How risky is a part or full anaesthetic to my old cat?

Question

Our 12 year old cat needs some 'old cat' tests done next week and also her teeth need a thorough clean. The vet can't get a blood sample without do a part anaesthetic (sedation). We understand that the blood test will determine how well she will cope under a full anaesthetic. We think our cat has an overactive thyroid and she DOES need her teeth doing, but she seems happy enough (if a little thin). How risky is putting an older cat under anaesthetic?

Answer 1

Putting any cat under anaesthetic is risky but the vets will keep an eye on her

Answer 2

Our old cat lived to be 22 - when she was about 19 or 20 she had her teeth cleaned and a couple removed because she was in pain. All done under anaesthetic with no problems - just trust your vet they will take good care of your cat.  

Answer 3

There is always a small risk with anaesthetic whether it's a cat, human or any other animal. Your vet will have taken you cat's age and state of health into consideration before recommending she goes under anaesthetic. Since he/she thinks your cat can have an anaesthetic then your cat must be in reasonably good shape health-wise.

Answer 4

There are a variety of anesthesia to choose from.  Depending on the hospital you are at, and how high end it is - see that they are using one that is appropriate for your situation.  Also they should be drawing ALL the blood needed to test for everything at the time she goes under.  It takes a matter of minutes to run the blood work in house and a day to send the rest out.  Also They should have her on IV fluids, on an EKG and blood pressure monitor.  Hopefully the anesthesiologist is on the ball.  You should ask about all of these things.  They will greatly reduce her chances of things that do go wrong when under sedation.

Having her teeth done is very important - I support your choice in going forward with this even though it is scary.

I will send prayers your way  :)

Answer 5

She will be in the vet's office so thay can watch her just in case.

Answer 6

Your vet will have taken her age into consideration before even suggesting anaesthetics to you.  We adopted an elderly stray who had EVERYTHING wrong with him.  The vet did what he could for him and got him going again apart from his rotten teeth.  He told us that although the cat needed to have some teeth out, his internal organs wouldn't cope with an anaesthetic so he just gave him painkillers instead so that he could eat properly.  Your vet is a professional and won't do anything to harm your cat.  Our other cat was 20 and needed some dental work.  He had the bloodtest that your cat has, but decided that, due to age, it was better not to put him out.  Again, he had painkillers instead.