How Long Should A Cat Fast Before Anesthesia

How many hours before surgery should a cat not eat.

How long should a cat fast before anesthesia. In its 2016 Guidelines the Association of Shelter Veterinarians states that fasting animals over 16 weeks of age for more than 6 hours is unnecessary. For healthy adult cats about to undergo an operation the American Animal Hospital Association now recommends a 4- to 6-hour fast prior to anesthesia. Before during and after induction Perform as first case of the day Diabetic ½ meal 24 hr prior Before during and after ½ dose given 24 hr prior Perform as the first case of the day History of or at risk for regurgitation Consider feeding 1025 of normal amount 46 hr prior to induction Emergent ASAP.

Pet lovers worry so much about anesthesia often to the extent of delaying or completely avoiding procedures that can truly benefit their pets such as comprehensive oral care because those procedures. Fasting for several hours prior to anesthesia as directed by your veterinarian is important to reduce your cats risk. Often vaccinations for rabies and distemper are required.

These vaccinations should be administered at least 5 days before the surgery date to allow the vaccines. Marty Becker DVM Fri Nov 23 211900 EST 2012. The age weight and health status of the cat are all factors in determining how long the cat should fast.

Although there are no data in cats shorter fasting times 34 h with provision of a small wet food meal 34 h before anesthesia may be adopted at the clinicians discretion. The anesthesia guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association AAHA are clear. There is always some risk to anesthesia however the risk is extremely low when being performed by a highly-qualified veterinarian and surgical team.

Any time your pet is scheduled for anesthesia fasting will be required. This is to reduce risks of vomiting up stomach contents and potentially breathing some of it. Anesthesia is accomplished by administering drugs that depress nerve function.

Before recent research 12 hours was the appropriate time to fast your pet. Fasting guidelines for cats before surgery. About a week before surgery make sure your cat is up to date on all her vaccinations.