. It is recommended to warm them both before and during anesthesia.

Similar to neonates, anesthesia in pediatric dogs and cats should be delayed as much as possible until the animal is fully developed, or at least until all their physiological functions are mature.

However, there are many occasions when this is not possible, so the anesthetic process should be approached differently than in adult animals.

In the cardiovascular system, the same conditions as in neonatal patients should be considered, as their cardiac output can only increase by 30%, while in adults it can increase up to 300%.

The myocardium is less contractile, meaning that their cardiac output depends on heart rate; therefore, medications that significantly reduce heart rate should be avoided.

Respiratory effort increases, and their oxygen demand is high, making them prone to hypoventilation, which may require manual ventilation.

Liver metabolism is immature, leading to prolonged drug action and potential hypoglycemia. Glucose should be regularly monitored and supplemented if necessary. The kidneys have reduced concentrating ability, meaning they are less capable of coping with decreased fluid intake, so administering fluids during anesthesia is advised. Neonates are less able to regulate body temperature; combined with a high surface area to body mass ratio, they are prone to hypothermia. It is recommended to warm them both before and during anesthesia.

Geriatric patients may often present other comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, osteoarthritis, etc.). Compared to younger adults, they have reduced blood volume, cardiac output, and blood pressure.

They are more prone to hypoxia and hypoventilation due to decreased pulmonary elasticity. Hepatic metabolism may be reduced, prolonging drug action. There is also a reduction in renal mass and a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow.