Sedation is no longer just for surgery. Vets across Canada are now using sedation to improve the quality of your veterinary visit. This means that cats with differing levels of anxiety, fear, and aggression can be examined with little to no problem.
It starts at home. If you already know your cat hates the vet or has anxiety, ask your veterinarian for sedation options to give at home before your visit. There are many options for sedation from alert and slightly wobbly to fully asleep with no reaction; here at The Cat Hospital in Kamloops we choose the best option for your cat. Another good thing for your cat, is that the memory and the stress of the car ride, exam, and diagnostics will not be remembered under sedation. We see a lot of improvement with fear and aggression when handling, x-rays, blood work, and exams if your cat is sedate and relaxed.
Learn more about Fear Free Practices.
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about your cat being under sedation, but our experienced veterinary team is here to help. We understand that cat owners want what’s best for their furry friend, and we always strive to provide the highest standard of care.
Before any medication is given, our team will thoroughly explain the procedure and all associated risks. We’ll also answer any questions you may have about post-sedation care. Once your cat is fully awake, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to care for your cat at home. With our guidance, you can rest assured that your cat will be on the road to recovery in no time.
Is sedation for cats safe?
Here at The Cat Hospital in Kamloops, we understand that cat owners may have reservations about trusting their beloved feline to go under sedation. However, there’s no need to worry. Our team of cat-loving vets are gentle and experienced, and we go out of our way to make sure your cat is comfortable and safe during every visit. We also offer a variety of anesthetic options, so we can tailor the perfect plan for your cat’s individual needs.
A Blood Test Comes First
As any veterinarian will tell you, pre-anesthetic blood testing is important in choosing your medications and reducing the risk of anesthesia. Every pet should have blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic. Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic complications. Animals that have minor dysfunction will handle the anesthetic better if they receive IV fluids and extra monitoring support under anesthetic. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected. In short, pre-anesthetic blood testing is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and successful surgery for your cat.
You’ll Be In Good Hands
At our feline hospital, we understand that the trip can be a stressful experience for both pet and owner. That’s why we offer sedation services to help make the process as easy-going as possible. After a thorough evaluation of your pet’s reflexes, muscle tone, and responsiveness of vital signs, we will be able to determine the depth of anesthesia necessary. For most surgeries, it is required to sedate your cat to facilitate the process, but we want to do it with as minimal risk to the patient as possible. With The Cat Hospital’s experienced veterinarians and state-of-the-art facilities, you can rest assured that your pet is in good hands.
