Anestesiologia em Cães e Gatos Geriátricos: Revisão de Literatura

Abstract

The interpersonal relationships between guardians and companion animals have become increasingly close, which contributes to the increased longevity of these animals and, consequently, to the rising demand for surgical and anesthetic procedures in geriatric patients. An animal is considered geriatric when it reaches approximately 75% of its expected lifespan, a parameter that varies according to species, size, and other individual factors. In this context, the improvement of surgical and anesthetic techniques becomes essential, as each patient presents unique physiological and clinical characteristics that require an individualized approach. By nature, geriatric animals experience a progressive decline in various organ functions, such as renal, hepatic, and cardiovascular function, which directly affects the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drugs used during anesthesia. These changes demand not only careful dose adjustments but also a judicious selection of drugs, based on the patient's clinical status and the presence of possible comorbidities. Furthermore, many of these animals have pre-existing conditions that can increase anesthetic risks, making continuous monitoring and individualized protocols imperative. In this scenario, in-depth knowledge of drug actions – both individually and in combination – is crucial, especially considering that drug associations can produce synergistic effects, enhancing analgesia and sedation with lower doses and, consequently, reducing the incidence of adverse effects. Therefore, the selection and adjustment of the anesthetic protocol must be guided by a thorough understanding of the particularities of the geriatric patient, ensuring greater safety and efficacy throughout the procedure.