Surgical Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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?
With the help of modern anesthetic monitors, our technicians are very well-trained to ensure all animals undergoing surgery are closely monitored. Here at TVH, 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. Each animal is given a customized calculated dosage of premed and adjusted amount of anesthetic depending on the age and health of your pet. Intravenous (IV) catheters allow delivery of fluids to maintain blood pressure and as a readily available access point to deliver medication during anesthesia.
Why do you need to test my pet’s blood?
It is recommended that your pet needs blood testing before surgery. 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. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.
What kind of blood testing will you do before the surgery?
We offer two levels of in-house blood testing (GHP, PAB) done before surgery, which we'll discuss with you in greater detail when you bring your pet in. For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, or x-rays may be required before surgery as well.
When should I stop feeding my pet prior to surgery?
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. Exceptions may be given if you have a diabetic animal, debilitated animal or in renal cases.
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.
If you would like an estimate for these extra services, please call ahead of time. This is especially important if the person dropping the pet off for surgery is not the primary decision maker for the pet's care.
Do I need to come in early?
When you bring your pet in for surgery, you will need to be on time. Allow yourself time to review and fill out paperwork, and make decisions on the blood testing and other options available. 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.
Will my pet be left alone during/after surgery? Can I watch or be close by?
Once an animal as been given an anesthetic, there is always someone with your pet - a comforting staff member who will look after and monitor your pet’s needs. TVH is well-equipped with ECG monitors, blood pressure and respiratory wave monitors that carefully watch over your pet’s vital signs. We also have a heated Operating Room table to ensure their added comfort!
Of course, you are always welcome to see your pet’s surgery first-hand by visiting our observation room.
What happens after the surgery?
When you pick up your pet after surgery you can plan to spend sometime going over your pet's home care needs. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call us with any questions about your pet's health or surgery.
Will my pet have stitches?
For many surgeries, we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin. These will dissolve on their own and will not need to be removed, while other surgeries do require suture/staple removal. With either type of suture, 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. This may require an e-collar for your pet to prevent licking/chewing of the surgical site. If there are skin sutures, these will usually be removed within 14 days after surgery. You will also need to limit your pet's activity temporarily and no baths are allowed for the first 14 days after surgery.