Questions about Surgery?                      

  No matter how routine a surgery may be, there are always anesthetic and surgical
  risks. Taking the proper precautions before and after surgery minimizes the risks and
  complications of surgery. On this page we address the most common questions
  regarding anesthesia, surgery, and our surgical admission procedures.

  Is the anesthesia safe? 
  Today's modern anesthetic agents and anesthetic monitors have made surgery much
  safer. We adjust the amount and type of the anesthetic based on the age and health
  of your pet. Unlike some of our colleagues who place intravenous catheters in high
  risk surgeries, at Solano Animal Clinic, all surgical patients have intravenous catheters
  placed and intravenous fluids given throughout the surgery.


 
                    We strongly advise pre-anesthetic blood testing for all patients no matter what age.
                Pre-anesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia.  Every pet needs blood testing before surgery
                to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic.  Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ
                system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing.  If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before
                it causes anesthetic or surgical complications.  Animals that have minor dysfunction will handle the anesthetic better if
                they receive IV fluids during surgery. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is
                corrected. Geriatrics and certain health condition may require EKG's, radiographs and ultrasound examinations as part
                of the pre-anesthetic workup.

                    Do I have to withhold food and water? 
                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 absorbable sutures beneath the skin.  These will dissolve on their own and do not need to be
               removed. Some surgeries, especially tumor removals, do require skin stitches or staples.  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 their incisions. Preventing 
               your pet from irritating the incision is very important in the healing process. If there are skin sutures, they are usually
               removed 10 days after surgery. It is also important to limit your pet's activity during the first week after surgery. No baths
               are allowed for the first 10 days after surgery.

                   Will my pet be in pain?  
               Anything that causes pain in people will cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people
               do, some do not whine or cry, but you can be sure they are in pain. We strongly advise pain medications prior, during and
               post surgery. The type of pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed.  People and pets heal faster if
               there is no pain. We will recommend oral anti-inflammatory medications or narcotic pain medications for a few days to
               lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling.  The newer medications are less likely to cause vomiting and ulcers. The cost of   
               the medication ranges from $10 to $30 depending on the size of your pet and the type of medication.

                   What other decisions do I need to make?  
               The decision regarding life-saving procedures must be made at the time of admission. Should complications occur, the
               doctors and staff must make decisions quickly. Unfortunately, when these complications occur, they can become quite
               costly, ranging from $150 to $300. At the time of admission, the owner MUST leave a contact number for the staff and
               doctors to use should complications occur before, during, and after surgery. The staff of Solano Animal Clinic will make
               attempts to contact owners, BUT should circumstances make it necessary to take immediate medical action, the staff
               will follow the directives that were given at the time of admission. If the clients have elected life-saving treatments,
               all treatments will be done as deemed necessary. 

               In addition, while your pet is under anesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as ear
               cleaning, pedicures, vaccinations, etc. If you would like an estimate for these extra services, please ask at the time
               of the admission. 

                   When do I admit my pet for surgery?   
               Most patients are admitted the morning of surgery. At the time of admission, please allow for 15 to 20 minutes to
               discuss and make decisions regarding pre-anesthetic testing, pain medications, and life-saving options should
               complications occur. Solano Animal Clinic requires a person be at least 18 years of age to sign the permission form.
               If the person admitting the pet is not the primary decision maker, please call ahead of time to discuss all the options
               regarding the pet's care.

                   When will I pick up my pet and will I be given instructions regarding the care of my pet after the surgery? 
               Before leaving the clinic you will be asked to stop at the front desk and make an appointment later in the day to pick
               up your pet. Please expect to spend anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes reviewing the discharge instructions. You will be
               given detailed instructions regarding feeding, post operative medications, and other pertinent information specific to
               your pet's condition.