Anaesthesia
Controlled unconsciousness used for surgery and many vet procedures (such as dental scaling) in pets. Modern protocols make it routinely safe even in older animals.
Anaesthesia in veterinary practice ranges from light sedation for nail trims or imaging to full general anaesthesia for surgery. Modern protocols use multiple drugs at low doses (multimodal anaesthesia) so that recovery is faster and side effects are reduced.
A typical anaesthetic visit involves pre-anaesthetic blood work to check organ function, an IV catheter for fluids and any emergency drugs, intubation to secure the airway, and continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, carbon-dioxide, and temperature.
Risk does exist — overall mortality is in the range of 0.05–0.17% for healthy dogs and cats — but most pets are at the lower end. Risk rises with age, brachycephalic conformation (Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians), heart disease, kidney disease, obesity, and emergency rather than elective procedures. Discuss your specific pet's anaesthetic plan with the vet — particularly the drugs chosen and the monitoring level.
Fasting before anaesthesia reduces vomiting risk. Most vets ask for no food from midnight; water is usually fine until you leave. Do not stress-medicate at home before the visit unless the vet has prescribed it.