Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 2/20/2009

Question
My 12 year old golden retriever/chow mix is scheduled next week to have a dime size black mass removed from her foot. A needle biopsy was one which revealed nothing. Mass will be removed and biopsied as next step. Mass seemed to appear out of no where. As my dog is 12, I am concerned about her "dying on the operating room table". She has a heart murmur of about 2 on a scale of 1-6. I am also concerned about damaging her liver. Her current bloodwork is all normal except for her ALT is 191 and ALKP is 674. The type of anesthsia being used is going to be pro something. I remember the pro but forget the rest of the name. It is all one word beginning with pro. Is it typical for a dog with this kind of backround,age etc. to go under
anesthesia? Am I taking a rare and usual chance at harming my dog? Thank you.

Answer
Cliff -

I understand your concern.  Any type of surgical procedure should be viewed with care and an older dog with elevated care surely invites concern if anesthesia will be administered. Surgery is performed on geriatric frequently. The age of the animal is usually not a factor in the determination of whether or not the dog should have surgery - the physical condition of the animal should be the deciding factor.  

I think the name if the anesthesia you are referring to is called propofol.  It is an anesthesia used for routine and high risk surgeries.  

Share your concerns with your veterinarian. He/she is the only person qualified to answer address the questions you have as it relates to your dog.