If the need arises for your pet to have surgery, whether it be a spay or neuter, declaw, growth removal, or one of many other surgical procedures, your pet's safety and comfort are very important to us. For the safety of all of our patients, all pets having surgery must be examined by a doctor and be current on preventive immunizations recommended for them, given by a licensed veterinarian. Our surgery technicians ensure that our patients are closely monitored throughout the surgical procedure by keeping them on heart and oxygen monitors to show current vital signs and giving heat therapy to maintain body temperature. Our doctors are available to answer any questions that you may have about your pet's surgical procedure.

Even though many pets may not show signs of pain and are unable to tell us when and where they hurt, we know that just like us, pets experience some discomfort or pain following a surgical procedure. For this reason, we recommend post surgical pain management for all of our surgery patients. This pain management involves medications given after surgery while here in the hospital and also oral medications to be given at home.

To further enhance your pet's safety, we also recommend a pre-surgical blood screen.  Pre-anesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia.  Every pet needs blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle anesthesia.  Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing.  If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic or surgical complicatons.  Animals that have minor dysfuction will handle the anesthetic better if they receive IV fluids during surgery.  If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.

To prepare your pet for surgery, no breakfast is permitted the morning of surgery because anesthesia can sometimes cause and upset stomach and vomiting. Regular food is fine the day before surgery and water is encouraged even the morning of surgery. Admission for surgery is between 7:00 and 9:00 am. It will take approximately 10 minutes for our staff to get information from you, answer any questions you may have and briefly discuss the pre-anesthetic blood work, laser and pain management options.

When your pet goes home, our staff will provide detailed information for you about how to care for your pet at home after surgery. We are happy to answer any questions and if any concerns develop once you get your pet home please call us at 816-353-6681.