Surgical FAQ's

What You Need to Know Before 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.

SURGERIES

All surgeries are on an appointment basis. We currently offer surgery appointments on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

All food must be withheld after 6 pm the evening prior to the surgery appointment. Access to water is ok overnight.

Senior pets (over 7 years old) or pets with pre-existing conditions are required to have bloodwork done prior to surgery. This is for the safety of your pet and will allow the doctor to assess organ function prior to anesthesia.

Depending on the type of procedure as well as individual patient factors, some pets may receive IV fluids prior, during and after surgery.

All patients will receive pain medication at the time of surgery and will be prescribed pain medication to go home following surgery.

SUTURES

For most surgeries, dissolvable suture material is used. It will dissolve in 2-3 weeks after surgery. Some types of surgeries may require sutures that have to be removed, typically 10-14 days later. You will be advised on when to bring your pet back to have the sutures removed at the time of surgery discharge.

PAIN CONTROL

It is expected that patients will feel discomfort and/or pain after surgical procedures. In order to keep your pet comfortable, pain medication will be prescribed. We have several options for pain medications depending on the type of procedure and what each individual pet may need. Typically, patients will receive an injection of pain medication that lasts 24 hours and then additional oral pain medication will be sent home for several days during the recovery period.