Pre-surgical anxiety is a common situation in dogs and cats in the period leading up to surgery.
Additionally, just like humans, pets can also experience a variety of emotions before undergoing a surgical procedure, including anxiety, fear, and stress. Understanding and recognizing these emotions is essential to ensure a less traumatic experience for the animal and to help prepare them as best as possible for surgery.
There are several reasons why dogs and cats may become anxious before surgery. One of them is the separation from their guardians or animal companions due to the need to stay at the veterinary hospital before and after the procedure. Animals are social beings and may experience stress and anxiety when separated from their homes and families.
Furthermore, the hospital environment itself can be a source of anxiety for both animals and guardians. Unknown smells, sounds, and sights can be frightening for animals, especially if they are not accustomed to clinical environments. Contact with other unfamiliar animals can also increase stress and anxiety, especially if the animal is not socialized or is sensitive to the presence of other animals.
The uncertainty of what is to come can also contribute to pre-surgical anxiety in dogs and cats. Animals do not understand why they are being taken to the veterinary hospital or why they are undergoing invasive medical procedures. This can lead to a state of apprehension and worry as they approach the surgery.
Fear of post-operative pain or discomfort can also be a significant source of anxiety for animals. Even if guardians receive detailed information about the surgical procedure and pain management plan, animals do not fully comprehend what to expect during recovery. This can lead to concerns and fears about what is to come and how they will feel after surgery.
To help reduce the pet's pre-surgical anxiety, guardians and veterinarians can adopt various strategies. One of them is providing a familiar and comfortable environment for the animal before taking them to the veterinary hospital. This may include bringing toys, blankets, or other familiar objects that help calm the animal and reduce separation stress.
Additionally, it is up to the veterinarian to provide information and reassurance to guardians about the surgical procedure and recovery plan. Veterinarians should be available to answer any questions or concerns from guardians and offer guidance on how to help the animal prepare for surgery. This may include instructions on pre-operative fasting, dietary restrictions, or prescribed medications before the procedure.
The use of pain and anxiety management techniques, such as pre-anesthetic medications or behavioral therapy, can be beneficial in helping reduce the animal's stress before surgery. Anxiolytic medications may be prescribed for particularly anxious or sensitive animals, helping to calm them and reduce emotional discomfort before the procedure.
In summary, pre-surgical anxiety is a valid concern for guardians and veterinarians when it comes to dogs and cats. Understanding the potential causes of anxiety and adopting effective strategies to reduce it are crucial to ensuring a less stressful and more peaceful experience for the animal before the surgical procedure. With care to alleviate anxiety, it is possible to help animals feel safer and more comfortable during this challenging period.
About the Autor
Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian (CRMV/SP 39.972), specialized in orthopedics and neurosurgery for dogs and cats, and owner of the company Ortho for Pets: Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties
Comentários