When properly administered, anesthesia will keep your kitty comfortable and pain-free during his or her medical procedure. Whether it’s surgery – such as spaying/neutering – or routine dental work, cat anesthesia in Idaho is a regular part of the veterinarian visit.
And while there are risks associated with any medical procedure, the rate when it comes to anesthesia is quite low. Of course, we never want there to be any complications, which is why we follow a set procedure about when and how to use it.
The procedure begins with evaluating the health of your cat. Healthy cats seldom experience problems and the reasons for cat anesthesia in Idaho typically outweigh the risks. Cats who are at risk tend to be older or have weight or heart problems.
As part of the assessment, we may recommend performing a pre-anesthetic screening to identify any potential problems and/or determine which type of anesthetic will work best on your pet.
Types of Cat Anesthesia in Idaho
There are two main ways anesthesia is administered – the inhalant type where your cat inhales it and the injectable type which is administered via an injection.
Inhalant Anesthesia: Inhalant anesthesia is dispensed via a mask or tracheal tube. It’s considered very safe, typically has a quick recovery time, and has even been used in animals with heart problems. Your veterinarian will choose the type of anesthesia to use based on his or her experience and your cat.
Injectable Anesthetic: Injectable anesthetic options fall into three main groups: Barbiturates, Dissociative Anesthetics (DAs), and Nonbarbiturate Hypnotics. Again, your veterinarian will decide which type is best for your pet if it is decided that injectable cat anesthesia in Idaho is the best option.
Monitoring During and After Cat Anesthesia in Idaho
While your pet is under the anesthesia, their vital signs will be observed by a trained person throughout the process. During the procedure, a breathing tube is usually inserted in your pet to help keep the airway open and unobstructed so that oxygen can continue to flow.
Typical vitals that are evaluated include:
- Body temperature;
- Respiration and pulse rates;
- Blood pressure;
- Blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels;
- ECG or EKG.
Your pet should seem normal to you by the time you pick him or her up after a procedure during which he or she received anesthesia. Your cat may seem a bit sleepy and less active for 12 to 24 hours after you return home.
It’s normal for your pet to experience some pain as they recover. The first day or two, your cat will probably sleep more than normal. This is the body’s chance to heal and your cat needs to rest. Your veterinarian will likely give you some type of pain medication to administer as well.
If your cat seems particularly uncomfortable, call us to find out what can be done. As always, if you have any questions about cat anesthesia in Idaho, we will be happy to answer them. Do you need to make an appointment for your cat? Call our office today and we’ll be happy to schedule one for you!
