EP34 - The Truth About Veterinary Anesthesia, Sedation, and Recovery Artwork

The Dr. Molly Says Podcast

Hey friends! I’m Dr. Molly Brinkmann (@drmollysays), a small animal veterinarian, lifelong animal lover, and your go-to source for all things pet health. Welcome to The Dr. Molly Says Podcast! I’m probably already obsessed with your pet, and I want to help you understand veterinary medicine in a way that’s fun, relatable, and actually makes sense.

Each week, I’ll break down important pet care topics, debunk common myths, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a vet. Because let’s be real—life is hard, but dogs help… and so does knowing how to take the best care of them. Grab your coffee (or tea), snuggle your pup (or cat, I guess), and join me every Wednesday at 9 AM EST on all platforms (and YouTube)!

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The Dr. Molly Says Podcast

EP34 - The Truth About Veterinary Anesthesia, Sedation, and Recovery

November 12, 2025 • Dr. Molly Brinkmann • Episode 34

Text me your question or inquiry here!

This week on the pod, we’re diving deep into a topic every pet owner and veterinary professional needs to understand — anesthesia. From what actually happens when your pet “goes under,” to how vets monitor, manage, and minimize risk every step of the way, we’re breaking it all down in simple, real-world terms.

Do you have a question or inquiry for me? Send me a text from the link above, ask me on any social media platform, or email drmollysayspod@gmail.com!

Episodes of The Dr. Molly Says Podcast are on all podcast services along with video form on YouTube!

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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
02:00 Hot Take
3:54 Anesthesia
6:21 Sedation vs. Anesthesia
8:54 The Physiology of Anesthesia
12:12 Side-effects of Anesthesia
15:30 The Timeline of Anesthesia Application
22:55 Monitoring for Anesthesia
26:50 What Changes To Expect
29:03 Nuances About Allergic Reactions
30:53 Post-Op and Recovery
33:21 Potential Risks
36:26 Different Factors That Can Increase Risk
40:55 Medical Issues That Can Affect Risk
43:56 Outro