Sedation

Tranquilization or sedation is used to calm an animal under various conditions. The animal remains awake or may ‘sleep’ but is easily aroused when stimulated. Some pets suffer from anxiety triggered by travel, thunderstorms, fireworks, or even the trip into the animal hospital. Anti-anxiety medications and other non-prescription options are available to help these pets. Sedatives may be given by mouth or by injection depending on the situation. Some animals can be so worried and upset by the hospital environment that it is simply kinder to help them to be relaxed.

Pets undergoing general anaesthesia are given a pre-anaesthesia sedative as part of routine protocols.  This helps reduce the amount of general anaesthetic agent required and helps the pet transition into a state of anaesthesia more smoothly. Sedation and tranquilization are not without risk and each animal should be assessed prior to dispensing these medicines.
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We may use sedation to assist in performing some procedures on hospitalised patients. X-ray and ultrasound procedures are often done under sedation, as this improves patient comfort and safety, as well as allows for better results.