General anaesthesia with monitoring
Inhalation or combined anaesthesia carried out according to standard STD-02: intubation, continuous monitoring of vital signs, warming, and a dedicated person watching the patient throughout the procedure.
What it involves
General anaesthesia is a controlled state in which a dog or cat feels no pain, is unconscious and does not move, while its breathing, circulation and temperature are monitored throughout. Modern anaesthesia is not a single injection: it consists of premedication (sedative and analgesic drugs), induction (falling asleep), intubation and maintenance on anaesthetic gas with oxygen, and finally a controlled recovery.
Monitoring is key. At our anaesthesia station the patient is connected to an ECG, a pulse oximeter (saturation), a capnograph (carbon dioxide in exhaled air — the most sensitive indicator of whether breathing is adequate), and blood pressure and temperature measurement. Parameters are recorded every 5 minutes on the anaesthetic chart in accordance with standard STD-02. The person managing the anaesthetic looks after the patient only and does not operate.
We treat pain on several fronts (standard STD-04): we combine opioids, anti-inflammatory drugs and local blocks, which allows lower doses of gas and a calmer recovery.
When it is used
General anaesthesia is needed for every operation (neutering, tumour removal, orthopaedics, abdominal surgery), for dental procedures with dental X-rays and scaling, and for some examinations that require complete stillness — endoscopy, biopsies, imaging in anxious patients.
Every anaesthetic is preceded by an assessment (STD-01). We do not anaesthetise for planned procedures without an examination and blood results.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- The dog or cat has an operation planned that requires complete stillness and freedom from pain.
- The animal has tartar, foul-smelling breath and pain when eating — a dental procedure under anaesthesia is needed.
- The cat or dog has swallowed a foreign body and endoscopic or surgical removal is necessary.
- The animal has a tumour that needs to be removed and sent for histopathological examination.
- The dog has broken a bone or ruptured a ligament and needs an orthopaedic procedure.
- The patient is so frightened or in so much pain that it cannot be examined safely without anaesthesia.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
We assess every patient according to STD-01: clinical examination, blood count and biochemistry from our laboratory and, in seniors, higher-risk breeds and patients with a heart murmur, echocardiography and ECG. On this basis we determine the ASA class and an individual protocol.
Immediately before the procedure we check temperature, pulse, breathing and hydration again and complete the checklist (STD-03): patient identity, type of procedure, allergies, and a check of equipment and emergency drugs.
How it proceeds
After admission the patient receives premedication — an injection with a sedative and analgesic drug, after which it begins to relax. We place an intravenous cannula, through which we give fluids throughout and through which drugs can be given immediately if needed. We clip and prepare the surgical site (asepsis according to STD-05).
We perform induction with an intravenous drug, then pass an endotracheal tube into the trachea and connect the animal to a machine delivering isoflurane or sevoflurane in oxygen. The patient lies on a heated mat and is connected to a monitor. The anaesthetist records the parameters every 5 minutes, adjusts the depth of anaesthesia and responds to drops in blood pressure, temperature or saturation. Duration depends on the procedure: from 20–30 minutes for neutering a tomcat to 2–3 hours for complex orthopaedics.
When the procedure is finished, the gas is switched off and the patient breathes pure oxygen until it starts to swallow — then we remove the tube. Recovery takes place in a heated hospital kennel under observation, with temperature and pain monitoring. After most procedures the animal goes home the same afternoon; after major operations it stays overnight on terms set by the lead veterinarian.
Aftercare
For the first 24 hours the animal may be sleepy, unsteady and less keen to eat — this is normal. Give a light meal in the evening, provide a warm, quiet place and do not leave your dog or cat unsupervised on stairs or on high furniture. Give the painkillers exactly according to the schedule, even if the animal looks well.
Call if after 24 hours the patient is still not eating, is vomiting, is breathing with effort, has pale gums or is not passing urine. Post-procedure check usually after 2–3 days and when the stitches are removed.
Frequently asked questions
Is anaesthesia dangerous?
Every anaesthetic carries some risk, but with pre-anaesthetic assessment, intubation, continuous monitoring and warming, the risk in healthy animals is very low. The greatest risk affects patients with undiagnosed diseases, which is why we examine them before the procedure.
Will my dog feel anything?
No. Under general anaesthesia the animal has no awareness or sensation of pain, and we give analgesics before the operation begins and continue them afterwards.
Can an old cat undergo anaesthesia?
Age in itself is not a contraindication. What matters is the condition of the heart, kidneys and liver, which we check before the procedure. Seniors receive an adapted protocol and more intensive support with fluids and warmth.
How long does recovery take?
The patient usually lifts its head within 15–30 minutes of the gas being switched off, and walks fairly steadily after 2–4 hours. The effects wear off fully by the next day.
Can I be present during recovery?
As a rule, no — in this phase the patient needs quiet and the team's supervision. We will call when it is stable and agree a collection time.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about general anaesthesia with monitoring?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.