If your pet is having a minor surgical or diagnostic procedure performed, we sometimes use a local anesthetic to help control pain. For example, when we perform a biopsy (in which a small portion of tissue is surgically removed so it can be examined), we often use a local anesthetic. Local anesthetics cause a loss of sensation in the area where the procedure is being performed. We sometimes use a sedative and/or anxiolytic (anti-anxiety medication) in combination with the local anesthetic to keep pets calm during a procedure.
There are many areas of the body where a local anesthetic alone would not offer your pet enough comfort. It is also important that all surgery be preformed with your pet still. If they are in motion it would be impossible for the surgeon to perform the procedure safely and correctly. In these cases we may need to sedate or give a short acting general anesthetic. We will always discuss this with you and obtain your consent before any sedation or anesthesia.
Local anesthesia is also a very important in more involved procedures and dentistry. We frequently will use local anesthesia in addition to general anesthesia with more involved surgery, to provide your pet more comfort in the hours following their procedure.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your pet receiving local anesthesia or about the procedure for which your pet is scheduled.
