What is a key sign of potential anesthesia risk in stressed animals?

Higher anxiety levels in animals can significantly elevate the risk of complications during anesthesia. When an animal is stressed or anxious, it may exhibit increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened respiratory rates. These physiological responses can complicate the administration of anesthesia and can lead to adverse outcomes during a surgical procedure. Understanding these signs is crucial for veterinary professionals, as they signal the need for pre-anesthetic assessments and possibly adjustments in the anesthesia plan to ensure the animal's safety.

Normal behavior and stable condition would generally indicate that the animal is not experiencing stress, which reduces rather than increases anesthetic risk. Increased vital signs could indicate a response to stress but are not as directly correlated with the concept of "anesthesia risk" when assessed as part of a broader picture where anxiety levels are clearly heightened.