How do they put cats under anesthesia? - briefly
To administer general anesthesia to cats, veterinarians typically use a combination of injectable drugs and gas. First, an intravenous catheter is placed in the cat's leg or neck to deliver the initial dose of anesthetic. Once the cat is sedated, a breathing tube is inserted to maintain oxygen supply during the procedure. The most common anesthetics used for cats are propofol and ketamine, which are often combined with gas anesthesia such as isoflurane or sevoflurane. After the procedure, the cat is carefully monitored until it fully recovers from the anesthesia.
How do they put cats under anesthesia? - in detail
When veterinarians need to administer general anesthesia to cats, they follow a meticulous process designed to ensure the safety and comfort of the feline patient. The procedure typically involves several stages: pre-anesthetic preparation, induction, maintenance, and recovery.
Pre-Anesthetic Preparation: Before administering anesthesia, veterinarians perform a thorough physical examination and may order diagnostic tests such as blood work or X-rays to assess the cat's overall health. This step is crucial to identify any underlying conditions that could complicate the anesthesia process. Additionally, the cat should fast for several hours before the procedure to minimize the risk of vomiting under anesthesia.
Induction: The induction phase begins with the administration of pre-anesthetic medications, often delivered via injection or topical cream applied to the cat's ear. These drugs help relax the cat and reduce anxiety. Commonly used pre-anesthetics include midazolam, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine. Once the cat is calm and relaxed, the veterinarian administers an induction agent, usually propofol or a combination of ketamine and diazepam, to put the cat under general anesthesia.
Maintenance: After the cat is fully sedated, it is placed on a ventilator to ensure adequate oxygen supply throughout the procedure. The veterinarian continuously monitors vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature using specialized equipment. To maintain anesthesia during the surgery, the veterinarian may use an inhalant anesthetic like isoflurane or sevoflurane, delivered through a breathing tube placed in the cat's trachea. These gases are administered at controlled concentrations to keep the cat under anesthesia while minimizing potential side effects.
Recovery: Once the surgical procedure is complete, the veterinarian gradually reduces the concentration of the inhalant anesthetic and removes the breathing tube. The cat is then moved to a quiet, warm recovery area where it can wake up under close supervision. During this phase, the veterinary staff monitors the cat's vital signs and provides supportive care as needed. This may include administering additional pain medications or fluids to aid in recovery.
Throughout the entire anesthesia process, the well-being of the feline patient is the primary concern. Veterinarians are trained to recognize and respond to any adverse reactions promptly, ensuring that each step of the procedure is executed with precision and care.