Anesthesia with us: the subtle difference

For many owners, an operation and the necessary anesthesia for their cat is a major turning point. We make every effort to provide them with the best possible information and to explain the anesthesia and its risks. What many people don't know is that there are major differences in the way anaesthesia is administered and important guidelines to minimize the risks.
You can find out what we attach great importance to in this article.

On the day of anesthesia, we do not fast the cats 12 hours before the operation as usual, we recommend that owners feed them a small portion of food early in the morning. This reduces the risk of hypoglycemia and stomach acidity.

We approach each patient individually and take into account the cat's entire medical history before anesthesia. For high-risk patients (older cats, cats with heart/kidney/thyroid problems/diabetes etc. or some pedigree cats) we recommend a blood test so that we are well prepared for the anesthetic and can adjust the medication.

When the patients arrive at our practice, we make sure that they have as little stress as possible. Stress is a big problem, also for anesthesia, as it requires more anesthetics (anesthetics) and the cats sleep less relaxed.

We reduce stress by giving the owner of anxious cats a "chill pill" to take home in advance. The "chill pill" primarily relieves anxiety, reduces stress and is only mildly sedating. It is therefore also safe for heart patients or other high-risk patients. In the practice, we make sure that the atmosphere is as calm as possible. We treat the cats lovingly and respectfully.

Before anesthesia, the cat is examined by the veterinarian and veterinary anesthesia technician. The ideal premedication is discussed and recorded. The entire anesthesia is also recorded afterwards. Patients at risk are given a comfortable oxygen box before premedication in order to enrich the blood with plenty of oxygen before anesthesia.

Premedication is an injection into the muscle. Usually this injection contains a strong painkiller, anxiolytic and muscle relaxant to help the cats relax and fall into a light sleep. There are many different medications available for premedication. Here you can make the difference by choosing the medication that suits the individual patient. We have a large selection, so there is something for everyone.

If the cat is a little sleepy, a venous catheter is inserted. An anesthetic is administered via the vein. Here, too, we work with the latest drugs that have as few side effects as possible. The anesthetic puts the cat into a deeper sleep and lets it dream something nice.

As soon as the cat is fast asleep, various reflexes cease, such as the swallowing reflex. We intubate the cat to secure the airway. During intubation, a tube is inserted into the trachea (windpipe). We make sure that we do not damage any airway structures during intubation and that the tube length is adapted to the cat.

As soon as the cat is intubated, it receives constant oxygen via the anesthesia machine. We can adjust the depth of anesthesia individually using our modern syringe pump. The anesthetic is administered in the appropriate dose via the vein. Our balanced anesthesia is based on several medications and therefore has fewer side effects on breathing and circulation. This gives us a very good alternative to inhalation gas.

Monitoring during anesthesia is carried out by a qualified veterinary anesthesia technician. Values such as: Pulse, oxygen saturation, heart rate (with ECG to detect susceptible arrhythmias), respiratory rate, capnography (exhaled CO2), blood pressure and temperature are constantly monitored. We have a monitor specially set up for cats for this purpose. During anaesthesia, the cats receive an infusion, which we adjust individually.

The recovery phase is just as crucial. That is why the cat remains monitored in the operating theater while it wakes up. As soon as the cat appears sufficiently awake, it is given a warm, cozy box (also in the operating theatre), in which we place a warming mat and comfortable blankets. The cat is lovingly cared for by us, as they are usually a little disoriented when they wake up and need a lot of "TLC" (tender loving care). As long as the cat tolerates it, pulse, oxygen saturation and blood pressure continue to be monitored.

Pain therapy is very important to us. We take an individual approach to patients and their pain levels and also use local anesthetics to reduce pain. The same applies to post-operative nausea prevention.

As soon as the cat is back on its feet, we give it a super tasty liver or salmon paste (depending on preference, we always ask the patients in advance 😉). Afterwards, you can enjoy your endorphin rush in the cozy box and go home again soon.

You are welcome to contact us directly if you have any further questions. Of course, a personal consultation takes place before every anesthesia.

In summary - the subtle difference for relaxed anesthesia

❤️ Do not fast for too long before the operation

❤️ Stress reduction and a relaxing atmosphere in the practice and a "chill pill" for at home

❤️ Early administration of oxygen before the operation

❤️ Consideration of medical history when choosing and dosing medication

❤️ Anesthetics with as few side effects as possible

❤️ Monitoring by a qualified anesthesia technician for the entire duration

❤️ Modern devices for patient monitoring

❤️ Coordinated pain therapy and prevention of nausea

❤️ Wake up with constant monitoring and in a comfortable environment.