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.  Here at Dunwoody Veterinary Center, 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 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. 

We also recommend the placement of an IV catheter prior to surgery to ensure that we have access to a vein in the event drugs need to be administered, as well as for the administration of IV fluids during the surgical procedure.  IV fluid administration helps maintain blood pressure, and cardiac output, as well as hydration. 

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.  Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery.

Will my pet have stitches?

If skin sutures are present we will remove them 10 to 14 days after surgery.  Following the surgical procedure, you will need to keep an eye on 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 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?

At Dunwoody Veterinary Center we will assess the pain management needs of every animal on a case by case basis.  The best pain mangement protocols will be used to ensure maximum comfort after surgery.  This approach not only makes our patients as comfortable as possible but also promotes quicker healing.  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 may exhibit signs of restlessness, agitation, panting, or behavioral changes.  Pain management is very important to us and will be an important component of any surgical procedure.

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, or implanting an identification microchip. 

When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need to 5 to 10 minutes of time to fill out paperwork and make decisions on the blood testing and other 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.

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.