What additional measure is often taken when anesthetizing dehydrated animals?

• A. Using a higher dosage of anesthetic
• B. Providing additional fluids before induction
• C. Administering sedatives only
• D. Limiting monitoring to essential functions

Answer: (B)

Providing additional fluids before induction is a critical step when anesthetizing dehydrated animals. Dehydration impacts the physiological state of the animal, including the cardiovascular system, which can lead to compromised organ function during anesthesia. By administering fluids prior to induction, you help to restore some of the animal's circulating blood volume, improve tissue perfusion, and support vital organ function. This additional fluid support can also help mitigate the effects of anesthesia, reduce the risk of hypotension, and ensure that the animal is in a more stable condition before undergoing any procedures requiring anesthesia.

The other choices do not adequately address the needs of a dehydrated animal. For instance, using a higher dosage of anesthetic could overwhelm the animal's system, particularly if its blood volume or liver function is impaired due to dehydration. Administering sedatives only does not address the critical need for fluid balance and could further complicate the anesthetic process without correcting the underlying dehydration. Lastly, limiting monitoring to essential functions diminishes the ability to adequately assess the animal’s response to anesthesia, especially when its physiological status is already compromised due to dehydration.