Most pets requiring orthopedic x-rays or wound treatment, and some pets with general illness, are painful, distressed or uncooperative. For proper restraint and positioning for diagnostic x-rays and safer, pain-free, comfortable treatment, sedation or anesthesia may be necessary. Occasionally, a simple injectable or oral sedative/pain reliever may be enough to facilitate care in certain pets. Often, short-acting or reversible sedation can be utilized for rapid outpatient care. A thorough physical exam and diagnostic evaluation prior to a procedure greatly reduces the potential untoward effects of sedation and general anesthesia.