Anaesthesia for your pet 

When it comes to anaesthesia, may pet owners find it daunting. Rest assured, our skilled and experienced team are here to guide your pet safely through the process. We understand that every pet is different, and we specifically tailor an anaesthetic protocol based on your pet’s requirements.

With the proper precautions, we can minimise the risks associated with general anaesthesia. We have a wide range of equipment to constantly monitor your pet.

  • Multi-parameter anaesthetic monitoring unit – SpO2 monitoring, ECG, oscillometric blood pressure, capnography

  • PetMap and Doppler blood pressure monitoring.
  • Bair hugger unit – this maintains body temperature.
  • ApAlert unit.
  • Fluid warmer.

  • Intravenous fluid pumps.

What happens when your pet comes in for an anaesthetic?

Prior to undergoing the anaesthesia, our vets will perform a thorough physical examination on your pet. We have Idexx in-house biochemistry and haematology machines so we can run a pre-anaesthetic blood test on the spot. Our vets will use this information to customise the best and safest anaesthetic and pain-management plan for your pet. Each pet has their own unique requirements!

Once a vet has determined that we can safely proceed, an intravenous catheter will be placed into a vein. This not only allows us to give your pet medications, but it also enables us to provide intravenous fluid therapy – which supports blood pressure and hydration. A pre-medication will then be given prior to starting the general anaesthesia – this contains a sedative to relax your pet as well as a strong pain killer.

Another injection will then be given to induce the anaesthesia. During this time, your pet will fall asleep and become unconscious. This means your pet will not feel any pain during the procedure and won’t even remember it happening! An endotracheal tube will be placed in your pet’s airways to allow us to deliver oxygen and anaesthetic gas.

While your pet is under anaesthesia, a dedicated procedure nurse will closely monitor the following:

  • Anaesthetic depth.
  • Heart rate/rhythm and pulse quality.
  • Respiratory rate/rhythm.
  • Temperature.
  • Blood pressure.
  • Blood oxygen saturation.
  • Capillary refill time and mucous membrane colour.

Once the procedure is finished, the anaesthetic agents will be gradually reduced to allow your pet to recover from the anaesthesia. We then keep your pet on intravenous fluids for several hours after the anaesthesia. All the while, they stay under the careful watch of our nursing team.