Pure μ-opioids (methadone, morphine, hydromorphone) provide profound analgesia and are preferred for extensive dental procedures. Partial agonists (buprenorphine) are suitable for moderate pain.

Editor’s note: Dr. Lee Pickett has retired, but Creators continues to distribute columns from her archive. This one is from 2022. Q: My holistic veterinarian says my 10-year-old cat Moses has rotten ...

Q: Why does an animal have to be put under anesthesia every time a procedure is done to them, and how safe is anesthesia in animals? A: Understandably, anesthesia scares some owners. Everyone has ...

Q: "My Shih Tzu is 12, has some minor health problems, but also has dental problems. Our veterinarian wants to clean and polish his teeth. I am worried about putting him under anesthesia at his age.

Q: My holistic veterinarian says my 10-year-old cat Moses has rotten teeth, and at least one tooth has fallen out. Because of his age, I don’t want him anesthetized for dental treatment, so the vet ...

Q: My holistic veterinarian says my 10-year-old cat Moses has rotten teeth, and at least one tooth has fallen out. Because of his age, I don't want him anesthetized for dental treatment, so the vet ...