While most surgery is elective (planned), our doctors and hospital are equipped to perform emergency procedures as well.

 

 

When your pet needs surgery, we will tell you what is involved. But we realize that sometimes clients will have additional questions before the operation. If you do, feel free to reach out to us with any concerns.

 

Since many surgical procedures involve the use of anesthesia (which is best administered on an empty stomach), you may be asked to withhold food and treats for at least 12 hours prior to surgery.

 

If you pet takes medication, we’ll let you know whether or not to administer it to him or her before surgery. And we’ll also let you know if you need to bring it with you to the surgical appointment.

 

Even if your pet’s surgery is scheduled for later in the day, often we ask that you drop him or her off in the early morning, to give us time to do any pre-surgical testing and prep the animal for the procedure.

 

You will obtain medications to give the evening before and the morning of your pet’s procedure. These medications help to relieve anxiety your pet may experience with the stress of being in the hospital without you. Please note that this will more than likely make your pet sleepy and somewhat out of sorts. This is the goal! We want them to experience as little stress as possible!

 

 

After you pet is dropped off, we will run any tests, such as bloodwork, needed prior to the surgery.

 

Next, we will begin to prepare your pet for the procedure. Animals may be given a sedative to calm them prior to their operation. A small area of fur on one of the pet’s legs may be shaved so that an IV can be placed there, and the surgery site will be shaved.

 

During surgery, your pet’s vital signs are closely monitored. In some cases, the surgeon may call during the procedure to update you on your pet‘s progress.

 

 

When the procedure is completed, your pet is moved to a recovery unit, where his or her vital signs are continued to be monitored, and a veterinary nurse will make sure he or she is kept comfortable as the anesthesia wears off.

 

Our hospital will contact you and let you know how your pet did during surgery. A veterinarian also will call to provide a medical update.

 

We’ll let you know when your pet can be picked up, and when you arrive, we’ll go over post-operative care instructions with you. If medications need to be taken at home, we’ll discuss how and when to administer them. We’ll also tell you any restrictions your pet may have, and what you can expect as he or she goes through the recovery process. Many pets are sent home with a protective collar to keep them from biting or licking the surgery area.

 

We’ll also let you know if you need to schedule any follow-up visits for your pet.