Tips for Anaesthetizing Geriatric Patients

Anaesthesia is often declined for geriatric dogs and cats because of fear of adverse anaesthesia-related effects. However, anaesthesia for any group of patients – including geriatrics – is often required for both emergency procedures and procedures that could improve the patient’s quality of life (eg, periodontal procedures). Understanding and responding to the impact of age-related changes on anaesthetic choices will make anaesthesia safer for geriatric/senior patients. Specific anaesthesia-related concerns will be compared to those of other age groups. Specific anaesthetic and analgesic protocols that address geriatric needs will be discussed.