Surgery

Surgery - What to expect

A surgical patient’s history is reviewed prior to their surgery. Age and health are preliminary factors that help us to determine the best surgical plan for a given patient. Blood work may be done to show liver and kidney function, electrolyte status, and whether a patient is struggling with an infection or anemia. If recent blood work is not on record, our team may recommend it. An IV catheter will be placed for easy access to provide IV fluids or emergency medications if needed. 

On the day of the surgery, the patient’s history, blood work results, client requests and concerns, as well as specifics about the procedure to be completed, are reviewed in detail. Each patient undergoes a preliminary exam that checks weight, temperature, heart and lung function, and patient demeanor. Further examination is based on patients individual needs. Depending on the procedure to be completed, a pre-anesthetic drug may be given. Anesthetized patients are monitored and cared for continually by a technician who watches their respiratory and cardiac function, maintains their body temperature, and takes note of concerns. Critical patients are monitored more extensively.

Antibiotics and pain medications are chosen, and given according to each patient’s history and need. Patients are monitored during recovery and their comfort is of great concern.

After your pet awakes, you will be contacted and given details of the surgery and recovery process.