Anesthetic mortality in small animal veterinary medicine: when things go wrong and a concise review of risk factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v20n7e1981Keywords:
ASA classification, mortality, risk factors, small animal, veterinary anestheticAbstract
Anesthetic related mortality in small animals varies significantly across studies, dictated by patient health, institutional protocols, and regional practices. This narrative review evaluates literature from 1990 to 2026 to map historical baselines. While overall safety has improved, patients classified as ASA III–V, geriatric, or pediatric status remain at a substantially higher risk. Breed-specific vulnerabilities, particularly in brachycephalic animals and feline weight extremes, further complicate perioperative outcomes. Notably, recent worldwide mortality rates (0.63%–0.69%) contrast with higher Brazilian figures (1.16%), highlighting a persistent regional gap often linked to outdated protocols. Given that over 70% of fatalities occur in the postoperative period, extended vigilance is essential. Adopting locoregional anesthesia and multimodal analgesia is crucial to bridging these gaps and enhancing patient safety.
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