Anesthetized patients lose their normal reflex ability to swallow. When an animal swallows, the epiglottis, a cartilage flap that closes over the entrance to the windpipe, prevents food or water from entering the lungs. Like humans, anesthesia can cause nausea. If there is food in the stomach, the animal could vomit while under anesthesia or in the early post-anesthetic period. If vomiting occurs before the swallowing reflex occurs, the vomited material can be aspirated or enter into the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia can usually be treated but it can also end up being life threatening.
If your pet ever has to undergo an anesthetic procedure, make sure you are clear on the directions prior to bringing them in. Cats and dogs typically have the same fasting instructions, but that is not the case in all pets. Rabbits and some small pocket pets do not get fasted due to their fast metabolism. If your pet gets into food or you cave and give them a treat or two within the fasting period, make sure you notify your vet. We usually end up finding out anyways.
