USE OF ANESTHETICS IN DOGS WITH DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY: A REVIEW STUDY

Abstract

The increased care provided to dogs by their guardians in contemporary times has contributed to a longer life expectancy for these animals, which, in turn, may explain the rising incidence of heart diseases in the canine population. This scenario demands that veterinarians pay special attention to the pre-anesthetic evaluation of dogs diagnosed with or suspected of having dilated cardiomyopathy, as this condition poses additional risks during anesthetic procedures. In this context, this study aims to investigate the importance of a thorough analysis in cardiopathic dogs before developing the anesthetic plan. Furthermore, it seeks to emphasize the relevance of respecting each patient's particularities, with a focus on dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy, through the adoption of an individualized anesthetic plan. The analysis revealed that dogs with heart diseases undergoing anesthetic procedures present an increased risk of hemodynamic, vascular, and cardiovascular complications, varying according to the extent of the pathology and the choice of drugs. Among the main observed risks are decreased cardiac output, blood pressure variations, and heart rate alterations. These findings underscore the importance of a thorough evaluation of organic systems, combined with a detailed anamnesis, physical examination, and complementary tests to ensure the safety and efficacy of the anesthetic procedure. It is evident, therefore, that pre-anesthetic evaluation in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy is essential to minimize intraoperative risks, highlighting the need for an individualized anesthetic plan that considers the particularities of each patient.