Call an emergency vet clinic to confirm blockage and get treatment if you notice that your cat: Pain and discomfort in cats is hard to detect since many cats will hide it so well that they can act normal even after a major surgical procedure. Patients who receive IV sedation are usually aware of their surroundings, but may be unable to recall the events of their procedure afterwards. I thought things would be back to more normal by now. Around 95% of cats carry herpesvirus, and it is subclinical (not noticeable) until a stressful event occurs. Drugs used during anesthesia can also affect the way your cat behaves and affect breathing in some cases. However, it can take up to an hour for the person to completely wake up. Keep in mind that this article does not replace any individual information or instructions from your primary care veterinarian. Can anaesthetic and or pain meds cause this kind of reactions in cats? What do I do if my cat is not eating after surgery? Instead, you want the cat resting and/or sleeping as much as possible during the first week. Veterinarians also use sedatives to anesthetize your cat for certain procedures or prior to surgery. Your cat will not be fully anesthetized or out of it. Sign up and get the latest pet health tips, news, articles and alerts delivered monthly to your inbox. Sutures located inside of the body will not need to be removed. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Licking the area can increase the risk of infection and inflammation, which can loosen the sutures. Furthemore, your cat may have a decreased appetite for a day or so following surgery. It is not normal for your cat to be vomiting after their surgical procedure. Read on to learn more about using sedatives in cats and how they can help your cat. Her special interests include veterinary behavior, nutrition, and internal medicine. If you have noticed anxiety or stress before or after vet visits, speak with your veterinarian about travel anxiety and nausea to help decrease the side effects that your pet may experience once home. Be sure to follow your veterinarians dosing instructions closely so that your cat gets the full effect of the medication but does not receive an overdose. This is because the cat may vomit and choke while anesthetized. This is to rule out any infections or inflammation that may cause further damage to wound healing and the surrounding tissues. And get the latest pet health tips, news, articles and alerts delivered monthly to your inbox. After receiving oral sedation medications, your cat will be calmer, more relaxed, and maybe a little groggy. Why is my cat not sleeping after anesthesia? graycie recovered fine when they knocked her out for blood work they even said she came to clawing and trying to bite them. This ensures that your cat is safe, comfortable, pain-free, and immobile during the procedure. Signs of pain caused by inflammation: eating less, vomiting, lethargy, weakness, hiding, and other changes to normal behavior. The cat may exhibit a sleepy or relaxed demeanor after being sedated. In order to ensure proper healing of the area, your cat should not lick the surgery area, as their paws and mouth harbor bacteria that can lead to infection. You are going to have a few options to think about, but in most cases its best to stick to wet cat food or something that is smaller portion-wise. If you continue to notice that your cat is eating less or not eating at all in the days after surgery, follow up with your veterinarian immediately to rule out any serious complications. Limiting how much of the cat's hair is clipped, keeping the cat dry, and using warmed surgical scrub and IV fluids can also help prevent hypothermia. Grooming and licking the surgical site can cause secondary complications such as infections, irritation, and damage to the sutures, making them fall out before they should. How much food are you giving to the cat after a dental surgery? when he came home he was so high. It is normal for your cat to not have an immediate interest in food after coming home from the hospital, and they may have no interest in dinner that night. This article was co-authored by Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD. It needs stability after the surgery and that is only possible indoors where you can control the environment. In her free time, Dr. Racine enjoys playing trampoline dodgeball, hiking with her beagle Dasher, and spending time with her three mischievous cats. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. These anesthetic medications are used to facilitate certain procedures or to prepare your cat for surgery. Once the sedation has worn off usually within a few hours to a day your cat will be back to his or her normal, happy self. For many cat owners, this is a sign of comfort and pleasure. You can also help avoid complications such as biting by using an Elizabethan collar, sometimes called a cone collar, available from your vet or pet supply stores. He may not fully have his balance back to play safely and he would do better just sleeping. Letting the cat out to go for a bit of a run or hunt isnt ideal. Sleeping pills, diphenhydramine, and benzodiazepines are a few things you can use for cat sedation for travel. A veterinarian may use general anesthetics, such as propofol or etomidate, to sedate the cat. In general, sedation is "lighter" than general anesthesia, which means that a cat will not be in as deep of a sleep (and may still be alert, depending on the specific medication that is used) while sedated. Your veterinarian may prescribe one or two medications for you to give to your cat at home to sedate your cat for an upcoming event such as a veterinary visit or a long car ride. Its a common issue cat owners deal with after their pet goes through a significant dental procedure. Sometimes, a cat wont want to sleep if too much noise is being made. Recent vaccination Cats may be lethargic for a day or two as their immune system responds to vaccination. That being said, it does sound like your baby is having an adverse reaction to the anesthetic and whether there's more to it is hard to say. With a cat not sleeping after dental surgery, it's time to look at what is causing it discomfort. The first is an opioid to help control acute pain from the procedure. He is probably on a bit of a high from the drugs, but you need to sleep, and at the moment you are probably each keeping the other awake. If your cat is not consuming water either through drinking or their diet, reach out to your primary care veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out any more serious conditions. If you notice diarrhea and vomiting, your cat can become dehydrated at a faster rate. Before your cat needs to be sedated, its important to first consult your veterinarian to develop a plan to sedate your cat safely and effectively. I was scared to death, I thought he'd gotten brain damage. For more information from our Veterinary co-author, including how to watch for any potential complications, read on! Should I Leave My Cats Cone On Overnight? But he will soon and by tomorrow will be back to his old self. The symptoms are very mild and should not progress to other issues like open-mouth breathing, discolored eye and nasal discharge, or decreased eating. Offer fresh, clean water and semi-moist or moist diets at room temperature or heated slightly to help encourage eating and promote hydration. For example, they should take a blood and urine test to determine if there are any underlying health issues which may cause complications. You might also notice very sudden changes to your cats behavior, like not finishing their dinner, not enjoying their favorite treat, having no interest in their favorite toys, or even just not acting like themselves. He just goes from one spot to another to lay down. My cat won't drink water after surgery. Your veterinarian may recommend: Dietary changes (increasing the fiber content, juice from canned tuna, or offering moist and semi-moist diets), Supplements (probiotics, Purina Pro Plan Hydra Care), Prescription medications to help stimulate the bowel and soften the stool. Be sure to follow your vets dosing instructions exactly, and never double the dose or re-dose your cat without first consulting your vet for instructions. Choose a space where your cat typically spends most of their time, as it will have familiar comforts and scents. It is also recommended to speak to your vet to learn what works for your cats breed. Anesthesia for Cats. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Speak with your veterinarian about certain medical conditions that can cause upper respiratory conditions in cats. Monitor the volume of water that your cat drinks. Ensure that your veterinarian knows your cat's medical history prior to administering an anesthesia. It is possible that cats may hallucinate after receiving sedation specifically designed to induce sleep, as this would lead to an altered state of consciousness. White blood cells can start to accumulate at the site of the infection, creating a discolored (white, green, or yellow) discharge. About TheCatSite.com. Less commonly, an increase in urination can be due to low blood pressure or blood loss. She may also be a little cranky or aggressivebasically feeling extra sensitive. This is going to cause it to either overeat, throw-up, or end up injuring the wound. There are a few factors that can affect how quickly anesthesia wears off, including the type of anesthesia, the patients age, and how healthy the patient is. Do not give over-the-counter hydration or human electrolyte solutions to cats. Make sure you are following all instructions to restrict your cats activity. 50% portions are recommended for cats after they have been through a rigorous dental procedure. The lethargy and lack of appetite and drinking your cat is experiencing for 3 days are serious symptoms and definitely not normal following anesthesia. They may recommend a prescription-based diet that is formulated and balanced for gastrointestinal issues and can be fed on a short-term basis. Schedule a recheck examination to have the stapes/sutures removed and to have a professional check the area for any secondary issues or complications. Most importantly, I can't be certain if any of these issues are occurring. This article has been viewed 99,263 times. Mum and dad (Id moved out by that point) tried changing his food, the vet felt his stomach etc. Follow your veterinarians instructions to sedate your cat safely, and only use medications or supplements given to you by your veterinarian. Does my cat have to wear a cone? She may also be a little cranky or aggressivebasically feeling extra sensitive. This is not the time to encourage an hour-long session outdoors or in a playpen. I confined her to a room. This happens since the cat is already going to have its guard up after surgery. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In some cases, a new type of litter may be recommended to help with healing (such as non-clumping or clay, pine, paper, or pellets). Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. Here are some common behaviors that your cats may show after surgical procedures in general. Sedation is one of the major controversies in end-of-life care medicine. Manage Settings 2. If not administered properly, they can cause serious problems. 2. Is it normal for a cat to be restless after surgery? Dehydration commonly occurs in cats. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! When a cat is given anesthesia, it is important to keep them calm and comfortable. Vomiting in cats after surgery can be caused by a variety of things, including: If your cat is vomiting after surgery, call your veterinarian for the next steps in your cats care. After your cat is sedated with oral medications, he/she may be a little groggy, sleepy, or quieter than usual. He is now in intensive care. Urinary incontinence is not a common issue after routine surgery unless special considerations have been discussed with you. If your veterinarian has suggested that your cat wear an e-collar or a body suit, be sure to use it as directed. For most procedures, your cat's activity should be restricted for one week after surgery. UGH. These patients may require prescription anti-anxiety medications (such as Trazadone or Gabapentin) and anti-nausea medications (such as Cerenia). Your cat should get a complete pain-management plan regardless of the procedure to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free after surgery. It is typically takes between one and two days for a cat to become completely normal after sedation. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Choose a room that is quiet and free of other pets or young children. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Do not use medications that your cats veterinarian did not specifically prescribe for them. My childhood cat Smudge suddenly stopped eating and lost quite a lot of weight. Continue with Recommended Cookies. It should be a part of your daily routine to check your cats incision at least four times a day for: If you notice any of these signs, it is important that you reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent further issues in wound healing. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Help-a-Cat-Recover-from-Anesthesia-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Help-a-Cat-Recover-from-Anesthesia-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Help-a-Cat-Recover-from-Anesthesia-Step-1.jpg\/aid8714045-v4-728px-Help-a-Cat-Recover-from-Anesthesia-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"