Information About Your Pet’s Surgery
Many people shop around for the best price on surgery without knowing why the cost varies among practices. This guide will help you find the best fit between our clinic’s procedures and your expectations for your pet’s care and safety.
Will my pet receive a complete physical exam before surgery?
An animal that suffers from such disorders as parasite infection, an infectious disease, or anemia should not undergo surgery until these conditions are corrected.
A pre-surgical exam is our chance to detect these pre-existing conditions. Age-appropriate bloodwork also reveals problems that are not obvious at the physical exam. In some cases, x-rays or an electrocardiogram may be necessary to help us decide which anesthetics are suitable for your pet.
What safety precautions will you take during surgery?
While most surgeries are uneventful, emergencies sometimes occur. Detecting problems early improves our ability to intervene and correct them. We place a breathing tube in all anesthetized animals to keep their airway open and allow for supplemental oxygen and gas anesthesia as needed.
Modern technology enables us to monitor the heart (ECG), blood pressure, and oxygen content in the blood. This will ensure that respiration and circulation are normal. In addition, patients receive IV fluids during surgery to support circulation. A technician monitors all patients from beginning to end.
What safety precautions will you take after surgery?
Surgery patients lose body heat through anesthesia. If a patient gets too cold, the heart can be affected. We monitor patient temperature at regular intervals during and after surgery and provide supplemental warming as needed.
We also monitor your pet’s gum color, pulse, and respiration to ensure that respiration and circulation are normal. In addition to these precautions, we administer prophylactic antibiotics.
How will you manage my pet’s pain?
Surgery hurts! The anesthetic does not provide pain control once your pet wakes up, so in addition to analgesics provided during surgery, we may offer postoperative pain control medication.
Will I receive written post-surgical care instructions?
Follow-up care is crucial for proper healing. A doctor or team member will discuss your pet’s post-operative care; provide clear, written discharge instructions; and ask whether you have any questions.
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