Anesthesia in cats

"Insensitivity to pain, especially as artificially induced by the administration of gases or the injection of drugs prior to surgical operations" is the definition of anaesthesia.

When a patient is given a general anesthetic, they are rendered unconscious. When under general anesthesia, patients lose their ability to feel pain, become relaxed (or paralyzed if a neuromuscular blocker is employed), and lose all memory of their experiences.The process of stopping impulses from traveling through the nerves accomplishes this. This implies that the brain is unable to process or recognize any bodily input. There are several types of anesthetics, though, and the patient is still completely cognizant in some cases (such as local anesthetics, which "numb" a particular area).

Anaesthesia is necessary for any surgical procedure that is likely to cause discomfort, including dental work and neutering. Occasionally, a pet may need to be put under anesthesia for procedures that need them to remain motionless, like certain x-rays, CT/MRI scans, and sample collection.

Local anaesthetics

These can be lotions, sprays, or injections. They are typically employed with great success to obstruct the nerve pathways that carry pain signals. Frequently, local anesthetics are used with general anesthesia to offer better pain management both during and after surgery.

EMLA cream can be used when placing intravenous catheters or taking blood samples and is a local anaesthetic in the form of a cream that numbs the surface of the skin, meaning the animal is less likely to move at the crucial moment when the needle punctures the skin. This type of anaesthesia is not suitable for surgical procedures, since only the skin is numbed and the animal is still able to move and feel sensation.

Dental nerve blocks are another type of local anesthetic treatment that can be used to prevent discomfort during and after dental procedures. These blocks work similarly to techniques used on human subjects to block the nerves delivering sensation to the teeth. In order to keep the animal still and provide enough pain relief during the dental surgery, these techniques are applied to animals that are under general anesthesia.

General anaesthetics

An animal given a general anesthetic is rendered unconscious, unable to move or feel pain. In order to execute surgical procedures, this is required.

A variety of medications, as well as combinations of medications, can be used to induce anesthesia. There are numerous determining criteria for selecting an anesthetic. The choice of anesthetic is based on a number of factors, including the animal's age, health, and the surgery to be performed.

Premedicants are typically administered initially; they serve to calm the patient and relax the muscles, but they don't usually make them unconscious. To induce general anesthesia, further medications or anesthetic gas are required. The anesthetic gas used to keep animals under anesthesia is often injected into their trachea (windpipe) through an endotracheal (ET) tube. In the event of an emergency, the ET tube guarantees the animal's safe airway during the anesthesia.

Yes and no!

Although no anesthetic is 100% safe 100% of the time and no two animals ever react to an anesthetic the same way, during the past ten years anesthesia has significantly improved in terms of dependability and safety. Anaesthesia-related deaths occur at a rate of roughly 1 in 1800 for healthy dogs and 1 in 900 for healthy cats, according to recent data, indicating that cats are more likely than dogs to experience anesthesia-related deaths. Patients with health issues have a higher chance of dying.

Ways that risks of anaesthesia are minimised include:

• Constant monitoring by trained staff when the pet is under anaesthetic.
• Minimising stress, before and after anaesthesia.
• Keeping patients warm before, during and after surgery.
• Providing medication for pain.
• Placing an endotracheal tube to aid breathing and an intravenous catheter to supply fluids.
• Use of safe anaesthetic drugs.

Reducing the risk does not eliminate it, though; there is a chance that a patient could experience a negative drug reaction, pass away while under anesthesia, bleed excessively during or after surgery, or experience other complications.

Your veterinarian will go over the dangers associated with any anesthetic as well as the particular hazards related to the surgery that your pet is having.

Anesthetic Process for Cats

• Pre-Anesthetic Evaluation: Before administering anesthesia, the veterinarian conducts a thorough pre-anesthetic evaluation, which includes a physical examination, blood tests, and a review of the cat's medical history. This evaluation helps in determining the cat's overall health and any potential risk factors.

• Customized Anesthesia Plan: Based on the pre-anesthetic evaluation, the veterinary team tailors an anesthesia plan specifically for the cat, considering factors such as age, weight, overall health, and the type of procedure to be performed.

• Induction and Monitoring: Cats are carefully induced under anesthesia, typically using intravenous medications. Once under anesthesia, the cat's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and body temperature, are continuously monitored throughout the procedure by trained veterinary staff.

• Maintenance and Pain Management: Anesthetic gases and intravenous medications are administered to maintain the cat's anesthesia at an appropriate level. Pain management protocols are often integrated to ensure the cat remains comfortable during and after the procedure.

• Recovery and Post-Anesthetic Care: Cats are closely monitored during the recovery period. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians observe the cat's vital signs, ensuring a smooth transition from anesthesia to consciousness. Warm and quiet recovery areas are provided to help cats wake up in a stress-free environment.

Certain anesthetics have the potential to make pets queasy. It is crucial that your pet not throw up while recovering from surgery or anesthesia since they could breathe in part of the vomit. In order to ensure that their stomachs are empty, dogs and cats should not eat for six to twelve hours after receiving anesthesia. When you bring your pet in for anesthesia, you must inform your veterinarian if you believe they may have had access to food. Your veterinarian will then choose whether to reschedule the treatment.

Risks and Safety Measures

While anesthesia is generally safe, there are inherent risks associated with any medical procedure. Cats, in particular, may have unique sensitivities and reactions to anesthesia. To mitigate these risks, veterinarians employ several safety measures, including:

• Thorough Pre-Anesthetic Assessment: Comprehensive evaluations help identify any underlying health issues or concerns that may affect the cat's response to anesthesia.

• Monitoring Equipment: Advanced monitoring equipment tracks the cat's vital signs in real-time, allowing immediate intervention if any abnormalities are detected.

• Skilled Veterinary Team: Experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians, trained in anesthesia management, ensure the cat's safety and well-being throughout the procedure.

• Appropriate Anesthetic Agents: Choosing the right anesthesia drugs tailored to the cat's individual needs helps minimize adverse effects and ensures a smooth recovery.

• Post-Operative Care: Proper post-operative care, including pain management, hydration, and monitoring, is crucial for the cat's recovery and overall well-being.

Until they are certain that your pet has completely recovered from the anesthesia, your veterinarian will want to keep it in the hospital. When your pet first arrives home, they should be eating and drinking regularly, but they may want to sleep quietly for the first 24 hours. After surgery, if your pet is in discomfort, they won't want to eat, so it's critical to provide them adequate pain treatment to promote a speedy recovery. If you are worried that your pet is uncomfortable, fidgety, or unwilling to eat, consult your veterinarian.