What's an Anesthetic compared to a Sedation?
As your pet’s healthcare provider, we want you to feel confident and informed about the care your companion receives. This handout explains the difference between sedation and general anesthesia, two commonly used methods to keep pets safe, calm, and pain-free during medical procedures. For more information about surgery itself, check out Surgery FAQs.
What is Sedation?
Sedation is a medically induced relaxed or sleepy state. It helps calm your pet so that minor procedures can be done safely and with minimal stress. Sedated pets may still be awake or lightly asleep, but they are generally relaxed and less responsive to their surroundings.
Common Reasons for Sedation:
Key Points:
What is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a controlled, reversible state of complete unconsciousness. Pets under general anesthesia are fully asleep and feel no pain during surgical or more invasive procedures. Anesthesia is achieved through a combination of injectable and/or inhaled medications.
Common Reasons for General Anesthesia:
Key Points:
How Do We Keep Your Pet Safe?
Whether your pet is sedated or under general anesthesia, we take every precaution to keep them safe.
Questions?
We’re always happy to discuss your pet’s treatment plan and explain what to expect before, during, and after sedation or anesthesia. Your pet’s comfort and safety are our top priorities.
What is Sedation?
Sedation is a medically induced relaxed or sleepy state. It helps calm your pet so that minor procedures can be done safely and with minimal stress. Sedated pets may still be awake or lightly asleep, but they are generally relaxed and less responsive to their surroundings.
Common Reasons for Sedation:
- Radiographs ("X-rays")
- Wound treatment or bandage changes. (note: if painful or a difficult location, anesthesia might be required)
- Nail trims in anxious pets
- Minor skin biopsies or lump removals
- Grooming or blood collections for pets who cannot tolerate handling
Key Points:
- Your pet may still be aware of touch or sound.
- We strive to maintain a calm and quiet environment with minimal stimulation.
- Pain control may be included depending on the procedure.
- Breathing and reflexes usually remain normal.
- Recovery is typically faster than with general anesthesia. In fact, many sedations are reversible.
What is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a controlled, reversible state of complete unconsciousness. Pets under general anesthesia are fully asleep and feel no pain during surgical or more invasive procedures. Anesthesia is achieved through a combination of injectable and/or inhaled medications.
Common Reasons for General Anesthesia:
- Spay or neuter surgeries
- Dental cleanings and extractions
- Mass removals or biopsies
Key Points:
- Your pet is completely unconscious with no awareness of surroundings.
- Pain relief and monitoring are crucial components of anesthesia.
- Breathing is closely monitored and can be assisted.
- Animals under anesthesia must have their airways monitored and/or protected with an endotracheal tube inserted in the trachea. Through that tube, we provide oxygen and the inhalant anesthetic.
- Recovery takes longer than with sedation as they have to breathe out the inhalant and have a slower return to consciousness.
How Do We Keep Your Pet Safe?
Whether your pet is sedated or under general anesthesia, we take every precaution to keep them safe.
- Tailored medication plans based on your pet’s health, stress levels, and procedure being performed.
- Intravenous catheters are commonly used for all procedures, even many sedations. This allows us immediate Intravenous access for dose adjustments or reversals.
- IV fluids are included with any general anesthetic, which ensures IV access and supports blood pressure while also promoting clearance of the medications once the procedure is complete.
- Continuous monitoring of heart rate, breathing, temperature, and blood pressure.
- Active warming during any procedure (circulating warm water blankets, Bair huggers, blankets, booties, and more)
- Comfort and attention during recovery.
Questions?
We’re always happy to discuss your pet’s treatment plan and explain what to expect before, during, and after sedation or anesthesia. Your pet’s comfort and safety are our top priorities.