- Dogs with cancer frequently require surgery to remove tumors. However, female dogs experiencing pyometra during or following a pregnancy may also require emergency surgery to prevent the dog from becoming more ill due to toxins the infected uterus is releasing into her system.
- Dogs with high or low blood pressure are often at risk during surgery. Overweight dogs are at risk of having high blood pressure during surgery. Those dogs with low blood pressure are particularly at risk when anesthetized, in that general anesthesia already lowers the dog's blood pressure and decreases heart rate.
- Vomiting can be a significant concern when operating on a sick dog, due to the possibility of inhaling the vomit into the lungs. However, dogs are routinely given anti-nausea medication prior to surgery.
- When a dog is ill, it will typically have a depressed or compromised immune system. This problem is not a surgical risk in itself, but it does open the dog to the possibility of post-surgical infection.
- Owners can take steps that reduce surgical risk for their dogs. Dogs that maintain a healthy weight are better surgical candidates. In addition, dogs that exhibit symptoms of illness or infection, such as high fevers (over 102.5) or prolonged fevers (longer than 24 hours) should be taken to the veterinarian for diagnosis. Early detection of a problem often provides the best prevention for surgical risks.
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