The Pet Parent’s Guide to Anesthesia
Comfort and care come first, and anesthesia 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 anesthesia is often a necessity in veterinary imaging.
Pet parents often have questions about why anesthesia 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 anesthesia 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 and 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 Anesthesia Needed in Veterinary Imaging?
The bottom line: Certain procedures, like MRIs and CT scans, require anesthesia. 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 general anesthesia to ensure complete stillness and optimal image quality throughout the procedure.
CT Scans: Also require anesthesia. While the scan itself is quick, anesthesia ensures your pet remains perfectly still, especially for high-detail images of the lungs, heart, or internal organs.
Ultrasounds: Rarely require anesthesia but may involve mild sedation to help your pet stay calm and comfortable.
Some pets respond well to oral sedatives like Gabapentin before the visit.
More active pets may need additional in-clinic sedation during the exam.
The takeaway: Anesthesia allows us to obtain the clearest, most accurate images possible—without causing unnecessary stress for you or your pet. Your veterinary team will always weigh the benefits and take every precaution to ensure safety and comfort throughout the process.
SVI’s Advanced Anesthesia Protocols
Pet parents sometimes worry about the safety of anesthesia, and that’s understandable. However, when administered carefully, anesthesia is a routine and low-risk procedure—essential for keeping your pet safe and still while we capture the detailed images needed for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
At SVI, your pet’s safety is our top priority. That’s why we follow anesthesia protocols developed by board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists, who specialize in creating safe, effective plans tailored to each patient.
Each anesthesia plan considers your pet’s unique:
Species
Size
Breed
Health history
During the procedure, your pet is continuously monitored using human-grade equipment that tracks:
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Oxygen levels
And more
This level of real-time monitoring allows us to respond instantly to any changes, ensuring your pet is safe and comfortable from the moment anesthesia begins until they are fully awake.
What Happens During and After Anesthesia
Once your pet is 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 anesthesia 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, anesthesia carries some risk, but its 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 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 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!
