FAQs About Animal Anesthesia
Posted on: 6 January 2022
Does your cat or dog need animal anesthesia? If this is your pet's first experience with this type of sedation, take a look at the top veterinary anesthesia-related questions answered.
Why Do Some Pets Need Anesthesia?
Like people, pets can also feel anxiety, discomfort, or pain during some types of medical procedures. To eliminate these issues, vets use anesthesia. This allows your pet to sleep comfortably through a surgical or another potentially painful medical service.
What Procedures Require Anesthesia?
Your pet may need to sleep through any procedure that may cause pain, discomfort, or anxiety. They may also need anesthesia for healthcare services that require your pet to remain completely still during the entire procedure. Common reasons to use anesthesia on pets include dental services, diagnostic imaging, and surgeries (such as spaying, neutering, hip replacement, or injury repairs).
How Should You Prepare Your Pet for Anesthesia?
The vet will explain the tests your pet may need before their healthcare procedure or surgery. These could include blood work or imaging exams. Pre-anesthesia tests can reduce surgical risks and help the veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy enough for sedation and the procedure.
You may need to restrict food and water in the day or hours leading up to your pet's procedure. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), food and water that a pet eats or drinks before surgery can cause aspiration. This can cause your pet to inhale food or liquids and result in a serious respiratory issue during or after the surgery.
Can You Take Your Pet Home Immediately After Anesthesia?
Your pet slept peacefully during their dental procedure, imaging test, or surgery. Now that the anesthesia is wearing off, you want to know when your cat or dog can go home. There is no magic formula for deciding when a pet is ready to go home after anesthesia. Some pets may recover sooner than others—making it necessary for the vet to assess the individual animal's risks.
The vet may need to monitor your pet after their procedure. After your pet wakes up, the veterinarian may give you the go-ahead to take your cat or dog home. Provided there are no noticeable complications and your pet can move on their own, they will not need to stay at the animal hospital or veterinary center.
Even though you will take your pet home after anesthesia, they may still seem sleepy. Watch your cat or dog closely and keep them away from potentially dangerous situations such as slips and falls.
For more information on animal anesthesia, contact a professional near you.
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