In which instances is general anesthesia preferable over local anesthesia?

• A. For minor surgical procedures
• B. For extensive or invasive surgical procedures
• C. When the animal is agitated
• D. For routine check-ups

Answer: (B)

General anesthesia is preferable for extensive or invasive surgical procedures due to several critical factors. First, general anesthesia provides a complete state of unconsciousness, which is essential for surgeries that require significant manipulation of tissues, extensive incisions, or prolonged surgical time. This level of anesthesia ensures that the animal does not experience pain or stress during complex procedures, allowing the veterinarian to concentrate on the surgery without concern for the animal's awareness.

Additionally, extensive surgeries may involve multiple systems or require the use of specialized equipment that necessitates a stable and controlled environment, which general anesthesia affords. The ability to control ventilation and maintain specific physiological parameters is paramount in these scenarios.

In contrast, local anesthesia is more suited for minor surgical procedures where a targeted area can be numbed without affecting the entire body, and it may not provide adequate analgesia or sedation for procedures involving deeper tissues or larger sites of operation.

While general anesthesia may be necessary for agitated animals or certain standard procedures, it's mainly the extent and invasiveness of the surgical procedure that dictate the use of general anesthesia.