If the time comes when your cat needs to get a procedure that requires anesthesia, it is common to worry and have multiple questions regarding its implications. To secure your pet’s health, it is good to know the basics about how the anesthesia will be used in your cat surgery and how the recovery process will be. We want you to feel completely comfortable with our team, and we want to provide you with the answer to any questions you may have to make the procedure easy and smooth.
When we recommend anesthesia for a procedure, we had already ensured your cat is in optimal health before the surgery, and we had determined it will be the best option for them. It might require some diagnostic testing beforehand so we can study the complete picture of your cat’s health. The test might include comprehensive blood chemistry, blood count, urinalysis, entire health history, and a thorough physical exam. We will not recommend a procedure that requires anesthesia without minimizing the chance of any complications.
Anesthesia is used during procedures that your Kittie needs to be immobilized or during surgeries to avoid pain. He will be unconscious and carefully monitored by our team. There will be a risk on any surgery, but the risk will be minimal with proper care and supervision before, during, and after the procedure. However, this cannot happen unless your contribution to their recovery.
After scheduling the surgery, we will give you specific instructions to follow regarding your cats’ pre and post-surgery care. You will also get a chance to ask anything you want from our veterinaries and staff, and we will be here to walk you through the process. We will discuss any risks and explain what we will be doing to help your cat.
Here are some things to keep in mind before arriving for your cat surgery:
- Fasting will be recommended the night before the procedure. It is to avoid any risk of vomiting or food aspiration while your cat is unconscious. The timing will vary with age and weight, but the most common time is to stop feeding your cat after 10 pm the night before. You might provide them with some water the morning of the procedure, following veterinarian instructions.
- Known when the procedure will start and arrive earlier for the check-in where we will go over the charges, the process, and the aftercare to make sure you understand everything. This is an excellent time to ask any additional questions you may have and ease any doubts.
- After the procedure, we will continue to carefully monitor your cat while they are waking up from anesthesia. We will ensure your cat is breathing well and comfortably resting while watching its blood pressure, temperature, oxygen, heart rate, and carbon dioxide output levels. Additionally, they will be kept in an IV catheter to provide fluid support should they need it.
- Once they are awake, temperature and vitals back to normal, and start to interact, your cat will be discharged and return home with you. We will talk you through how all went and send you home with specific instructions to follow. Anesthesia can stay in the system for a few days after the procedure, so it is essential to follow instructions accordingly. Keep your cat in a safe and calm environment and provide medicine when prescribe.
All cases are different, so you might be given specific instructions to ensure your cats’ safety. Contact us if you have any additional questions or would like to get more information regarding anesthesia and your pet’s health.
To avoid the need for procedures that require anesthesia, schedule an appointment at our preventative care clinic. For more information about what to expect, please refer to this article from our website.
Why Choose Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital?
Dealing with surgery or anesthesia for your pet can be challenging; however, our team will do everything possible to calm these fears. Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital can help address any pre-surgery issues before the process begins. If you are ready to get started, contact us today to schedule your appointment with one of our experienced and compassionate veterinarians!