Anesthesia and Sedation
Safe, Gentle Support for Procedures Big and Small
Anesthesia and sedation allow us to perform exams, dental care, imaging, and surgery in a way that keeps pets comfortable, calm, and safe. We know the idea of anesthesia can feel overwhelming for families, which is why we prioritize communication, transparency, and constant monitoring throughout your pet’s entire visit.
At Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital, your pet is never left alone. From the moment anesthesia begins until they are fully awake, they are supported by a dedicated team focused entirely on their comfort and safety.
Our Approach to Anesthesia Safety
Every pet receives a personalized anesthetic plan based on age, breed, medical history, and current health. Before any procedure, we perform:
- A complete physical exam
- Pre-anesthetic blood work
- Review of medications or chronic conditions
This helps us select the safest medications and monitoring approach for each individual pet.
Constant Monitoring, Gentle Handling
Throughout the procedure, we continually track:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Oxygen levels
- Temperature
- Breathing patterns
Our monitoring equipment mirrors what you’d expect in a human medical setting, supported by experienced team members who stay with your pet from start to finish.
Your pet always has a 2:1 care team during anesthesia. This means, two trained professionals focus solely on monitoring, comfort, and recovery to ensure your pet receives attentive, uninterrupted care.
A Calm, Supported Recovery
After the procedure, your pet wakes in a warm, quiet environment with a team member by their side. We offer:
- Pain management tailored to your pet
- Gentle reassurance during recovery
- Clear home-care instructions
- Follow-up check-ins as needed
Our goal is to make the entire process feel as smooth and supported as possible for both you and your pet.
What’s the Difference Between Anesthesia and Sedation?
Sedation and anesthesia both help pets stay calm and comfortable during procedures, but they work at different levels and serve different purposes. Both are chosen carefully to ensure the safest, most comfortable experience.
Sedation
Sedation helps pets relax, stay still, and feel less anxious while remaining awake.
It’s commonly used for imaging, minor wound care, anxious nail trims, and low-stress procedures that require stillness.
Pets stay comfortably relaxed, and recovery is usually quick.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia creates a controlled, pain-free, fully unconscious state for procedures where a pet must be completely still or cannot safely be awake.
It’s used for surgery, dental cleanings and extractions, deep imaging, and any procedure requiring precision.
Pets feel no pain or awareness and receive continuous monitoring throughout.
We Are Here To Help
We encourage families to ask anything on their mind. Whether you’re nervous about anesthesia or simply want to understand each step, we’re here to talk through the details with compassion and clarity. It’s what we’re known for in our community.
If your pet has a procedure coming up and you’d like to learn more about our anesthesia approach, we’re always happy to help.