Very Mild Cat Anaesthetic (used for human babies)

[flipflop104]

My cat always has a bad reaction to anaesthetic and the lady from the Cat Protection League mentioned that one of her cats also has a bad reaction so the vet gives her cat an anaesthetic which is used in human babies because it is a very mild form of anaesthetic and the cats come round very quickly (but it's very expensive which is why it's not the normal anaesthetic used in cats).

Only problem is, she can't remeber the name of it and I want to be able to ask my vet to use it if need be.

Anyone know what it's called?

[Noweia]

There are many different types of anaesthetic used in animals and the type used depends on the practice!

If your cat is going to be put under a general anaesthetic at your vets, just warn them that he has had a reaction to anaesthetics in the past.

[flipflop104]

Oh they know - she had to be re-admitted 48 hours!!! after the anaesthetic was administered because she had still not come out of it properly and it seemed as though she was blind - panicing and running into things as though she couldn't see.

I'm just worried because the first time she had it, she had a bad reaction that required me to sit up all night holding her (but she sat in my arms) and the 2nd time, I had to do the same but again but it had the added symptom described above (seeming like she was blind and dizzy still but panicing and running around in a very scary fashion).

I don't wanna dis my vets because they are very good and took her back in until she recovered (3 days later) but I don't want her to be even given the same anaesthetic and I thought if I could go in armed with the name of an alternative, milder anaesthetic, I would be better off than just asking for a milder one.

[ProperBoPeep]

I am afraid there is no such things a "mild" or "light" anaesthetic. They are either anaesthetised or they are not.

However there are several different induction agents (injectable drugs used to anaesthetise the animal enought to intubate and then maintain the state of anaesthesia with inhalation gas drugs).

In the UK there are 3 main inductions agents used in cats:

1) Thiopentone - old fashioned but quite safe. Takes a while to wear off
2) Saffan - cat specific drug. Very good but side effects are common and may include facial and paw swellings
3)Propofol - the saftest and best. Short acting and safe.

I would ask which one was used before and if possible try to use a different one or ask if they use Propofol.

Inhalation drugs are usually either Halothane or Isoflurane, of which the later is generally thought of as better as they wake up a lot quicker from it. However there is nothing wrong with either.

So there are several different combinations of drugs available to a vet. Have a chat and talk through the options available to you - no vet wants to put a pet at risk and will try to work around the previous problem as best as possible.

One final point - if the cat is particularly fractious and getting i/v access is difficult, it is normal to use Ketamine and morphine type drugs in combinations to be given in the muscle. This may cause problems but unfortunately in some cats is often the only way to do it!

[flipflop104]

Thanx for your reply.

I'll take your advice to the vets with me if she needs anaesthetic - don't even know if she'll need it yet - her yearly check up/vacinations are due soon but she always has trouble with her teeth (needing cleaning) - not sure why cos both out cats are on the same diet and the other one has never had trouble with her teeth. Let's hope she gets away with it this year (but I'm not holding my breath)