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.

Is anesthesia safe? 
Today's modern anesthetic agents and anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer. Adjustments are made based on the age and health status of your pet. 

 

We strongly advise pre-anesthetic bloodwork and age appropriate diagnostic tests for all patients.
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.  Pets can appear healthy and have serious hidden organ problems. Pre-anesthetic diagnostic tests allow us to uncover these hidden problems.

Why 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. Please withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery.  In most cases, water is permitted until 5 to 6 AM the morning of surgery.

Will my pet have stitches?  
For most surgeries, we use absorbable sutures beneath the skin. These will dissolve and do not need to be removed. Some surgeries do require skin stitches or staples. They are removed 10 days later. It is important to monitor the incision for excessive swelling or discharge and to prevent your pet from licking and irritating the incision. Some patients require an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking.

Will my pet be in pain?  
Yes, most surgical patients have pain post operatively and some pets may show no sign of pain. The type of pain medications prescribed are based on the surgical procedure, the species of animal, the age of the patient, and the health status of the patient. We advocate pain meds prior to surgery, during surgery,  and after surgery.

  
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 complications occur, they can become quite costly, ranging from $150 to $300. At the time of admission, you will be asked to leave a contact number. Prior to any emergency treatment we make every effort to contact you. BUT, should circumstances require immediate action, the staff will follow the directives that were authorized at the time of admission.

We require that a person be at least 18 years of age to sign the permission to treat form. If the person admitting the pet is not the primary decision maker, please call ahead to discuss all the options regarding the pet's care.

When do I admit my pet for surgery?   
Most patients are admitted the morning of surgery. Please allow for 20 to 30 minutes to discuss and make decisions regarding pre-anesthetic testing, pain medications, and life-saving options.

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, stop at the front desk and make an appointment later in the day to pick up your pet. Please expect to spend anywhere from 20 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 surgical procedure.