Your Pet's Surgery - What to Expect

Our specialized veterinarians will educate you on all aspects of your pet's surgery including preparation and post-operational guidance. Brochures will also be provided. Please plan to spend at least 10 minutes both before and after surgery for paperwork and discussions of proper post-operational care. As a quick reference, below is a list of general veterinary surgical expectations.

Before Veterinary Surgery

• Comprehensive blood work may be performed within 14 days of the surgery to reduce risk and make sure your pet is able to tolerate anesthesia.
• Veterinary electrocardiograms, digital x-rays, or additional pet blood work may be required for geriatric or ill animals.
• A full veterinary physical exam will also be conducted pre-anesthesia to ensure there is no fever or other illness present.
• If a problem is detected, surgery will be postponed until the condition is conducive to anesthesia.
• You will need to withhold food from your pet for at least 8–10 hours before the administration of anesthesia to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after the procedure.

After Surgery

Common pet owner guidelines include:

• Monitoring pet behavior
• Watching the incision for swelling or discharge
• Preventing excessive licking or chewing of incision
• Keeping bandages clean and dry
• Finishing all medications
• No bathing up to 14 days after surgery
• Limiting your pet's activity until you have veterinary consent saying otherwise.

Appropriate pet pain relief may consist of:

• Injectable medications
• Pain patches
• Oral anti-inflammatories
• Low-level veterinary laser therapy