Over half of cats and kittens experience complications from anesthesia during spaying or neutering procedures.

In previous studies on the adverse effects following anesthesia during sterilization surgeries for domestic cats, researchers primarily focused on fatalities, paying less attention to other potential complications. To address this gap, veterinarians from the UK embarked on a new scientific study, the article of which was published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

The study was based on data from three British veterinary clinics. The researchers included the records of 1,019 healthy cats and kittens that were sterilized using anesthesia from December 2017 to February 2021. In 1,015 cases, veterinarians employed general anesthesia, while in four instances, sedation and local anesthesia were used during the castration of male cats.

Complications following anesthesia proved to be a common issue. Various adverse effects were encountered in 53.4% of the operated animals. The most frequent complications included low blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and hypothermia, or low body temperature. These negative effects were observed in 22.6%, 16.7%, and 13.8% of the four-legged patients analyzed in the study.

Among the less common complications, veterinarians identified disturbances in carbon dioxide metabolism, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure and body temperature, obstruction of the endotracheal tube, hypoxia, undesirable awakening during surgery, and cardiac arrhythmia. The researchers also recorded one fatality associated with anesthesia during sterilization.

Using statistical analysis methods, the scientists identified factors that correlated with an increased frequency of complications following anesthesia. The risks of hypotension, bradycardia, and hypothermia were heightened when pre-anesthetic tranquilizers such as acepromazine and the sedative drug medetomidine were administered, with higher doses of isoflurane (a halogenated inhalation anesthetic), prolonged anesthesia duration, and lower body weight.

Commenting on the study, its authors noted that it provided valuable insights for veterinary professionals. This information will assist in identifying four-legged patients at increased risk of complications after anesthesia and adapting the anesthesia procedures accordingly.

Previously, American researchers warned that the active ingredient in some antiparasitic medications for cats can cause severe neurological reactions — and even death in certain animals.