FAQs
Is anaesthesia safe for my pet at the vet in Brisbane?
Modern veterinary anaesthesia is very safe, even for older pets. Serious complications are rare, and your Brisbane vet will carefully assess your pet’s health before any procedure. This usually includes a physical examination and sometimes blood tests to ensure they are fit for anaesthesia. It’s natural to feel concerned, but veterinary teams are trained to monitor and care for your pet closely, keeping them safe and comfortable throughout.
How do vets on the Gold Coast keep my pet safe during anaesthesia?
Gold Coast veterinary teams use strict safety protocols and modern equipment to protect your pet while they are under anaesthesia. A dedicated vet or nurse stays with your pet the entire time, monitoring vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, temperature, and oxygen levels. Anaesthetic levels are adjusted as needed, and pets have an IV line for fluids and a secure airway with oxygen. Your pet is monitored every moment, including recovery, until they are fully awake.
How do I prepare my pet for surgery and anaesthesia on the Sunshine Coast?
Preparation is simple but important. Follow your vet’s instructions about withholding food before surgery, which is usually 8 to 12 hours. Water is often fine until a few hours before the procedure unless advised otherwise. Give any prescribed medications exactly as directed, or skip doses if told to do so. Keep your pet calm before the appointment, and use a secure carrier for cats or a lead for dogs. Arrive on time so the clinic can complete pre-anaesthetic checks and start preparations smoothly.
How will my pet feel after surgery, and how can I help them recover from anaesthesia?
It’s normal for pets to be drowsy for the rest of the day, sometimes up to 24 to 48 hours after anaesthesia. Once home, keep them in a quiet, comfortable area indoors. Offer a small drink of water and a light meal once they are fully alert. Keep them warm and limit their activity, avoiding stairs or jumping. Follow your vet’s aftercare instructions, including giving any pain relief as prescribed. If you notice ongoing vomiting, extreme lethargy beyond a day, or signs of pain, contact your vet promptly.
“I cannot recommend Dr Kieren Maddern highly enough. She has cared for both of my tiny, health-compromised Pomeranians, who are high risk when it comes to anaesthesia. As a very anxious owner, the thought of putting them under is always stressful, but knowing Dr Kieren is in control makes all the difference.”
M Vincent - Pet Owner
“Working with Kieren brings a sense of calm and confidence to even the most complex cases. With her managing anaesthesia, we can focus entirely on dentistry, knowing every detail of patient safety is being handled with care and precision.”
Dr Aaron & Dr Bec, Advanced Animal Dentistry
“Kieren shares our passion for cats. Her specialist training and knowledge allowed us to safely pursue treatments that required anaesthesia in a manner that ensured the utmost safety for Mr Gibbs. Her level of planning, communication, and care was extraordinary.“