Veterinary Surgery, Anesthesia, and Pain Management for Your Pet

The decision to have your pet undergo surgery is an important one. You probably have many questions about the procedure and how it will affect your pet. Our goal is to keep your pet as safe as possible.

All surgery and anesthesia involves some risk, due to the need to undergo anesthesia for surgery. Therefore, our hospitals conform to the recommendations prescribed by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). In order to minimize risk, additional procedures will assist us in identifying potential problems before they occur, helping us design and implement the safest anesthetic protocol.

• Pre-anesthetic blood screening and placement of an IV catheter before all surgical and general anesthetic procedures and post-operative pain management have become the standard of veterinary medicine by which our practices operate. Therefore, we require these procedures with all surgery and general anesthesia.
• Most pets will also receive IV fluid therapy, which helps improve tissue perfusion, replace fluid loss, increase vascular volume, and will provide emergency access should the need occur.
• Blood screens will give the veterinarian a more complete picture of your pet’s health. Our veterinarians use blood screens to evaluate liver and kidney function and assess any signs of diabetes, inflammation, or infections, as well as anemia or clotting disorders.

Pain Management

Undoubtedly, one of your primary concerns is whether your pet will experience pain during and after surgery. The doctor will explain how we can work together so we can make surgery as pain free as possible.

Medical understanding of animal pain has grown in recent years, along with methods available to treat the pain. We know that dogs and cats feel the pain of surgery, just as people do, but instinctively hide their pain. The severity and nature of surgical pain varies; if left untreated, surgical pain tends to be most severe during the 24 hours after surgery, diminishing over time as the surgical wounds heal. Knowing this, we make your pet comfortable by anticipating and treating the pain prior to evidence of suffering.

Recovery

We understand that when your pet is sick, yours is the only one that matters. That is why we have doctors and staff always available, examining your pet throughout the day, and to take your calls and answer any questions or concerns. Your visits are welcome and encouraged, but please call ahead—the doctor will want to set aside time to answer any questions you may have. There are a few situations where visitation may not be possible or in the best interest of your pet’s well being. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss these situations with you.

We normally discharge our patients between 2:30 and 5:00 pm Monday – Friday and between 9:00 and 11:00 am on Saturdays.

Home Care

In general, a pet returning home after surgery should be kept quiet, warm, and comfortable, discouraged from any type of jumping, running, or rough play. Allow your pet to resume normal activity gradually. Check the incision daily for swelling, bleeding, discharge, redness, or reopening of the wound. Prevent your pet from scratching, licking, or biting the stitches. Any medication sent home with your pet should be given as directed until gone. And, of course, remember to administer unlimited doses of love and attention!

Recheck examinations are often necessary to follow up on your pet’s condition, progress, and for suture removal. Be sure to observe your pet’s sutures, cast, or splint for any signs of licking or chewing. If this occurs, protect the area being chewed and contact our office as soon as possible. If you notice any problems or have any concerns before your pet’s scheduled recheck date, please call our office.

Spay and Neuter Surgery

These very simple surgeries have many benefits for both pets and their owners. If you have a new puppy or kitten, or wonder about spaying or neutering an older pet, read our informational spay and neuter handout.