You should find a vet that is familiar with the anesthetic concerns of flat faced breeds.
Here is a protocol prepared for the FBRN in the US - it has great information. I have discussed
it with three DVM and they have all appreciated the information. If you talk to a vet and they
are using a different protocol or they get offended by you wanting to discuss their protocol
then find a new vet.
Anesthesia Protocol
NEVER GIVE FRENCHIES: Ace promazine Pentobarbital aka Pentathol (injectable anesthesia)
Metofane (inhalant gas) Halothane (gas anesthesia)
USE WITH CAUTION: Dormitor (reversible anesthesia/sedative)
SATISFACTORY CHOICES FOR FRENCHIES: Ketamine (usually used in combo with valium as
an injectable anesthesia/sedative) Valium (see above) Torbutrol (analgesia)
OPTIMUM CHOICES: Propofol (injectable) with either of the following 2 gas anesthetics as a
maintenance: Isoflurane(aka IsoFlo) OR Sevoflurane (aka SevoFlo)
EXTRAS FOR C-SECTIONS: (This is in addition to the Optimum anesthetic protocol listed
above) Atropine given at induction Place the mom-to-be on IV fluids Oxytocin injections
(usually one after all the pups are out and she begins sewing up the uterus and the second
about 20-30 minutes later) Antibiotic injection post-op
INTUBATION vs. MASKING/CONING DOWN: EVERY brachycephalic dog that goes under
anesthesia should have an endotracheal tube (ET) placed in their trachea! Always! We need to
protect that airway at all times.... The tube should be left in until they are VERY awake and
about to chew it out... I use the intravenous propofol to induce anesthesia (which puts them
under) this gives me a few minutes to place the ET tube... then I connect them to either the
sevo or iso... so they are always tubed...
Be Careful when masking a frenchie down. Masking them down can sometimes be harder on
brachycephalic dogs because they struggle to hold their breath (so they don't inhale the
strange smelling gas) which can irritate the airways and deplete their oxygen levels (which
you do not want before surgery). It is my opinion that using injectable and then tubing them
gives them an optimum oxygen supply which is ideal for frenchies.
Lori Hunt, DVM
It seems like the combination of Valium and IsoFlo seem to be pretty popular with Local vets.
My two dogs have been put under 3 times by 3 different vets and in each case the surgeon
used valium and IsoFlo.
With Belzie's spay, I made an appointment with my vet to discuss the protocol and find out
what is practiced for that office. I also crate train my dogs and was insist and that if the clinic
had no overnight monitoring for the girls then I would bring Belzie home once the clinic was
closed for the day. That way I could be on hand if anything came up.
Oh and IMO it is important to make sure to ask for pre-op blood work - not all vets in BC
include it as mandatory before surgery, but it is a simple test, and it can indicate if your dog is
healthy enough for surgery or if there are any medical concerns that may indicate possible
complications. It should be done in a week or so in advance - since the lab-work takes time.