The Pet Parent’s Guide to Sedation and Anesthesia
Comfort and care come first, and sedation helps ensure stress-free imaging for every furry patient.
Imagine trying to hold a wiggly, excited pet perfectly still for even a few seconds–it’s nearly impossible! Now imagine needing that stillness for a detailed image that could determine the future of their health. That’s why sedation or anesthesia is often a necessity in veterinary imaging.
Pet parents often have questions about why sedation is necessary during imaging procedures like MRIs or X-rays, and whether it’s safe. At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), we prioritize both the comfort of your pet and the accuracy of our diagnostics, ensuring their well-being at every stage of their diagnosis.
In this guide, we'll answer your burning questions about sedation and anesthesia for pets:
The difference between “anesthesia” and “sedation”—and why they shouldn't be used interchangeably
Why is it even needed for veterinary imaging procedures?
How does SVI ensure the highest safety standards during these processes?
What you can expect before, during, and after your pet’s imaging procedure
Let’s explore how it works, why it’s sometimes essential, and how SVI is here to guide you and your pet through the process with care.
The Differences Between Sedation and Anesthesia for Pets
While the terms “sedation” and “anesthesia” are often used interchangeably, they are distinct techniques with different purposes and safety considerations.
Sedation relaxes your pet, reduces anxiety, and keeps them still. Pets breathe on their own, recovery is quicker, and the process is less complicated.
Anesthesia is a deeper level of unconsciousness used for procedures requiring complete stillness or breath control, like MRIs or some CT scans. It involves a tube and a ventilator to assist with breathing.
At SVI, clear communication is key. Whenever anesthesia is required, we obtain signed consent from pet parents and explain the process in detail, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
Why is Sedation or Anesthesia Needed in Veterinary Imaging?
The bottom line: Certain procedures, like MRIs, require anesthesia. That’s because even the slightest movement can blur the image, making it difficult for your veterinarian to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Here’s how different procedures typically involve sedation or anesthesia:
MRI: Always requires anesthesia to ensure complete stillness during the procedure.
CT Scans: May require either sedation or anesthesia, depending on the type of images needed. For example:
Images of the heart or lungs often require brief anesthesia to hold your pet’s breath for a clear scan.
Ultrasounds: Rarely require anesthesia but often involve sedation to keep pets calm and still.
Some pets stay relaxed with mild sedatives like Gabapentin given before the visit.
More active pets may need additional sedation during the exam.
Regardless of the procedure, sedation and anesthesia ensure your pet stays calm, allowing us to get the best images possible—without causing additional stress to you or your furry friend.
SVI’s Advanced Sedation and Anesthesia Protocols
Pet parents sometimes worry about the safety of sedation or anesthesia, and that’s understandable. However, when administered carefully, both are routine and low-risk procedures designed to protect your pet's well-being while delivering the critical insights we need for effective treatment.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), your pet’s safety is our top priority. That’s why we use protocols developed by board-certified anesthesiologists specializing in creating safe, effective plans for your pet.
Each plan is tailored to your pet’s unique needs, considering their:
Species
Size
Breed
Health history
During the procedure, we monitor your pet using human-grade equipment to track their:
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Oxygen levels
And more!
This level of monitoring allows us to respond instantly to any changes, ensuring their safety from the moment sedation begins to when they wake up.
Relaxed, safe, and ready for a clear diagnosis. Our sedation protocols keep pets calm and comfy.
And yes, veterinarians and pet parents alike love seeing the pets’ “derp faces” when they’re sedated. While the sedative makes them look a little goofy (and always cute), it’s also proof that they’re relaxed and completely unaware of the procedure taking place. At SVI, we treat your pet with the same care and love as if they were our own.
What Happens During and After Sedation or Anesthesia
Once your pet is sedated or under anesthesia, the imaging process is simple.
Your pet will be carefully placed in the correct position for the imaging procedure, with our team ensuring they’re as comfortable as possible.
We closely monitor their vital signs throughout the procedure, keeping them safe at every step.
As the sedation wears off, your pet will slowly wake up in a calm, quiet environment. Grogginess and a little wobbliness are completely normal during this phase—think of it as how humans feel after waking up from a deep nap.
Your pet’s personality will return as the effects of the sedative fade, which usually happens within a few hours.
When your pet looks this chill, you know they're in good hands.
When it’s time to go home, we’ll provide you with clear aftercare instructions so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Most pets bounce back quickly, but keeping them calm and quiet for the rest of the day is important. A cozy spot to rest and some extra love are all they’ll need to recover fully.
Understanding Risks and Recognizing Complications
Like any medical procedure, sedation and anesthesia carry some risks, but these are incredibly rare when performed by trained professionals. At SVI, we take every precaution to minimize risks and keep your pet safe.
It’s normal for your pet to be a little sleepy after sedation or anesthesia. However, if you notice signs like prolonged lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or unusual behaviors, contact your veterinarian or our team right away. These could indicate a rare complication, and we’re here to help.
For most pets, recovery is smooth and uneventful. By following the aftercare instructions we provide, you can help ensure your pet feels back to their usual self as quickly as possible.
Meet the Sage Veterinary Imaging team in Round Rock, Texas, 2024—experts in pet imaging and care!
SVI’s Commitment to Safety and Care
When it comes to your pet’s health, they deserve the best–and that’s exactly what we provide at SVI. From our expert anesthesiologists to our advanced monitoring equipment, every part of the sedation or anesthesia process is designed with your pet’s safety and comfort in mind.
If your pet needs advanced imaging, we’re here to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team is always happy to answer your questions about sedation, anesthesia, or any other part of the imaging process.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. With SVI, you can trust that your pet is in caring, capable hands!
