Pet Anesthesia FAQs

Veterinary anesthesia is an essential part of surgery and other medical procedures for pets. Anesthesia allows veterinarians to safely perform a wide range of treatments and procedures. There are various types of anesthesia used depending on the type of surgery or procedure being performed and each has its own risks and benefits. Here are a few questions that we often get at Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic in Yorktown, VA.

Pet Anesthesia

How will the anesthesia be administered to my pet?

Anesthesia can be administered to pets in several ways, depending on the procedure being performed. Common methods include intravenous (IV) injection of anesthetic drugs and inhalation of anesthetic gases. Anesthetics can also be combined with local pain relief medications to provide a more complete anesthesia experience for your pet.

An IV injection is often the most common route for administering anesthesia as it has the potential to provide instantaneous results, making it ideal for certain procedures. An IV injection delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, allowing it to take full effect quickly and efficiently.

Are there any risks associated with anesthesia for pets?

Anesthesia for pets does have some risks associated with it, though many of these can be minimized by ensuring that a qualified vet administers the anesthetic and that all equipment is in good working order. Anesthesia can cause vomiting, transient changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and slow breathing.

An improperly administered anesthetic can cause nerve damage, muscle damage, and brain damage if not monitored carefully. Pets may also experience allergic reactions to certain anesthetics or drugs used in combination with anesthetics. For this reason, it's important to discuss any existing allergies your pet may have with your vet before having the anesthesia administered. Additionally, there is the risk of post-anesthetic shock or prolonged sedation caused by an overdose of medication or prolonged exposure to the drug.

How long does anesthesia typically last in pets?

Anesthesia typically lasts for a few hours in pets depending on the type of surgery being performed, the age of the pet, and their overall condition. Anesthetics are processed and eliminated from the body through the liver and kidneys, so pets with liver or kidney issues may require longer recovery times or increased monitoring.

Anesthetics can interact with other medications that may be prescribed for your pet, so it is important to discuss any medications your pet is taking before undergoing surgery. Additionally, some anesthetics have long-term sedative effects which can cause long-lasting effects such as slowed reflexes or decreased alertness. Veterinarians also use supportive drugs to reduce any side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Contact Our Animal Hospital in Yorktown, VA

If you have any questions about pet anesthesia or anything in regard to your pet’s health, our veterinarians are happy to answer them. Call Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic today at (757) 865-6510.

Location

Hours of Operation

Monday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Monday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday
Closed