No food for DD pre-sedation

[Whitepots]

So Ddog (10 months) is having an X-ray under sedation tomorrow morning. We've been told no food after tonight and to lift his water first thing.

He's eaten well tonight but would normally get a couple of dog biscuits at bed time when he goes into the crate. It's habit as much as anything.

I wouldn't propose to give him those but wondered if it would be safe to give him say two or three small bits of dried beef or chicken. Each piece is about the same size as my smallest finger nail. I think there might be a fuss later if we try to put him to bed with nothing!

He's going in at 9am tomorrow and he usually goes to bed at 11pm, but I could make it earlier tonight.

What do you think?

No food means no food for good reason. Listen to your vet and do as instructed. Your dog will not come to harm with no food for one night.

No.
Would you eat anything yourself the night before an operation?

The slightest bit of food in the stomach increases the risk of being sick under anaesthetic, which could lead to choking.

They don't say these things just for the hell of it.

No.
Would you eat anything yourself the night before an operation?

The slightest bit of food in the stomach increases the risk of being sick under anaesthetic, which could lead to choking.

They don't say these things just for the hell of it.

Thanks for your replies.

We obviously won't do anything to put him at risk. The vet didn't specify at what time he should stop eating tonight, but clearly I should have asked.

It wouldn't have occurred to me for a general anaesthetic, but I wondered if sedation was different. It seems from your replies that there is no distinction.

We won't be giving anything. Thanks again.

Isn't it usually from midnight? That's what we were told so gave ours some bits before bed last thing.

I remember we had a cut off for food but it was quite late and didn't actually change anything for us other than no breakfast.

Does your vet have a link to an out of hours vet? Perhaps you could phone and ask if they know what the cut off time is for food for such a procedure.

I would assume sedation = GA, unless you've been told different.

Im.a vet nurse - he can have his biscuits. School of thought has changed recently, we advise no food after 10pm but midnight will also be fine so ling as hes starved in the morning. He'll be given dinner when he wakes up.

Vet here- second what @TheoriginalLEM says, fine to have a wee bit of something last thing. We say starve from 10pm too but it's not an exact science, will be fine as long as not a full meal and nothing to eat in the morning.

@JaJaDingDong

I would assume sedation = GA, unless you've been told different.

From experience of my dogs having both, it's not the same thing.

I gave my dog a couple of biscuits about 10 pm prior to an GA. Vet said it was fine.

Good luck for your doggy tomorrow

TheOriginalLEM and ClarkGriswold, thanks very much for responding. That's really good to know.

I'll try and remember to ask the vet the right questions at the right time in future! It's a bit distracting having to have consultations in the car park at the mo...!

Thanks Doodleygirl - good to hear!

Yes, it's just an X-ray at the moment so hopefully all will be well.

It'll be fine.
Nothing to eat from midnight is the standard advice, his stomach will be empty well before he's sedated.