Anyone know if I can let my dog lick an ice cube before anesthesia?

[luvwinnie]

She is having a rhinoscopy tomorrow. Normally, the 'no water after midnight" rule is not a problem, but since Winnie has to breathe through her mouth so much now she is drinking TREMENDOUS amounts of water. Last night she barked twice for water. Another rough night ahead of us. I wonder if i can just let her lick an ice cube? I remember they would give my mom ice chips before surgery if her throat was very dry.

Too bad there isn't a market for bulldog snot...we'd be RICH!!!!! Hmmmmm, maybe ebay?? lol

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

That should be fine, just don't let her drink a bowl of water. The idea behind it is so that she will have a completely empty stomach when she wakes up. If a dog vomits while it is recovering from anesthesia, it can inhale the food/fluid/etc. and get aspiration pneumonia. If she has a little bit of ice a few hours before surgery, it should be out of her stomach before she wakes up.

 

[luvwinnie]

Thank you so much. I knew the reasons behind it, just wasn't sure if the ice cube would be dangerous. I did put a call in to her vet who was nice enough to give us her cell number in case she had problems this weekend.
What an beautiful pup!!!!

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

What an beautiful pup!!!!

Thank you!!!
I'm very proud of my new 'baby'!!!