General Anaesthesia and Sedation
Book an appointment
Just like humans, pets can feel anxious and be extra fussy when paying a visit to their veterinarian, especially if they need to undergo treatment like dental services or surgery. In times like these, they may be advised to be sedated or receive general anaesthesia to calm them down and for the vets to carry out their work safely.
Are anaesthesia and sedation the same?
Both general anaesthesia and sedation are methods for helping your pet relax when receiving treatment, but with anaesthesia, your pet will temporarily lose consciousness as they are taken to a deeper sleep state. It is usually recommended for surgical procedures and dental work when sedation is not sufficient, or when your pet is extra nervous or uncooperative and unable to remain still during a procedure. On the other hand, sedation puts your pet into a more relaxed state to carry out procedures like X-rays and minor surgeries. They will remain conscious, but they’re drowsy enough to keep still. With either option, you can rest assured that your pet will not feel any pain or unpleasant sensation.
Is anaesthesia safe for my pet?
Before anaesthetics are administered to your pet, your vet will have them undergo pre-anaesthetic blood testing to rule out liver or kidney problems, heartworm, tick fever, or blood count-related issues that may interfere with the anaesthetic protocol. In the event that the results are out of the ordinary, the vet will modify the anaesthetic plan to accommodate your pet or even postpone the procedure until a proper course of treatment is made. If the results turn out to be normal, the procedure can continue with low to zero risks.
If your pet is older with a high anaesthesia risk, your vet may recommend making an intravenous (IV) drip as part of their treatment. This type of fluid therapy helps ensure that they’re well-hydrated and have normal blood pressure, and can therefore process anaesthetic drugs at a much faster rate.
Clinics offering this service
Check out our other services
View all Primary Care and General Services
Ac varius pellentesque ornare diam congue odio vestibulum. A urna leo nunc mi ante fames montes vulputate vulputate.
Learn more