The news about what happened to Alberto from Italy (Alberto lost his dog after wrong used anaesthesia - notice of wolfdog) has led me to write this article (after consultating my vet MVDr. Martin Grym of course). Alberto´s vet used an unsuitable preparation (Penthotal) to put the dog to sleep during the dysplasia examination, which had unfortunatelly led to a heart failure and death of the dog.

Putting a dog to sleep (same as with people) is a risk, which can be minimalized for the given purpose. Here is a bit of advice:
For X-rays (e.g. dysplasia), as well as light operations (stitching of superficial wounds, teeth cleaning etc.) the following combination of preparations can be used (the amount is given for a 30 kilogram dog):
DOMITOR (active matter medetomidin) - 0,95 ml/30 kg TORBUGESIC (butorfanol) - 1,5 ml/30 kg
The preparation is injected into a vena, muscle is also acceptable, but slows down the effect. It is not a classical anaesthetic, but a strong sedative. Using this preparation is less harmful and safer than classical anaesthesia. The advantage is that in case of any problems the dog can be awoken within the matter of minutes by the preparation ANTISEDAN (atipamezol) - 0,95 ml/30 kg and then, after 10 - 15 min. your dog "return to life" and you are able immediately leave vet´s consulting room. My 3years old Alexa experienced already 3 etherize by this way (dysplasia examination, stitching of a paw, teeth cleaning) without any problems.