Giving Anesthesia to Cat for Blood Work - Need Advice Please

My cat Binky needs to have blood work done on Friday and she does not like going to the vet and becomes very difficult to handle. The last time she had her blood taken, they had to give her full anesthesia. Not only does it worry me about the affects of putting her completely under but the cost associated with the whole visit (physical exam/blood panel/anesthesia) is around $450.00 which is really putting a strain on me especially when I spend just over $100 every month for her meds. Is it really necessary for them to give the anesthesia? Can’t they give me a sedative to pick up the night before and give to Binky just before bringing her in to the clinic the next morning? The problem is that I have to drop her off at 9:00am and the blood work may not get done until later in the morning. Last time, I dropped her off at 8:30am and was not able to pick her up until after 2:00pm. I asked the vet tech on the phone if it would make it easier if I were to put a soft cone around Binky’s head before bringing her in so that it would make it easier for them to be able to handle/restrain her in order to get the blood work done but she said not to and that it would make it more stressful for her. The tech said they have all the necessary masks/head cones/gloves etc… Does anyone have any advice? Should I call back tomorrow and ask to speak the Binky’s vet directly and ask about getting a sedative in a pill to give her before bringing her in? I hate to think the vet clinic is just trying to get me to spend more money by saying the only alternative they have is to put her fully under. One more thing, can you refuse to have your cat vaccinated if it’s been over 3 years? Binky just turned 4 years old and her last shots were 3 years ago. She is an indoor cat. Can they refuse to see her if I don’t have her vaccinated?

AdventureMe said:

My cat Binky needs to have blood work done on Friday and she does not like going to the vet and becomes very difficult to handle. The last time she had her blood taken, they had to give her full anesthesia. Not only does it worry me about the affects of putting her completely under but the cost associated with the whole visit (physical exam/blood panel/anesthesia) is around $450.00 which is really putting a strain on me especially when I spend just over $100 every month for her meds. Is it really necessary for them to give the anesthesia? Can’t they give me a sedative to pick up the night before and give to Binky just before bringing her in to the clinic the next morning? The problem is that I have to drop her off at 9:00am and the blood work may not get done until later in the morning. Last time, I dropped her off at 8:30am and was not able to pick her up until after 2:00pm. I asked the vet tech on the phone if it would make it easier if I were to put a soft cone around Binky’s head before bringing her in so that it would make it easier for them to be able to handle/restrain her in order to get the blood work done but she said not to and that it would make it more stressful for her. The tech said they have all the necessary masks/head cones/gloves etc… Does anyone have any advice? Should I call back tomorrow and ask to speak the Binky’s vet directly and ask about getting a sedative in a pill to give her before bringing her in? I hate to think the vet clinic is just trying to get me to spend more money by saying the only alternative they have is to put her fully under. One more thing, can you refuse to have your cat vaccinated if it’s been over 3 years? Binky just turned 4 years old and her last shots were 3 years ago. She is an indoor cat. Can they refuse to see her if I don’t have her vaccinated?

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Theoretically (and probably legally), the clinic 'could' refuse to see her if she is not up-to-date on rabies shots, but I would think if they were a progressive clinic in realizing that rabies shots are not needed for indoor cats, they wouldn't push this requirement. My cats are outdoor cats, but I have had a few conversations around vaccinations with my clinic, and they know my position when it comes to this area, and don't force the issue. 

I certainly share your concern about the cost and necessity of anesthesia when it comes to getting basic things like blood work done, or any other procedure for that matter. Depending on where you reside, there are clinics that can provide oral sedatives that you can give at home prior to procedures like dental cleanings, etc. I think the concern for some clinics may be one of liability I would think blood work would fall into this category however, and so you could ask your regular clinic if they provide these options, OR, call around and see what options other clinics can provide.

Best of luck! ...

Yes, I would definitely call, and ask to speak to the vet directly or have them call you back. Explain to him/her your financial concerns and limits, as well, and see if they offer any payment plans.  It does not hurt to ask.

(Calling around to other clinics may also give you some ideas of what they charge, for tests and vaccines.)

They should easily be able to prescribe a mild sedative, if they have seen the cat before at their clinic.

Since you have said that Binky is already on monthly meds,  this may affect if and why a sedative is not given, and what specific blood test is needed.

I am not sure about the laws regarding vaccinations in your area.  Here it is mandatory to get a rabies shot, but the other cat vaccines are not mandatory.  As far as refusing to see a cat because of no up-to-date vaccines, again I am not sure if this is legal or not....or just for the protection of the clinic and the other animals there.

I am also in Ontario, Canada. The clinic did not say anything about vaccinations but I'm wondering if this will come up once I bring her in. The vet is well aware of what meds Binky is taking but I believe the concern was more likely that the sedative would wear off before they were able to do the blood work. I'm actually the one who wanted the blood work done as she has been on a few meds for about 5/6 months now and I want to make sure they are not causing any problems. However, this being said, another vet who first treated Binky did want her back a month later for blood work and then again another 3 months later which I refused as my baby had been through a lot from her condition (Feline Hyperthesia Syndrome). She has gained some weight (from the Prednisolone) and seems agitated at times and very tired/unmotivated (from the meds I'm guessing). It's up and down , she goes from having energy and playing with her toys some days, to being unmotivated and just wanting to lay down or sleep on others. Her twitching symptoms have come back a little but are short lived which is most likely the reason for her being agitated and wanting to just lay around more. As a fur mom, I just want to make sure everything is okay. She is on low doses of the meds and when I spoke to the vet a month ago, he did not seem concerned about having her in for blood work (knowing what an ordeal it was the last time). I just want peace of mind and feel I owe it to her as a pet owner to have her checked out. I don't see Binky having any other issues, she is eating well, drinking her water regulary and has no issues with bowel movements etc...Thanks for the feedback.

Well, what a coincidence that all three of us posters are from Ontario! ..

While we do have by-laws in our area that require the rabies shot, I refuse to allow the adjuvanted rabies vaccines to be given which my clinic understands and accepts. I just found out that another nearby clinic has the non-adjuvanted one-year so will be getting Thomas done there for his booster and then I will make a decision on future vaccinations.

The wearing off of the sedatives can be a possibility, but I would definitely look into this option for future if you don't go through with the blood work right now. My big male cat, Max, used to enjoy going to the vets but after a couple of incidents, or maybe due to just getting older, he is not so keen now, and blood work can be a challenge. At my clinic, they have what I call 'the body bag' which is basically a cotton sack that they zip a cat into. Cats tend to calm down once they are inside this, but also, it restricts their movements and with this, the ability of the cat to lash out, while blood is being drawn. I plan on doing a wellness blood panel on everyone (especially Thomas as we haven't gotten this done on him yet), and so will be making arrangements soon.

Well hello fellow neighbours lol....I am going to ask about the cotton sack - that would be great! I was trying to acutally find something on my own that they could put Binky in so that she doesn't move around so much in order for them to be able to draw blood for the few minutes it takes. I'm going to go through with taking her in as she is on Prednisolone and will more than likely need to take this med every day for the rest of her life. I tried to only give it to her a few times a week but her twitching was so bad and constant that she needs it every day. As the vet said, it's quality of life and I agree. My poor girl was miserable when she twitched all day and night. The 3 meds she's on is keeping her symptoms away for the most part. If there is anything else someone can suggest that I can use before bringing Binky to the clinic please let me know. She has claws that I am unable to even get anywhere near so clipping them ahead of time is out of the question

I would love to know what other pet owners are paying for visits to the clinic for check ups/blood work/etc...it seems that the clinic I take Binky to is quite expensive but I do highly respect her vet who owns the clinc.

I really appreciated the help here and can't thank everyone enough for their helpful comments/advice.

AdventureMe said:

Well hello fellow neighbours lol....I am going to ask about the cotton sack - that would be great! I was trying to acutally find something on my own that they could put Binky in so that she doesn't move around so much in order for them to be able to draw blood for the few minutes it takes. I'm going to go through with taking her in as she is on Prednisolone and will more than likely need to take this med every day for the rest of her life. I tried to only give it to her a few times a week but her twitching was so bad and constant that she needs it every day. As the vet said, it's quality of life and I agree. My poor girl was miserable when she twitched all day and night. The 3 meds she's on is keeping her symptoms away for the most part. If there is anything else someone can suggest that I can use before bringing Binky to the clinic please let me know. She has claws that I am unable to even get anywhere near so clipping them ahead of time is out of the question

I would love to know what other pet owners are paying for visits to the clinic for check ups/blood work/etc...it seems that the clinic I take Binky to is quite expensive but I do highly respect her vet who owns the clinc.

I really appreciated the help here and can't thank everyone enough for their helpful comments/advice.

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I live in a rural area and pay the the following : $75.00 for examination (This is up from $64.00) .. Blood work is about $220.00 .. Urinalysis is $58.00 .. Cystocentesis (urine draw from bladder) is $46.00 .. X-Rays - First one is $75.00, second and subsequent ones are about $35.00.

This is what I paid for Binky's clinic (in the city) visit 6 months ago:

1 sedation and reversal $164.40
1 examination/consultation $60.50
1 feline geriatric profile? (she was only 3 1/2 yrs old) $143.60
Total bill $416.40 (with HST)

I am curious to see how much the bill will be this time. I'm praying that they will not do the sedation and can use other techniques to get the blood work done. Wow being in a rural area you sure pay more.

All I can say is WOW...

That's pretty extreme...........makes me think of how many cats don't get vet care even when needed knowing the cost is so inflated.

Geriatric profile? Huh? 

My cat Krissy really was difficult at her recent vet visit a few months back, she hasn't gone to see a vet in over 10 years. She had a blood draw as well, and was difficult but a couple of vet techs held her and took blood from her neck rather than sedate her.

Also, hate to mention this as I don't know the name of a pill I was given last year for a feral who needed to see a vet for dental, but he charged me 5 bucks, gave it to her an hour prior, and she was rummy and handlable.  

I haven't checked around much in my area as far as procedural costs for different things .. I really should as I have noticed for some things, food, meds and supplements in particular, some clinics definitely charge less! Thing of it is, my holistic vet visits the clinic I use which is closer to home. If I saw her at her own clinic, which is farther, the cost might be a bit less, but more spent on gas getting there, so it evens out I think. 

From medium-sized city (Ontario). I usually throw out vet bills. I just can't bear to re-live the cost sometimes. From what paperwork I've found:

Usual vet: patient examination fee / office vet $75.00

Emergency vet:

examination/professional consultation $85.00

+ emergency fee 60.00

1 xray set up - 2 views 228.50

AdventureMe said:

...I am going to ask about the cotton sack - that would be great! I was trying to acutally find something on my own that they could put Binky in...

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Here's an example:  http://www.fourflags.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.4190/.f

AdventureMe said:

This is what I paid for Binky's clinic (in the city) visit 6 months ago:

1 sedation and reversal $164.40
1 examination/consultation $60.50
1 feline geriatric profile? (she was only 3 1/2 yrs old) $143.60
Total bill $416.40 (with HST)

I am curious to see how much the bill will be this time. I'm praying that they will not do the sedation and can use other techniques to get the blood work done. Wow being in a rural area you sure pay more.

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Your cat is too young to have a geriatric profile so i would suggest (sorry) that they took $143 from you.  Given that they did this, how do you know it was really necessary to sedate her to draw blood.  I've worked with many cats that didn't want to have blood taken and with 2 handlers, proper restraint techniques, and a vet I'm not sure I've ever (maybe once) seen a cat that we couldn't get blood from.  Did you watch the first attempt to get blood?  It is very unusual for a cat or dog to be taken away from you for a blood draw, so if they did this and then said they had to sedate, i would be dubious. 

But given that she is difficult which you say is true, i agree that as an option you could give your cat a standard sedative before taking her in.

I have had a cat who very experienced cat handlers managed but needed to draw blood from the neck as the cat was so panicked they couldn't get anything from a limb, and this cat's sister I have posted about numerous times before as she was effectively vet phobic. It was awful to see her at the vets, her carrier would shake with her she was so terrified.  It started when she was about 4 and had treatment for an inflamed bladder shortly after annual vaccinations.  My original vet gave me oral sedatives which I gave to her 30 to 60 minutes before putting her in her carrier and taking her down.  However it didn't matter how sedated she seemed, she would rouse from aparent coma as soon as the vet touched her.  On one occasion she had been so sedated she had fallen off my knee on a low chair and not stirred at all and yet 10 minutes later the vet put his hand to feel her in her carrier and she made a large, deep slice in the back of his hand.  Pure adrenalin.  The vets I use now have told me the oral sedatives are too unpredictable and not so safe, and also can not be reversed quickly. More risks for heavy sedation.  I had to take my cat to them in a 'crush' carrier like those used for feral cats and they would inject her with sedative before any handling.  She was so panicked they didn't even bring her round at the surgery but left her to come round slowly at home so I'd have to monitor her in her basket for up to 12 hours and then watch closely for another 6 to 12 hours as she would take that long to come out of the sedation fully.  The vets gave me a written statement for insurance to say she could not have annual vaccinations or regular veterinary inspections and that situation continued until she crossed the bridge - kindly with brain tumours that left her so passive she was not afraid at all when I had to take her for her last 2 vet visits.  

Unfortunately some cats can be quite fractious at the vet and for their safety they must be put under anesthesia when some procedures are done.  I have seen cats rip off their claws and break teeth trying to fight procedures at the vet.  You can try a sedative like Acepromazine but it doesn't always work. 

Putting a cat under anesthesia for a blood draw sounds extreme. I used to work at a vet, and everyday we saw scared cats who put up their best fight, but we always managed to properly restrain them and get the procedure done safely. Considering the dangers involved with anesthesia, I would reconsider having the blood work done, especially since this is just a check and she does not have symptoms of a new illness. Or try find a different vet who can properly handle your cat with no issue.

The idea to give your cat a sedative before the appointment is a good one, and I don't understand why the vet is not okay with it. It is a pretty common solution for cats who get worked up during their appointments. The only two reasons I can think of are: 1. It might interfere with the blood work results (doubtful) or 2. They want to be able to charge for the anesthesia. Worry about the pill wearing off seems like a flimsy excuse. The pill can be given closer to the time of the appointment- problem solved. If it were to wear off, they could give her another sedative in 2 seconds flat. Not ideal, but much better than full anesthesia.

I was looking for our records to compare, but they are packed away in a box somewhere (we moved a few months ago). If I remember correctly, the last time one of my cats had blood work done, the total cost was around $280, including the exam fee. I live just outside of Washington, DC, and everything here is priced as high as they can get it and still bring in customers. It looks like the anesthesia is costing you almost as much as the blood work itself. And, like catwoman, the geriatric profile on a 3 year old cat strikes me as very unusual.

Having a vet you like and trust is very important, but being under financial strain due to vet bills is a serious issue. I am afraid your vet thinks you will do whatever they suggest and may be trying to take advantage of you and your pocketbook. I may be way off, but, sadly, it is not unheard of, and I don't want to see this happen to you. The geriatric profile is suspicious and has my red flag up, as well as the idea of anesthetizing for a simple blood draw. Good pet parents will do whatever they can to make sure their babies are happy and healthy, and unfortunately, others realize this and will sometimes try to take advantage of it. I learned the hard way (a $1200 dog neuter) to check the box that says 'call me before preforming any procedures not discussed' and to tell new vets that I am on a very tight budget and only interested in doing what is absolutely essential and necessary for my pets' good health.

I have had to have 3 of our rescues sedated for blood draws before. It was not our first option; but, it was what worked best for those cats in the end and caused them the least amount of stress.
They were simply gassed down quickly, blood draw was quick, and they were woken up...all took place in about 5 mins.
The vets were not able to get enough blood needed for the tests via a limb and the cats were not allowing a neck draw.
I am back with them the entire time and typically assist with the holds (I even accompany cats back during anesthesia.)

As for the "geriatric" panel, it is quiet likely that this panel simply tests organ functionality, etc that was needed due to the medication Binky is on. This label is typically used for blood panels that are more in depth. Senior cats are *not* the only ones that benefit from this, especially is there is a chronic or sudden problem going on, or if a cat has been on a certain medication for a period of time.

What is so frustrating is that I am unable to be at the clinic with who ever is administering the necessary shots/testing – is this the job of the vet tech or vet themselves? They insist the pet be dropped of as early as possible (they open at 8:00am) in order for them to prepare the animal and make them I guess try to calm done in their carriers for when the vet is able to see them. I recall the vet tech telling me last time that the vets don’t start usually until around 9:30am. I hate to make them angry with me which is why I have not asked if it’s possible that I am present during the blood work. When Binky had her blood work done in October of last year, she was not on any medications as this weird syndrome she developed had just started and I took her in because I didn’t know what happened to her. Now I want to take her in because I’m scared of all the stuff I read on the Internet about steroids possibly causing liver damage if taken for long term use. Binky has been on Prozac since October, Gabapenin since around end of November and in the last month and a half she had to also take Prednisolone as her twitching was so bad on just the Prozac and Gabapentin. I hate giving her all these meds it breaks my heart trust me I’ve shed so many tears over it, but when I see how tall the meds are working together in order to stop her constant twitching I know she must take them. I am however, on the fence about whether she actually does need to have her blood tested this early (6 months later). Part of me thinks I’m over reacting but there is that voice in my head that says, “better to be safe than sorry”. Yes it’s very difficult being on a single income (vet knows this) but I made a commitment when I took her in from someone who could not care for her when she was just a few months old. Heck, her spay at the same clinic cost me about $100 more than what I paid in October for her visit for the blood work (was just under $600). Maybe I’m being taken advantage of and should tell them I refuse to have her put under full anesthesia. Surely if the vet tech tells me they have all the necessary tools to help for this type of thing, they would not have to fully sedate her but I’m not there to see just how bad Binky gets but she is very aggressive at the clinic especially when smelling, seeing and hearing all the other animals there. Gawd I’m so stressed out and scared about this. She even developed a bump on her nose from the last visit in October and when I told this to the vet tech, she said it was not from her being at their clinic. Oh boy, what to do what to do. Thank you all for your comments, I’m so grateful.

i would not go to a vet that required me to drop him off and wouldn't let me see the work they do. No way, never.  NEVER.  Every vet I've ever been to lets me be in the room with them when they do standard things like examine and draw blood.  Maybe @Dr Kris can comment on this.

At my place everything is totally transparent, and people can observe anything they want. I always think that if this was my daughter or son at their doctors office, how would I feel if I couldn't be present (or at least offered to be present) for any procedures? The trust would be eroding by the second.  I regularly bring people to the treatment areas to look at xrays, or will take blood /  put in catheters right in the exam room. I've even had a person (scrubbed in following all protocols) witnessing their dogs neuter! BTW - It is not uncommon for us to take a blood sample without the owner of that pet being present. Many people don't want to see, and either way is always good with me. The exception are pets that are actually worse with their people in the room, and then totally calm down when their people aren't in the room. I see that weekly. And then i still give those folks the choice....

As for doing the sedatives at home, I've tried every type for home use available in Canada. Acevet is the most common. I personally find the oral tablet a bit unpredictable, and then it "ties my hands" from using other more effective things for safety (combining acevet with other sedatives - it's possible but I wouldn't do it to my own cat).

I have learned over time to give the greatest respect to the stressed out, fearful, or fear aggressive cat. They need special attention. We have to help them without hurting them.  I often do pre-exposure. This is simply bringing in the cat one day. He just hangs out with his person in the exam room. I act submissive, and give him his space. Feliway can be sprayed in the room. I talk and get to know the owner. Kitty has a first good experience in the hospital. No pokes, no prods. Fun is had by all. I get to build rapport and trust with that person. The next time I see him, when we will actually do the exam, is when I give him the sedative I call kitty cat magic. They are super sleepy (but safe), no anesthetic, and it's reversible.The pre-exposure makes the experience smoother for them. The less negative associations, the better. I could not do any of this if they came in to see me with sedatives on board (im not saying you shouldn't consider it though).

Adventure me - yup, the costs of it is no fun. I can tell you this though. What you give to them, you will get back. I catch things in bloodwork on a daily basis that can give years of life to these guys.

hope that helps,

k