When your cat undergoes anaesthesia for a surgical procedure, maintaining stable blood pressure is critical for their safety. At Melbourne Cat Vets, we closely monitor your pet's blood pressure throughout the process to ensure it remains in a healthy range. But why is this so important, and what do we do if the blood pressure drops?
Why Blood Pressure Matters During Anaesthesia
Blood pressure is a key indicator of how well blood is circulating to vital organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys. When a cat's blood pressure drops too low, it can reduce the oxygen supply to these organs, potentially leading to serious complications.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure Under Anaesthesia
There are several reasons why a cat's blood pressure might drop during anaesthesia. One common cause is the effect of the anaesthetic drugs themselves, which can relax blood vessels and slow the heart rate. Additionally, certain surgical procedures may cause blood loss, which can also lower blood pressure. Even the positioning of your cat during surgery can influence blood flow and pressure.
How We Manage Low Blood Pressure
If we notice a drop in blood pressure, our team takes immediate action to correct it. First, we might adjust the level of anaesthesia to reduce its impact on your cat's cardiovascular system. Administering intravenous (IV) fluids is another common approach, as fluids help increase blood volume and improve circulation. In some cases, we may use medications that specifically target blood pressure, helping to raise it to safer levels.
Our goal is always to keep your cat safe and comfortable during their procedure. By carefully monitoring and managing their blood pressure, we reduce the risk of complications and promote a smooth recovery.
Key Points
Monitoring blood pressure during anaesthesia is a vital part of ensuring your cat's safety during surgery. At Melbourne Cat Vets, we're committed to providing the highest level of care, using our expertise to manage any challenges that arise during your cat's procedure. With careful attention and quick responses, we work to keep your furry friend safe and healthy, so you can focus on getting them back to their happy, purring self.
Check out our other blog posts about anaesthesia monitoring to learn more about how we strive to keep your cat safe -