Surgical/Anesthesia Consent Form

pet owner

animal

The aforementioned veterinarian explained the planned procedure, the significance of the illness, and the possible treatment options to me in a way I could understand. The goal of the upcoming surgical treatment, as well as potential risks and adverse effects – also in comparison to other treatment options – were explained to me in detail, and I was able to respond.

I confirm the accuracy of my information and accept the payment terms. The undersigned is liable for the invoice amount.

I (the owner/bearer) understand that a surgical team, along with the necessary materials and medications, will be on hand for the procedure. Therefore, in urgent cases, you should always cancel your surgery appointment. Cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If the operation does not take place without timely cancellation, we are unfortunately forced to use the aforementioned 30%. Costs as compensation for damages We will invoice you for the cost of the surgery. If you fail to cancel within this timeframe, you have the option to provide us with proof of urgent reasons for your absence (e.g., illness, accident, etc.) within three working days of your scheduled surgery date.

Anesthesia information

During anesthesia, the patient is put into a state of unconsciousness and pain sensation. Muscle relaxation also occurs to prevent defensive reactions. There are various reasons for needing anesthesia: routine procedures (castration, dental treatments), surgical interventions (after accidents or in cases of illness/fractures/wound care, etc.), or for diagnostic purposes (imaging diagnostics such as X-rays, CT scans, or endoscopy, biopsies, etc.).

Anesthesia preparation:

This process begins the day before the scheduled anesthesia: the patient should not be fed (not even small treats) for at least twelve hours beforehand. Your pet may drink water, however. A blood sample is usually taken beforehand; otherwise, it will be taken during the pre-anesthetic examination on the day of the procedure. Organ function tests (especially of the kidneys and liver) provide information about your pet's health and determine the appropriate anesthetic management strategy. The anesthetic risk depends on the animal's overall health. Often, to minimize stress for the patient, we administer premedication (anxiety-reducing and relaxing). Before the induction of anesthesia, pure oxygen can be administered via the breathing air (pre-oxygenation): the blood is saturated with oxygen to prevent oxygen deprivation in the organs during the induction of anesthesia.

Anesthesia procedure:

First, an intravenous catheter is inserted (except in cases of very restless or aggressive patients) to induce general anesthesia (administration of anesthetic medication). This access also allows us to maintain your pet's routine continuous intravenous infusion during the operation. Once the patient is asleep, the endotracheal tube (anesthetic gas delivery) is placed in the trachea. All stages of anesthesia are closely monitored using ECG (electrocardiogram), pulse oximetry (oxygen saturation), capnography (composition of gases in exhaled air), non-invasive blood pressure measurement, monitoring of mucous membranes and respiratory rate, and core body temperature. An anesthesiologist is always responsible for this standard anesthetic monitoring. During inhalation anesthesia, the animal breathes an anesthetic gas-oxygen mixture for the duration of the surgery. One advantage is that the body is not burdened with additional unnecessary intravenous medications; another is that the anesthetic gas can be turned off at any time in case of complications (pure oxygen ventilation). The duration of the anesthesia depends on the type of procedure. Emergence from anesthesia is achieved by stopping the anesthetic gas and/or administering an antidote.

Post-anesthesia care:

Waking up from anesthesia is controlled and monitored. Therefore, your pet will not simply be handed over to you in a "twilight sleep," but will wake up calmly and slowly at our clinic. The patient will only be discharged once fully conscious and able to walk independently. Surgery due to accidents or illness often requires a hospital stay of several days. Since many animals experience a high need for sleep after anesthesia, you should provide your pet with a warm and quiet place and generally avoid stress. Wait to feed your dog after anesthesia until it is awake enough and no longer at risk of choking. Start with small amounts of food. It is not unusual for your pet to vomit on the evening of the anesthesia. However, if your pet remains very quiet, uneaten, and unhydrated for several days afterward, please bring it back to us for a follow-up appointment.

Risks, side effects, complications

No medical procedure is completely risk-free! Despite state-of-the-art equipment, constant monitoring of your pet's vital signs by trained anesthesiologists, and the utmost care from our team, complications can still occur. This depends on your pet's health status and/or underlying condition.

Administering anesthetics and/or painkillers can cause nausea and vomiting, which may require medication. A prolonged hospital stay due to this is rare, but possible.

Skin or soft tissue damage caused by injections (needles, catheters): Infections, abscesses, tissue necrosis, hematomas, inflammation, and vascular irritation are possible; these are usually temporary (self-limiting) and/or easily treatable. Surgery is rarely necessary; very rarely, blood poisoning or inflammation of internal organs can occur.

Nerve damage: Nerve irritation can be caused by injections (needles, catheters), pressure, and strain (despite correct positioning); however, it is usually only temporary and/or easily treatable. Very rarely is it more persistent or does it result in lasting damage (blindness, paralysis, pain).

Hypersensitivity reactions/Allergic reactions These reactions can occur due to applied agents (medications, disinfectants) in the form of skin irritation or itching, circulatory or respiratory problems; very rarely, life-threatening anaphylactic reactions with heart and/or respiratory problems or organ failure occur.

Anesthesia involves the use of medications that affect the cardiovascular system, such as causing drops in blood pressure, slowed heart rate, or arrhythmias. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions have an increased risk during anesthesia and can even die in the event of complications. Animals with pre-existing conditions (e.g., kidney or heart disease) and older animals are at greater risk and require specialized anesthetic management.

The insertion of an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask, as well as injuries to the throat, jaw, larynx, trachea, or vocal cords, can cause temporary shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness due to breathing difficulties and spasms of the laryngeal or bronchial muscles. Vocal cord damage resulting in permanent hoarseness is very rare. Additional treatment (medication, monitoring, further measures) for breathing difficulties (caused by bleeding or swelling) may be necessary, particularly after head and neck surgery.

Manipulation in the throat (keeping the airways clear) can – although very rarely – lead to damage to the teeth or possibly even tooth loss.

Pneumonia/aspiration pneumonia, lung abscesses, permanent lung damage, or acute respiratory failure due to aspiration of regurgitated stomach contents are possible, especially if the animal has not been kept sufficiently fasted as previously advised. In some cases, such as urinary retention (e.g., after bladder stone removal), insertion of a urinary catheter (preventively) or manual emptying of the bladder is necessary. This may result in a longer hospital stay.

When using foreign blood (components), there is a risk of allergic reaction, thrombosis, infection/fever or lung failure; very rarely, even without the addition of foreign blood, blood clots can form that move through the vessels in the body and can also block vessels, which can lead to organ damage (e.g. in the lungs/pulmonary embolism) and/or death.

Organ damage is also possible in the rarer condition of malignant hyperthermia, a severely elevated core body temperature (caused by a life-threatening metabolic disorder). Intensive care and medication are used to try to counteract organ damage (primarily to the kidneys, brain, and intestines).

Cost

The costs for anesthesia and associated services are listed in the German Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT). Additional costs (preliminary examinations, anesthesia preparation and monitoring, surgical procedure) are not included and will be billed separately.

consent

Under the above conditions, I confirm that I have understood the information provided and fully understand and accept the risks associated with this procedure. I understand that the necessity of anesthesia, its variations, and its effects have been explained to me, and I hereby give my consent to the administration of the aforementioned anesthesia. All circumstances essential to the treatment, the expected course of my health, as well as the therapy and necessary aftercare, have been explained to me in an understandable manner. By signing below, I give my consent to the discussed treatment.