What You Need To Know About Veterinary Anesthesia

If your pet needs surgery or a procedure, hearing the word "anesthesia" may make you a bit nervous. But don’t worry! Vet anesthesia is a routine part of veterinary care that helps your pet stay pain-free and comfortable during medical treatments. Our experienced team at Stewart Animal Clinic is ready to handle any cat or dog anesthesia needs and answer any questions you have!

Let’s break down some of pet parents' most common questions about anesthesia and what you can expect.

What Exactly Is Anesthesia?

Anesthesia is just a combination of medicines that either numbs a specific area on your pet's body or puts your pet into a deep sleep so they won’t feel anything during their procedure.

There are two main types of anesthesia: local anesthesia, which numbs a small area, and general anesthesia, which makes your pet fully unconscious.

Our veterinarians will decide which type of anesthesia is best based on your pet’s needs and the type of procedure they’re having.

Is Anesthesia Safe for My Pet?

This is probably pet parents' biggest concern—and it’s totally understandable. While there’s always some risk involved (just like with people), anesthesia is much safer today thanks to advancements in veterinary care. Before any procedure, we’ll do a thorough health check and often run bloodwork to make sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.

We also keep a close eye on your pet throughout the entire process, monitoring things like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure to ensure everything goes smoothly.

What Happens During the Process?

Here’s a quick rundown of what happens when your pet goes under anesthesia:

1. Pre-procedure check: We’ll do a physical exam and possibly run some tests to make sure your pet is ready for anesthesia.
2. Sedation: To keep your pet calm, we might give them a pre-anesthetic drug to help them relax before the anesthesia kicks in.
3. Veterinary anesthesia and monitoring: Once the anesthesia is administered (usually through an IV or gas), your pet will be fully unconscious. While they’re under, we’ll monitor all their vital signs closely to make sure they stay safe.
4. Waking up: After the procedure, your pet will slowly wake up from the anesthesia. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the type of anesthesia used and the procedure.

Is Anesthesia Painful for Pets?

No one likes the idea of their pet being in pain, and the good news is that anesthesia blocks all pain during the procedure. Afterward, there might be some discomfort, but don’t worry—we’ll give your pet the right pain meds to keep them comfortable. We might also use local anesthesia in certain areas to help with pain after the procedure.

How Will My Pet Act After Waking Up from Anesthesia?

It’s normal for pets to be a little groggy or 'out of it' after anesthesia. They might seem sleepy, unsteady on their feet, or a bit disoriented for a few hours. Some pets also experience mild side effects like nausea or shivering, but these usually pass quickly. We’ll give you detailed instructions on how to care for your pet once they’re home to help them recover smoothly.

Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects?

For most pets, there are no lasting effects from anesthesia. Once it wears off, they’re usually back to their normal selves within 24 hours. Older pets or pets with certain health conditions might take a bit longer to bounce back, but we’ll discuss this with you before the procedure.

How Can I Prepare My Pet for Anesthesia?

We’ll give you specific instructions based on your pet’s needs, but in general:

• Fasting: Your pet might need to stop eating or drinking for a few hours before anesthesia. This helps prevent any complications during the procedure.
• Pain Medications: If your pet takes any regular meds, be sure to check with us about whether they should take them before the procedure.
• Stay Relaxed: Pets are great at picking up on our emotions, so staying calm and positive can help keep your pet relaxed before their appointment.

Have more questions about anesthesia?

We understand that anesthesia in veterinary medicine can be a bit overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Our team at Stewart Animal Clinic is happy to answer any other questions you have and walk you through the entire process.

From prepping your pet to post-op care, we’re dedicated to keeping your furry friend safe and comfortable every step of the way. If you’re considering a procedure or have any questions or concerns about dog or cat anesthesia, call us at (205) 647-8140 or book an appointment online below!