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Anesthesia

Safe, carefully monitored anesthesia keeps your pet comfortable during surgeries and procedures.

Anesthesia: Safe and Comfortable Care When Your Pet Needs It
Whether your pet is having a routine procedure like a spay or neuter or a more complex surgery, anesthesia allows us to perform treatment safely and without pain. At our hospital, your pet’s safety and comfort are our top priorities every step of the way.

We use modern, carefully monitored anesthesia protocols tailored to your pet’s age, breed, size, and health status—because no two patients are the same.

What Is Anesthesia?

Anesthesia is a medically controlled state where your pet is temporarily unconscious and pain-free. It allows us to perform surgical or diagnostic procedures without stress or discomfort. Most veterinary anesthetics are delivered through a combination of injectable medications and inhaled gases, depending on the procedure.

There are also milder forms of sedation we may use for imaging or dental cleanings when full anesthesia isn’t required.

Is It Safe?

Yes, anesthesia is very safe when properly administered and monitored. We take every precaution to minimize risk by:

  • Conducting pre-anesthetic exams and bloodwork

  • Tailoring the type and dosage of anesthetic drugs to your pet’s needs

  • Using advanced monitoring equipment to track vital signs during the procedure

  • Staying by your pet’s side throughout the entire process

Our team is trained to watch even the smallest changes and adjust care in real time. If your pet has a heart murmur, kidney condition, or other health concern, we’ll modify the plan accordingly or recommend additional precautions.

What Happens Before, During, and After?

Before Anesthesia

  • We perform a full exam and run blood tests to make sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.

  • If necessary, we place an IV catheter for fluids and emergency access.

During the Procedure

  • Your pet receives medication to gently fall asleep and remain pain-free.

  • We monitor heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and temperature throughout the procedure.

  • Adjustments are made as needed to ensure smooth anesthesia and a controlled recovery.

After Anesthesia

  • Most pets begin waking up within minutes of the procedure ending.

  • A team member stays with your pet as they transition out of anesthesia.

  • We send your pet home only when they are fully awake, stable, and comfortable.

You’ll receive detailed recovery instructions and we’re always here to answer questions post-procedure.

We understand that anesthesia can be a source of concern for pet parents. That’s why we approach it with careful planning, skilled execution, and open communication—so you can feel confident your pet is in trusted hands.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Payment is due when services are rendered at All Creatures Pet Hospital. We accept all major credit cards and offer Care Credit for your convenience.

Heartworms have been diagnosed in all fifty states and are especially prevalent in warmer climates found in Alabama. Heartworms can be transmitted to dogs and cats by the bite of a mosquito infected with immature heartworms. If the dog or cat is not protected by a heartworm preventative, the worms can mature, eventually damage the heart and lungs, and cause death if left untreated. Please remember that heartworm preventatives are always less expensive and more effective than heartworm treatments. Dr. Ted Hankes attends conferences and lectures throughout the country to stay current and ensure that All Creatures Pet Hospital offers the safest and most effective products here at our pharmacy, including heartworm preventatives. Please call one of our caring veterinary team members at (205) 947-4083 and schedule a heartworm-preventative appointment for your companion.

Dr. Ted Hankes recommends spaying or neutering all pets not being used for breeding purposes. Sterilization not only prevents unwanted litters but can also prevent certain reproductive cancers later in their lives. Puppies and kittens can be spayed between four and six months of age. Our pets feel pain the same way people do, therefore, we administer pain medication to keep them comfortable during and after the procedure. Additionally, blood work is needed to help determine if your puppy or kitten is healthy enough for the procedure. Please call All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your furry friend for a spay or neuter as soon as they are old enough for the surgery.

Proper nutrition and portion control are as important for our pet companions as they are for us. Overweight pets face the same conditions as people, including arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease, for example. Dr. Hankes can evaluate your pet to determine their individual nutritional needs, as well as the proper portions to maintain a healthy body weight. Affordable prescription diets are available at our hospital for your convenience. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend regardless of their life stage or current health condition.

Like people, pets need dental care for overall health. Without it, bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum damage, and may harm organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dr. Hankes recommends dental care starting at age one to help prevent disease, improve health, and avoid costly future treatments. Contact our team at All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your pet's dental appointment.

In many species, one animal year equals about seven human years. A seven-year-old dog missing the vet for three years is like a 49-year-old person skipping the doctor for 21 years. At All Creatures Pet Hospital, we recommend yearly exams and blood work unless your pet is sick or has a special condition. Caring for your pet early can reduce future medications and may extend their life. Call us at (205) 947-4083 to schedule your pet's yearly visit.