Health Anesthesia Protocol Aunt Bea's French AKC (Frenchies) Bulldog Puppies

French Bulldogs, although a fairly healthy and agile breed, have issues and care concerns that have been addressed by the following few articles and protocols, developed and shared with me by others who have been in the field of breeding and showing.

Anesthesia Protocol For Frenchies

ADVISE STRONGLY AGAINST USING:
Ace Promazine
Pentobarbital aka Pentathol (injectable anesthesia)
Metofane (inhalant gas)
Halothane (gas anesthesia)

USE WITH CAUTION:
Dormitor (reversible anesthesia/sedative)

SATISFACTORY CHOICES FOR FRENCHIES:
Ketamine (usually used in combo with valium as an injectable anesthesia/sedative)
Valium (see above)
Torbutrol (analgesia)

OPTIMUM CHOICES:
Propofol (injectable)
with either of the following 2 gas anesthetics as a maintenance:
Isoflurane(aka IsoFlo) OR Sevoflurane (aka SevoFlo)

ANESTHESTIC EXTRAS:
(These would be in addition to the Optimum anesthetic protocol listed above, and are highly recommended for c-sections or longer procedures)
Atropine given at induction
IV catheter & fluids
Famotidine (Pepcid) injection (helps cut down on nausea and post-op vomiting, hence aspiration)
Dexmethasone injection (may be given if palate if very long or irritated from ET tube; this can reduce post-op swelling and make recovery easier)

INTUBATION vs. MASKING/CONING DOWN:
EVERY brachycephalic dog that goes under anesthesia should have an endotracheal tube (ET) placed in his or her trachea! Always! That airway must be protected at all times. The tube should be left in until they are VERY awake and trying to chew it out. Use the intravenous propofol to induce anesthesia (which puts them under) and allows sufficient time to place the ET tube. From then on, anesthesia is maintained with sevo or iso.

Be Careful when masking a frenchie down. Masking can be harder on brachycephalic dogs because they struggle to hold their breath, which can irritate the airways and deplete their oxygen levels (which you do not want before surgery). It is my opinion that using injectable and then tubing them gives them the optimum oxygen supply that is ideal for frenchies.

By
Lori Hunt, DVM
http://www.centerwestanimalhospital.com/