Concerned about Anesthesia

I made an appointment yesterday to have my 7 month old (@5lb) female maltese,Sophie, spayed. I was told the price was $129.00 with an optional bloodtest (running about $35.00) to make sure the anesthesia will flush from her system. I was told that there could be some concern because of her small size. The breeder I bought her from had never heard of such a test, but did say she had lost 2 dogs over the past several years due to problems with anesthesia. I am very nervous...and the money is of course the l east of it..altho I do question its need if it is "optional". The breeder mentioned a new anesthesia that is supposed to be much safer. Is anyone familiar with this? Do you know the name? She couldn't remember it..altho she is looking for it. I am now in a panic as I am worried to death something will happen to Sophie? I don't know the vet well..I live in a city & take her to an animal hospital with a good reputation but have not developed a reationship with any of the vets. A! ny advice or safeguards you can give me would be most appreciated. Soon. Today is Sunday and she is due to have surgery on Thursday! Thanks again.
Terri

• I just had my female, Molly spayed and she only weighs 2 3/4 pounds. My vet gives you an option prior to surgery to do a blood work-up and/or EKG just preventative measures prior to doing the operation. Frankly, I feel it should be mandatory just as it is in humans but it is an option. If there is some problem these procedures will assist the vet. Anyway, I think the EKG cost about $30 and blood work about $15 and well worth every penny to know ahead of time that all was OK. . Absolutely never was there any concern/discussion about anesthesia. The vet would not have considered doing the spaying if he were concerned. And, I repeat, my dog was lots smaller than yours. I see no reason to be frightened unless there is some genetic history with with your dog that would warrent such. By the way, also neutered my male at 4 months and he only weighed 2 lbs. Absolutely no problem.
  Pat

• Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I really appreciate it. I never thought about the fact that they do all these preop workups on humans..why should animals be any different. I will definetly have the tests done. Thanks again.
  Terri

• The way anesthetic is eliminated from the body is much different in puppies than in adult dogs. Other anesthetic concerns are:
  1. A young puppy's rate of oxygen consumption is 2-3 times greater than an adult's, yet most anesthetic drugs depress or slow down breathing. Other drugs must be given to compensate and keep respiration rate normal.
  2. Compared to adults, young animals have less ability to regulate body temperature; during anesthesia, heat production is even more depressed. This makes young anesthetized puppies especially prone to hypothermia (lowered body temperature).
  3. Young animals recover more quickly from, and are more rapidly affected by gas anesthesia, which is considered one of the safest forms of anesthetic. But risk of airway obstruction is greater in young animals than in adults, and intubation (placing the breathing tube) is more difficult because of the smaller size and less rigid structure of a puppy's tracheal cartilage. Today, new drugs and procedures make anesthetizing tiny puppies much safer. Dr. Mark S. Bloomberg of the University of Florida says young animals are very good anesthetic candidates. Dr. Elmo Crenshaw of Texas A & M agrees. He paraphrases this old saying by way of explanation: "There's no such thing as a safe anesthetic, only a safe anesthesiologist." In other words, although all anesthetics are potentially dangerous, they are all equally safe when used properly.