Sedation for an x-ray

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by Jes72, May 8, 2016.

  1. Jes72

    Jes72 Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2014
    Messages:
    1,034
    When I took Homer to the vet with his sore paw he talked about having his paw x-rayed if the pain continued. He said there wasn't an oppertunity to do an x-Ray that day. Although the pain killers have helped he is still not putting any weight on his paw. I'd like to ask for an x-Ray on Monday morning. I'd like to know where and what the damage is. He's been limping for a week now. Then again if he did have a broken toe what could the vet do?

    Would he need to be sedated? If he is sedated should he eat breakfast or not? If he is being sedated could I ask for them to do hip scores too? No sign of any hip problems.
     
  2. kateincornwall

    kateincornwall Registered Users

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2012
    Messages:
    9,936
    My lad had a very light sedation for a tooth, he was not really asleep just dozy . I would have thought that for a foot XRay and especially for hips , a dog would need a full GA , not just a light sedation . The Vet might put his foot in a cast if there is a break of a toe, just to stabilise it whilst it heals , if you are going to be calling your Vet early morning then I wouldn't feed him anything from around midnight tonight, just in case he can fit the XRay in tomorrow , much luck x
     
  3. bbrown

    bbrown Moderator Forum Supporter

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2011
    Messages:
    9,435
    The place I took Obi for his hip and elbow scores uses sedation rather than GA. I know there's a slight element of controversy over this though. One because there are questions raised about how the dog is kept stationary for x-Rays (Obi was up on his feet immediately before and after the x-Rays) and also I think it's not possible to monitor the dogs vital signs under sedation whereas they are monitored under GA therefore poor reaction to drugs may be missed.

    I would be led by what the vet feels more comfortable doing though in each case.
     
  4. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Juno had her first set of x-rays for her elbow under sedation. Our appointment was for the early afternoon but she wasn't allowed any breakfast but was allowed water. I think most vets prefer to have x-rays for hips under GA just because it can be easier to manipulate the dog and keep them in position. Juno's scan was carried out under GA and we had an afternoon appointment but again no food only water.

    Good luck with the vet tomorrow
     
  5. Snowshoe

    Snowshoe Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2015
    Messages:
    2,546
    Location:
    Ontario, Canada
    We've had Xrays and ultrasound with and without sedation. It depends what is being Xrayed and how the dog behaves. Your Vet should be able to guess if your dog would need sedation (for a paw) and if he does they will probably want him to miss breakfast, just in case. I would guess a paw would not require sedation if it was my dog but your pup might be antsy and need it.
     
  6. bouncer

    bouncer Registered Users

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2015
    Messages:
    95
    Location:
    Mansfield
    With Tara having to have her stitches out, and being a right wriggler at the vets, I think they might have to sedate her to do it. I know it took three of us to hold her, to remove her stitches after she was spayed!
     
  7. SwampDonkey

    SwampDonkey Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2015
    Messages:
    8,126
    Location:
    leicestershire uk
    think it depends on the dog too. Dougs had an ultra sound without anything and surgery on his foot with just a ring block for pain he would let anyone do anything and was always so calm. He would keep still and in all his difficult life never lost his cool. Midge on the other hand had to be sedated to have a pad supper glued and inspected. She's very sensitive to handling like that but is very well behaved about it, so i just make sure she gets whats best for her. Rory gets scared so i will have to make sure we handle him with the upmost care until he becomes more confidant.
     
  8. Ski-Patroller

    Ski-Patroller Cooper, Terminally Cute

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2016
    Messages:
    1,726
    Location:
    Portland, Oregon & Mt Hood Oregon
    Our vet tried to get Xrays of Cooper's shoulder without sedation, but she would not hold still enough. They actually had a hard time even giving her the shot(s). They got one shot in and one Xray. The Tech explained that he outweighed her buy 200# and if they really had to they could give her the additional shot, but decided against it.

    I don't think they need to miss a meal before a sedative. It's not going to put them all the way out, like a GA.
     
  9. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    @Jes72 How's Homer today? Is his toe any better or did you have to phone the vet?
     
  10. Jes72

    Jes72 Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2014
    Messages:
    1,034
    He has perked up quite a bit. He's putting some weight on it now and generally back to his normal self. Went to see our usual vet this afternoon. She had s good feel of his paw. Thankfully it does not appear to be broken, there is a fit of damage to the nail. Good to have our boy sack to normal.
     
  11. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Good to hear that the toe seems to be improving and that Homer is feeling more himself :)
     

Share This Page