What You Need to Know Before Your Pet's Upcoming Surgery

Many people have questions about various aspects of their pet's surgery, and we hope this information will help.  It also explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet's upcoming surgery.

Is the anesthetic safe

  A thorough and careful assessment of anesthetic risk is performed on each patient prior to anesthesia.  This assessment consists of neurological and physical examinations, thoracic radiographs, an EKG and a CBC, chemistry profile and urinalysis to evaluate major organ function. Anesthetic protocols are selected to optimize the safety of each individual patient.  Each patient is monitored by our veterinary technician aided by numerous electronic monitoring devices throughout anesthesia until he/she is completely recovered from anesthesia.

  It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia.  You will need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery.  Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery.

Will my pet have stitches?

For many surgeries, we use staples to close the skin.  These will need to be removed in 2 weeks after surgery.  You will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge.  Most dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, but this is an occasional problem you will also need to watch for.    You will  need to limit your pet's activity level for a time and no baths are allowed until the staples are removed.

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals.  Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it.  Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed.   We may recommend an oral anti-inflammatory the day before surgery and several days after to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling.  We use newer medications, which are less likely to cause stomach upset and can be given even the morning of surgery.  

 We premedicate for pain prior to, during and after surgery.   Any animal that appears painful will receive additional pain medication.

What other decisions do I need to make?

When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have.  When you pick up your pet after surgery you can also plan to spend about 30 minutes to go over your pet's home care needs.

We will call you the night before your scheduled surgery appointment, to confirm the time you will be dropping your pet off and to answer any questions you might have.  In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call us with any questions about your pet's health or surgery.