Spay surgery anesthesia

kiki39

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Hi!
My kitten (approx. 6 months old, female, DSH) is going under a spay surgery next week.

I asked the vet about the procedure, and for anesthesia, they told me they would use a combination of Selactar (xylazine) and Ketamine first, then Isoflurane gas. I've asked them about other options, and they said they could use Alfaxan (alfaxalone) instead of Selactar&Ketamine combo.

I read here on TCS that many people avoids Ketamine, but Alfaxan seems to be a relatively new drug. I understand any general anesthesia has risks, but which do you think is a safer option for my kitty?

My other cat (2 years old DSH) was already spayed when I adopted her, so I didn't have to worry about it. I've already asked the vet to do the bloodwork (which they say is optional). Is there anything else I should check/ask at the vets before the surgery? I am getting a bit nervous!

Thanks in advance
 

di and bob

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I am always a nervous wreck when spaying/neutering any of my cats. I get sick to my stomach and always worry about the worst. At least you don't have to hold them for hours and wait for the vet to open because you have to catch them when they come in to eat at 5 am,  their crying is pitiful.They have always come through fine. Especially with the males, they are a bit wobbly at first, but within hours are back to normal, I have never used an E collar on them either, I think it adds to their confusion and scares them They lick a little bit and that is it. I hope someone comes on that knows of those anesthesias, I have had so many done and trust my vet, so I have never asked WHAT he uses. I'll pray for that gorgeous little guy, he will have a much easier life with all that out of his way and done. All the luck!
 
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kiki39

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Thank you, Di and Bob!

When I adopted Sakura (now 2 y.o.), it was 2 or 3 days after her spay surgery, so I remember how painful the incision site looked like, etc., but she was totally fine. She didn't come with an E collar. Haru will not get an E collar, either, the vet said.

I don't have much experience with this vet since I moved about a year ago. Probably he has been using Selactar+Ketamine more frequently than Alfaxan (which was out only a couple years ago), but the latter seems a safer drug, but it may be just because it's new, that's why there's not many "incidents" yet? Hmmm.

I haven't decided which route we'll take in terms of anesthesia for Haru, but I am sure she will be fine with either drug.
 
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kiki39

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We have a little update


My kitten Haru is back home safe and sound. She is recovering nicely. My other cat Sakura is hissing at Haru, but everything will be fine in a couple of days, I suppose. Even I can smell something hospital-ish.

We actually went with the new drug (Alfaxan) and Isoflurane although a small dose of Ketamine as induction seems to be safe and still widely used.

I'm just happy that it's done!
 
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