Anesthesiology

Prior to some procedures, a sedative may be given by injection into a muscle. These particular drugs help to relax the kitty, reduce anxiety, and provide some pain relief. Once the kitty is relaxed, we are then able to place a small tube into the trachea (windpipe), which will provide an open airway for us to give oxygen plus or minus gas anesthetic. The gas anesthetic can also be administered without the use of sedatives. Anesthesia produces a sleep-like state, which we are able to control. Although general anesthesia provides the kitty to feel no pain during the procedure, upon recovery, almost all cats will experience some degree of discomfort. Therefore, most patients will be given an injection to control pain before they wake up, and also sent home with some short-term pain medicines.

When a patient is under anesthesia, a catheter is placed into a vein to administer either IV fluids, or other medications. The fluids given during surgery help to support body function by maintaining blood volume and blood pressure. The IV catheter is also helpful in the case of an emergency we have easy access to administer emergency medicines.

General anesthetics tend to drop the body temperature of the animal, so it is very important to keep them warm. Here at the Kentwood Cat Clinic we utilize equipment such as a warm water-circulating blanket which is placed under the patient, as well as warm packs to lay against the patient as it is in recovery. Recently, we have discovered that bubble wrap (yes, bubble wrap) can be laid over the cat’s body to help insulate and keep the body heat where it belongs.

The veterinarian and a licensed technician constantly monitor heart rate and respiratory rate, as well as the level of anesthetics being delivered, during every procedure. Once the procedure is complete, the cat is allowed to breathe pure oxygen until it is awake enough to breathe on its own with no complications. All patients are held before being placed into a cage to assure there will be no problems post anesthesia and recover in a cage with warm packs and snuggly towels. When the kitty is fully awake, the IV catheter is removed and kitty gets a yummy snack.