Pets often require anesthesia during dental examinations or surgeries to ensure they don’t experience pain or stress during the procedure. Most healthy pets handle anesthesia well, and the risks usually stem from the procedure itself rather than the anesthesia. If you live in or near Westerville, OH, and are looking for a veterinarian, contact Pet Medical Center of Westerville for all your pet’s veterinary needs.
The Value of Anesthesia
Most reasonably healthy pets tolerate anesthesia without issues, regardless of their age. However, overweight pets or those with specific medical conditions may face a higher risk. To minimize this, your veterinarian will usually conduct blood or other tests before administering anesthesia to ensure your pet is not anemic or has any other conditions that could increase risks.
Preparing Your Pet for Anesthesia
Our team will provide you with instructions in advance to help prepare your pet for anesthesia. Typically, you’ll need to withhold food for about 12 hours before the procedure. In some cases, we may also ask you to withhold water.
Monitoring Pets Under Anesthesia
Before the procedure begins, pets usually receive a mild sedative to help them relax. During the procedure, the veterinary and surgical team closely monitor your pet’s vital signs, reflexes, and oxygen levels. Adjustments are made as necessary to ensure your pet remains safe and comfortable. After the procedure, your pet will be placed in a calm, warm area with blankets to aid in recovery, while we continue to monitor their condition.
Expectations for Your Pet After Surgery
The effects of anesthesia typically wear off within 8 to 12 hours for dogs and up to 24 hours for cats, depending on the type of anesthesia used. Your pet may seem drowsy, whine, or have a reduced appetite and less coordination than usual. It’s also common for pets not to defecate immediately after the procedure, partly due to not being fed beforehand.
To ensure your pet’s safety, it’s important to limit their activities for the first day after surgery. Avoid allowing them to use stairs or jump, and prevent them from roaming around freely. If your pet still seems sleepy, uncoordinated, or hasn’t defecated 48 hours after the procedure, contact us to determine if your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian.
Contact Pet Medical Center of Westerville
If you live in Westerville and need a veterinarian near you for your pet’s anesthesia or other veterinary services, call Pet Medical Center of Westerville at (614) 882-7700. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for all your pet’s health needs.