VCA Highlands Ranch offers a variety of animal anesthesia services for your pet. The term anesthesia indicates the use of medications to block sensation, typically resulting in unconsciousness. Veterinary anesthesia is used for procedures that require an unconscious animal; such as surgery, certain imaging studies (x-rays, MRI, CT scans) or medical procedures.
Anesthesia is induced using a variety of injectable and inhaled medications. Pets undergoing anesthesia are typically pre-medicated with an injectable drug. This pre-medication helps the pet relax so that full anesthesia can be induced more smoothly and safely. Next, the pet receives intravenous medication to cause loss of consciousness. A tube is then placed into the pet's upper airway, and gas anesthesia keeps the pet comfortably anesthetized during the course of the procedure. All pets undergoing anesthesia are carefully monitored before, during and after a procedure by our veterinarians and technicians to ensure the best outcome.