Recovery Period for Canines and Felines

Postanesthetic Period

Begins when administration of anesthetic agents end

Vet assistants will monitor and evaluate patients as they wake up from surgery, clean and a repack surgical packs, and clean the surgical suite

Signs of Anesthetic Recovery

Palpebral movement (fluttering eyelids)

Swallow and gag reflex present

Jaw tone returns

Shivering

Movement

Extubation

The removal of the breathing tube, performed after gag and swallowing reflex has returned

Length of Recovery depends on…

Length of anethesia

Condition of patient: disease increases recovery time (especially liver and kidney disease)

Type of anesthetic and route of administration: IM vs IV vs inhalant

Temperature: decreased temp leads to decreased metabolism and excretion which leads to increased recovery time

Cat Vitals

Temp 100 - 102.5 F, Pulse 140 - 220 bpm, Respiration 20 - 40 rpm, Mucous Membranes Pink < 2

Dog Vitals

Temp 100 - 102.5 F, Pulse 70 - 130 bpm, Respiration 16 - 32 rpm, Mucus Membranes Pink < 2

Postoperative Dehiscence

Premature loss of sutures that allows surgical site to open