The dental was canceled and further diagnostics were performed. Without repeating the blood work that day, Bridger might have experienced life-threatening complications under anesthesia, during the dental procedure, or during his recovery. He was diagnosed with a sever condition of the adrenal gland and with the proper treatment, Bridger should live a long and happy life.
Madison presented to GVH for surgery including a bladder biopsy. The morning of the procedure she appeared healthy during her exam. Her last blood work had been done three months prior to the surgery. Pre-surgical blood work was recommended the day of the surgery and in-house blood testing was performed. The complete blood count indicated a severely low platelet count. Platelets are cells in the blood that are an important part of the clotting process. If surgery had been performed without adequate platelets, Madison could have suffered heavy bleeding during or after surgery. Surgery was canceled and further diagnostics revealed a tick borne disease that was easily treated with antibiotics. Her platelet count has since gone back to normal.
Cases like Bridger and Madison remind us that seemingly healthy animals and people can have underlying health problems that can interfere with safe anesthesia and surgery. Gallatin Veterinary Hospital recommends current blood work and exams on all pets undergoing anesthesia and surgery to ensure the safest outcomes.
(Names have been changed to protect identities.)