What You Need to Know Before Your Pet's Upcoming Surgery

Many people have questions about various aspects of their pet's surgery, and we hope this information will help.  It also explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet's upcoming surgery.

Is the anesthetic safe?

Today's modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past.  At our hospital, we do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics, to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem.  We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet. 

Preanesthetic blood testing is an important tool which helps us minimize anesthetic risk.  Most adult pets need blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can properly metabolize the anesthetic agents used.  Even apparently healthy animals can have organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing.  The placement of an IV catheter for fluid administration during anesthesia as another important safety precaution.  We do this to help maintain blood pressure and hydration, and to allow us easy IV access if needed.

It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia.  You will need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery.

Will my pet have stitches?

Most surgeries require the placement of skin sutures or staples.  It is important to monitor the incision for swelling or discharge.  Most dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, but this is an occasional problem, and you may require an E-collar.  Skin sutures or staples will usually be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery.  You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time and no baths are allowed for the first 10 days after surgery

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals.  Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but may experience discomfort nonetheless.  The pain management medications needed will depend on the surgery performed.  Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations.

We place a high priority on effective pain management related to any procedures performed.  It is sometimes difficult to determine the degree of discomfort experience.  So, we routinely administer medication to manage any potential discomfort.  As in human medicine, both anti-inflammatory and narcotic agents are commonly used at the discretion of the surgeon.  We commonly send pain management medication home with the pet after surgery.

Providing appropriate pain relief is an obligation we take very seriously.

What other decisions do I need to make?

While your pet is under anesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as dentistry, ear cleaning, attention to anal glands, or implanting an identification microchip.  Let us know if you wish any of these added services.

We will call you the night before your scheduled surgery appointment, to confirm the time you will be dropping your pet off and to answer any questions you might have.  In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call us with any questions about your pet's health or surgery.