Surgical Information
Please read carefully all the enclosed information. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us. On your pets’ surgery day, we require you to review and sign an Authorization/Estimate Form, which allows you to choose optional services.
We require a phone number(s) where you can be reached surgery day. Failure to be reached on the day of the procedure may result in postponement of the surgery.
The night before your pet's surgery:
Withhold all food and treats after 9:00pm (For dog and cat patients only-Exotic patients have different feeding requirements, so please clarify with us before surgery if your pet requires fasting).
Water may be left down after this time period
If you are currently administering any medications, vitamins, and/or injections: withhold the morning doses unless otherwise instructed by the veterinarian
Please make arrangements for your pet to be dropped off on the morning of scheduled surgery. At time of drop off, our team will be happy to answer any questions/concerns and collect the completed Authorization Form.
Our Registered Veterinary Technicians or Technologists (RVTs) will escort your pet to the surgical prepping area for an examination by the doctor. If you have elected any of the recommended blood tests, our nurse will collect all blood samples and tests prior to surgery.
If any questions arise, the doctor may contact you at the number on the Authorization Form.
Monitoring & Pain Management
Monitoring of patients during anesthesia is done in two ways.
First, a Registered Veterinary Technician or Technologist is with your pet continuously from beginning of anesthesia to recovery.
Second, we have a computerized monitor that records heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen levels, and respiration.
Our clinic strongly believes in compassionate, quality, medical care for our patients. As a result, all surgery patients will receive pain management before, during and after surgery. Additionally, pain medication may be prescribed home. Additional information will be given at discharge. We hope this program will reduce any discomfort experienced and aid in a quicker recovery.
Intravenous Catheterization & Fluids
We highly recommend the placement of an IV catheter and use of IV fluids during all anesthetic procedures. This allows us to have quick, available access to the circulatory system (blood) in case of an unforeseen emergency. The fluids help provide support to the circulatory system and prevent dehydration, as well as aid in a quicker recovery from anesthesia.
You are welcome to check up on your pet’s status, however, we request that you allow plenty of time for your pet’s procedure to be done. At this time, we will be able to give you an idea when your pet may be discharged. When you arrive to take your pet home, the receptionist will bill you out and the Registered Veterinary Technologist will go over all discharge orders verbally and give you a written copy. If you do not understand any instructions, please do not hesitate to ask them to go over them one more time.
We hope surgery day will be a pleasant experience. Remember, our team knows surgery can be an anxious time and we are always available to answer any and all questions concerning the upcoming procedure.
We look forward to serving you and your pet on the upcoming surgery day and years to come.
