When should an IV catheter be removed following surgery?

The recommended time to remove an IV catheter following surgery is when the patient is able to sit up in the recovery cage. This indicates that the animal has regained a certain level of consciousness and stability after anesthesia. Removing the catheter too early, such as immediately after surgery or just after transport to recovery, can pose risks if the patient is not fully alert and able to handle their own oxygenation and hydration needs. Additionally, waiting until the patient shows signs of pain may not reflect an appropriate moment to assess their readiness for catheter removal, as it could be further delayed and may interfere with post-operative monitoring. Therefore, the ability to sit up demonstrates that the patient is sufficiently recovering and can be monitored effectively without the IV catheter.