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Anesthesia in the sight-hound breeds (Greyhounds,
Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Afghan Hounds, Saluki)
requires a slightly different approach than with other
dog breeds.
This is due to the body fat- to- muscle ratio, in which
sight-hounds typically have very little body fat.
Barbiturate drugs (like Pentothal) are typically metabolized
(broken down) by the body especially within the fat
layer. As sight-hounds have very little body fat,
the metabolism of barbiturates is much slower than that
of other dog breeds.
This can account for very long recovery times, and
sometimes death from overdose.
Usually barbiturates are administered for short duration
anesthesia, or to allow for placement of a tube in the
windpipe (trachea), such that "gas" anesthesia
can be administered. Therefore, sight-hounds
as a group, should never receive barbiturate anesthesia
for these purposes.
Other so called "induction agents" such as
Brevital or Propofol can be administered to the sight-hound
safely, without problems with metabolism of the anesthetic.
Check with your veterinarian prior to any anesthetic
protocol in your sight-hound breed, to make sure they
take precaution.
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