Re: [pyrnet] Metabolism, Anesthesia and Food

["sandy white" <swhite2@houston.rr.com>]

Lori,
The anesthesia or any other drug, stays in the Pyrs body longer because of
the Pyrs low metabolism rate.  Thus they are not breaking down the drugs at
the same rate as other canines.  The calculation of the amount of anesthesia
to give a dog is generally based on the weight of the dog.  Pyrs high body
weight would seem to call for a higher dosage of anesthesia.  Vets and vet
techs giving anesthesia who are not aware of this lower metabolism are most
likely going to give the Pyr an overdose of anesthesia, if anesthesia is
applied just based on the pound weight of the dog. The overdose could cause
cardiac arrest, difficulty breathing, or death.  The liver and kidneys
process and remove the drug over time.  Someone else, can probably describe
this better in vet terms.

I do not believe this is widely known by vets, or maybe just not commonly
encountered by vets, as Pyrs are not a common breed.

Sandy