Pre-Surgery Information
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 anesthetics and anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. 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. Click here for information on Anesthesia.
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 the anesthetic. 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 complications!
Animals that have minor dysfunctions will handle the anesthetic better if they get IV fluids during surgery. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.
Many clinics and hospitals include pre-anesthetic blood testing with every spay and neuter surgery. The cost is included in the price of the surgery.
It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach, to reduce the risk of vomiting under and after the anesthesia. You will need to withhold food for at least 8 hours before surgery. Water can be left out until the morning of surgery.
Will My Pet Have Stitches?
Not usually. Absorbable sutures underneath the skin are commonly used. These will dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed later. You will only need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge. Most pets do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, but this is an occasional problem you will also need to watch for. 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 don't usually whine or cry - but you can be sure they feel it. Local anesthetics can be used on the incision site to keep your pet more comfortable for the first few hours after surgery. You may also need to start your pet on an oral pain reliever/anti-inflammatory about 24 hours prior to surgery, to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling. These pills are then continued for four to five days after the surgery as well. A new medication called Rimadyl is less likely to cause stomach upset and can be given even on the morning of surgery. The cost of the medication depends on the size of the animal. Visit your veterinarian at least two days before the scheduled surgery to pick up the medication for your pet.
Remember that spaying and neutering are major surgeries. Providing pain relief is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet.
What Other Decisions Do I Need To Make?
While your pet is under anesthesia is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures such as nail trimming, ear cleaning or implanting an ID microchip. For pets six to eight months old this is also an ideal time for a fluoride treatment of the new adult teeth, to help strengthen the enamel and lessen dental problems later on. Ask about these extra procedures before you bring your pet in. This is especially important if the person dropping the pet off for surgery is not the primary decision maker for the pet's care. When you bring your pet in for surgery, most offices will need 5-10 minutes of your time to fill out paperwork and make decisions on the blood testing, fluoride and other extra options available. When you pick up your pet after surgery you can also plan to spend about 10 minutes to go over your pet's home care needs. Please don't hesitate to call your family veterinarian with any questions about your pet's health or surgery!
