Surgery

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We perform routine soft-tissue surgeries such as spays and neuters, as well as mass removals, wound repair or other minor procedures, and amputations as needed. We use standard injectable and inhalant anesthesia, and recommend pre-surgical diagnostic testing to evaluate organ function and parasite status prior to surgery. Dogs, cats, pot-belly pigs, monkeys, chickens, and rabbits welcome! Have a different species? Give us a call! Would you like an estimate? Please schedule an appointment for an examination and evaluation of your pet’s needs.

Surgery overview

The well-being of your pet is important when undergoing anesthesia for any procedure. Anesthetics used during your pet’s operation are extremely safe and a healthy pet undertakes minimal risk during anesthesia. However, it is important to remember that all anesthetic procedures carry some degree of risk.

What will my pet experience when in for surgery?

First we will record your pet’s current weight so that the doctors know how much sedative and anesthesia to administer. Then we will perform a complete physical examination and draw blood for any pre-operative blood work you have chosen. Once we have the blood work results and everything looks good your pet will receive an injection of a mild sedative. If there are any values on the blood work that are abnormal, the doctor will contact you right away to discuss whether or not it is safe to proceed.

If it is required for your pet’s particular procedure, an I.V. catheter will be placed for administration of I.V. fluids. Your pet will then receive another injection that will induce complete sedation. The doctor will place an endotracheal (ET) tube in the trachea to prevent aspiration of saliva and stomach contents, and to allow administration of oxygen and a gas anesthetic. Your pet will then be connected to the oxygen and gas anesthetic for the duration of the procedure. Your pet will be kept warm and their vital signs closely monitored throughout the procedure.

What happens after surgery?

When the operation is complete we will disconnect the gas anesthetic and your pet will begin to wake up right away. Pain medication will be administered at this point. The ET tube will then be removed. In a small number of animals the ET tube can cause slight irritation of the trachea causing some temporary coughing. Your pet will then be placed in a kennel where they will be kept warm and monitored until they are fully awake.

What do I need to consider before surgery?

All vaccinations should be current before surgery.

  • Dogs should have a current negative heartworm test.
  • Your pet should be free of intestinal parasites (worms).
  • Do not feed your pet for approximately 15 hours before admittance for surgery, which means no food after 6 PM the evening before, however it is okay to allow water.

Some care and recovery time will be required after surgery.