Tips for Safe Sedation: Anesthetic Challenges in Older Cats

Welcome to our new series, Cocktail Hour with Dr. Tom Day! This engaging roundtable discussion features veterinary experts tackling real-world challenges in anesthesia and sedation. Each episode dives into practical protocols, tips, and strategies to elevate patient care.

Anesthetic Challenges in Older Cats

In this installment, the panel explores anesthetic challenges in older cats. Dr. Thomas K. Day, a board-certified anesthesiologist and critical care specialist, shares his approach to managing a 16-year-old feline patient presenting for dental treatment of a tooth root abscess, complicated by chronic upper respiratory issues.

Dr. Day emphasizes a step-by-step sedation strategy tailored for older, compromised cats. Starting with pre-hospital sedation using gabapentin, he outlines a gradual "step-up" protocol, avoiding high-risk drugs like dexmedetomidine initially and incorporating low-dose ketamine only when necessary. This measured approach ensures the patient's safety while facilitating procedures like catheterization and induction.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-Hospital Preparation: Gabapentin the night before and the morning of the procedure to reduce stress.
• Step-Up Sedation: Start with midazolam and butorphanol IM to evaluate response and minimize risks.
• Low-Dose Ketamine: A small dose can be safely added to overcome challenges with catheter placement.
• Induction and Maintenance: Transition to propofol once a catheter is placed, followed by facial blocks for effective pain management.

This patient-centered protocol balances sedation depth with safety, ensuring optimal outcomes for older cats with complex health issues.

Watch the Video

Watch the full discussion below and stay tuned for upcoming episodes in our series, Cocktail Hour with Dr. Tom Day.