For the wriggly, anxious or aggressive pet, an injectable sedative is recommended to be able to perform a procedure without further harming the pet or the handlers. Sedation can be recommended for procedures such as x-ray, grooming, nail clip, examination.

Sedation allows a pet to relax to a point where they are not fully aware of their surroundings and have no control of their muscles. Whereas, general anaesthesia is the complete loss of consciousness and is required for procedures e.g. surgery, dentistry.

Injectable sedatives are fast acting and can sometimes be reversed. Commonly used drugs include acepromazine, butorphanol, diazepam, telazol, dexmedetomidine, ketamine or a combination of these drugs. The sedative is selected based on the pet’s health, the problem that needs to be addressed and the level of sedation required. 

What to do before and after the procedure

Before surgery:

• Make a booking for your pets procedure.
• You can give you pet an evening meal as normal the day prior to surgery, but do not leave food out overnight. Water should be freely available to your pet until 8am on the day of surgery.
• A blood test may be performed prior to the procedure to check vital organ function.
• The vet will perform a thorough physical examination before administering an sedation agent.

After Surgery:

• Keep your pet restrained and quiet as the effects of sedation can take some time to wear off completely.
• Food and water should be limited to small portions only on the night of surgery.
• Follow any dietary instructions that the vet has provided.
• Ensure all  medications (if any) are administered as per the label instructions.
• Ensure your pet’s rest area is clean to avoid infection.
• Ensure you return to us on time for routine post-sedation check-ups .