--- title: Veterinary Sedation Protocols for Diagnostic Imaging | The COVE description: Recommended veterinary sedation protocols and pre-visit medications for CT, ultrasound, and echocardiography to improve patient comfort and image quality. image: https://www.cove-vet.com/hubfs/Featured%20Images/Sedation%20Featured%20Image.png --- [![COVE Logo Slim](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/COVE%20Logo%20Slim.png?width=493&height=154&name=COVE%20Logo%20Slim.png "COVE Logo Slim")](https://cove-vet.com?hsLang=en) [![](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/COVE%20Black_Transparent.png?width=300&height=300&name=COVE%20Black_Transparent.png)](https://cove-vet.com?hsLang=en) [![](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/COVE%20Black_Transparent.png?width=300&height=300&name=COVE%20Black_Transparent.png)](https://cove-vet.com?hsLang=en) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. - [Home](https://www.cove-vet.com) - [Vet Teams](https://www.cove-vet.com/vet-teams) - [Meet the Specialists](https://www.cove-vet.com/specialists) - [Portal Access](https://www.cove-vet.com/request-portal-access) - [Request Materials](https://www.cove-vet.com/order-materials) - [Sedation Tips](https://www.cove-vet.com/sedation-recommendations) - [Bring Your Vet to Work](https://www.cove-vet.com/bring-your-vet-to-work-day) - [Blog](https://www.cove-vet.com/blog) - [Pet Owners](https://www.cove-vet.com/animal-imaging-for-pet-owners) - [Services](https://www.cove-vet.com/services) - [CT Scans](https://www.cove-vet.com/ct-scans) - [Ultrasounds](https://www.cove-vet.com/abdominal-ultrasounds) - [Echocardiograms](https://www.cove-vet.com/echocardiograms) - [Tissue Sampling](https://www.cove-vet.com/tissue-sampling) - [IM Consultations](https://www.cove-vet.com/internal-medicine-consultations) - [Case Studies](https://www.cove-vet.com/ct-case-studies) - About - [Locations](https://www.cove-vet.com/locations) - [Careers](https://www.cove-vet.com/careers) - [FAQs](https://www.cove-vet.com/faqs) - [Schedule Now!](https://www.cove-vet.com/contact-veterinary-imaging-specialists) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. Waukesha, WI: **([262) 668-7878](tel:+1-262-668-7878)** |   Farmington Hills, MI: **[(947) 500-2683](tel:+1-947-500-2683)** # CLINICAL RESOURCES # Sedation Tips for Diagnostic Imaging Recommended **pre-visit medications** and **sedation protocols** to help patients remain **comfortable, reduce movement,** and **support high-quality imaging studies.** Download the complete guide or reference our quick recommendations below. [![ACCESS FULL GUIDE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/43700136/interactive-217228424723.png)](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIuVUuYSwtKODyvU4XSkJ3fEIbWFiTJ2VawXS2ZYvoHEyRPa4susSjHczNTNgH3H5napc0z1XxDsz6IO75psAw64AozTJNx%2FQWHrvSInmBXTcFOJwQq9UxZWaWIxjmEutPgnzLluEO1ghQjJhJ2R1upWtfUOGMfLnktLi5nlIi%2BFgzhyD1nu4EX%2BmBhaiN43Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=217228424723&portalId=43700136&hsLang=en) ![Veterinary team administering sedation before a CT scan or ultrasound procedure](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Header%20Images/Sedation%20Reccomendations.png?width=1400&height=1280&name=Sedation%20Reccomendations.png "Veterinary team administering sedation before a CT scan or ultrasound procedure") # CLINICAL RESOURCES # Sedation Tips for Diagnostic Imaging Recommended **pre-visit medications** and **sedation protocols** to help patients remain **comfortable, reduce movement,** and **support high-quality imaging studies.** Download the complete guide or reference our quick recommendations below. [![ACCESS FULL GUIDE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/43700136/interactive-217228424723.png)](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIuVUuYSwtKODyvU4XSkJ3fEIbWFiTJ2VawXS2ZYvoHEyRPa4susSjHczNTNgH3H5napc0z1XxDsz6IO75psAw64AozTJNx%2FQWHrvSInmBXTcFOJwQq9UxZWaWIxjmEutPgnzLluEO1ghQjJhJ2R1upWtfUOGMfLnktLi5nlIi%2BFgzhyD1nu4EX%2BmBhaiN43Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=217228424723&portalId=43700136&hsLang=en) ![Sedation Reccomendations](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Header%20Images/Sedation%20Reccomendations.png?width=1400&height=1280&name=Sedation%20Reccomendations.png "Sedation Reccomendations") Why Sedation **Matters** Proper sedation plays an important role in obtaining **high-quality diagnostic images.** Patients that are tense or unable to remain still **may require longer appointment times** and can produce images that are **more difficult to interpret.** Thoughtful pre-visit medication and sedation protocols help improve **patient comfort, support staff safety,** and create the **best possible imaging experience.** ![Ultrasound Icon](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20Icons%20or%20Graphics/Ultrasound%20Icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=Ultrasound%20Icon.png "Ultrasound Icon") **IMPROVES IMAGE QUALITY** ![Services](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20Icons%20or%20Graphics/Services.png?width=100&height=100&name=Services.png "Services") **REDUCES PATIENT STRESS** ![Safety Icon](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20Icons%20or%20Graphics/Safety%20Icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=Safety%20Icon.png "Safety Icon") **ENHANCES** **SAFTEY** ![Sedation Icon](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20Icons%20or%20Graphics/Sedation%20Icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=Sedation%20Icon.png "Sedation Icon") **MINIMIZES IV** **SEDATION** **Quick** Reference Guide Sedation for Dogs ![Pill Bottle Icon](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20Icons%20or%20Graphics/Pill%20Bottle%20Icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=Pill%20Bottle%20Icon.png) #### PRE-VISIT PROTOCOL - **Gabapentin:** 10 mg/kg PO - **Trazodone:** 10 mg/kg PO - **Timing:** 2–3 hours before imaging   **NOTE:**   *Gabapentin alone is often insufficient. Combining gabapentin & trazodone provides the most consistent results.* ![Needle Icon](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20Icons%20or%20Graphics/Needle%20Icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=Needle%20Icon.png) #### ADDITIONAL OPTIONS - **Butorphanol:** 0.4 mg/kg IV - **Acepromazine:** 0.01–0.03 mg/kg IV - **Dexmedetomidine:** 1–5 μg/kg IV   **NOTE:** *Dexmedetomidine is recommended for **abdominal ultrasounds only** and is not advised for echocardiograms.*   Sedation for Cats ![Pill Bottle Icon](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20Icons%20or%20Graphics/Pill%20Bottle%20Icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=Pill%20Bottle%20Icon.png) #### PRE-VISIT PROTOCOL - **Gabapentin:** 10 mg/kg PO - **Trazodone:** 25 mg PO - **Timing:** 2–3 hours before imaging   **NOTE:**   *Gabapentin alone is often insufficient. Combining gabapentin & trazodone provides the most consistent results.* ![Needle Icon](https://www.cove-vet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20Icons%20or%20Graphics/Needle%20Icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=Needle%20Icon.png) #### ADDITIONAL OPTIONS - **Butorphanol:** 0.4 mg/kg IV - **Acepromazine:** 0.01–0.03 mg/kg IV - **Buprenorphine:** 0.02–0.03 mg/kg IV   **NOTE:** *Buprenorphine is effective for echocardiograms and abdominal ultrasounds.*   ![Board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist administering IV sedation before diagnostic imaging](https://www.cove-vet.com/hubfs/Dr.%20Day%20Sedation.png "Board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist administering IV sedation before diagnostic imaging") **Complete** Reference Guide **QUESTIONS ABOUT PROTOCOLS?** Explore **Dr. Thomas Day's** **complete sedation and pre-visit recommendations** for dogs, cats, and rabbits undergoing diagnostic imaging. The full guide includes **species-specific protocols, additional sedative options,** and recommendations for **echocardiography** and **abdominal ultrasound studies.** Keep a printed reference within easy reach by ordering some **sedation magnets** for your clinic. Designed as a **quick-reference tool** for veterinary teams, these magnets summarize **key pre-visit medications** and **sedation recommendations** to support efficient patient preparation and imaging appointments. [Access Full Guide](https://hubs.ly/Q032lSvG0) [Order Sedation Magnets](https://www.cove-vet.com/order-materials?hsLang=en) **Locations:** 360 Bluemound Road Suite 101 Waukesha, WI 53188 262-668-7878   27200 Haggerty Road, Suite B14 Farmington Hills, MI 48331 947-500-2683 Mailing Address:  P.O. 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