Anaesthetic risk in companion animals varies considerably between species and individual health status, with pre-anaesthetic assessment and monitoring standards determining safety outcomes.
Anaesthetic safety is a welfare issue with direct life and death consequences. The gap between veterinary facilities with comprehensive monitoring equipment and those with minimal monitoring creates significant welfare disparities. Patient safety standards including pre-anaesthetic screening, intraoperative monitoring and recovery care should be consistent baselines across veterinary practice. Owners can advocate for appropriate monitoring by asking about anaesthetic protocols before routine procedures.