Anesthesia Protocol For Frenchies and Boston Terriers
Lori Hunt, DVM
http://www.centerwestanimalhospital.com/
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ADVISE STRONGLY AGAINST USING:
Ace promazine
Sodium Thiopental (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)
ANESTHESTIC EXTRAS:
(These would be in addition to the Optimum anesthetic protocol listed above, and
are highly recommended for c-sections or longer procedures)
Atropine given at induction
IV catheter & fluids
Famotidine (Pepcid) injection (helps cut down on nausea and post-op vomiting,
hence aspiration)
Dexmethasone injection (may be given if palate if very long or irritated from ET
tube; this can reduce post-op swelling and make recovery easier)
INTUBATION vs. MASKING/CONING DOWN:
EVERY brachycephalic dog that goes under anesthesia should have an endotracheal
tube (ET) placed in his or her trachea! Always! That airway must be protected at all
times. The tube should be left in until they are VERY awake and trying to chew it
out. Use the intravenous propofol to induce anesthesia (which puts them under)
and allows sufficient time to place the ET tube. From then on, anesthesia is
maintained with sevo or iso.
Be Careful when masking a frenchie down. Masking can be harder on
brachycephalic dogs because they struggle to hold their breath, 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
the optimum oxygen supply that is ideal for frenchies.
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