Surgery for your furry friend can be a nerve-wracking experience, but at The Vet On Main, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care every step of the way. Our team understands how important your pet is to your family, and we take every precaution to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the surgical process.
This guide outlines what you can expect during your pet’s surgery, from preparation to recovery, including tips to help you feel prepared and confident about the care your pet will receive.
Surgery for your furry friend can be a nerve-wracking experience, but at The Vet On Main, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care every step of the way. Our team understands how important your pet is to your family, and we take every precaution to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the surgical process.
This guide outlines what you can expect during your pet’s surgery, from preparation to recovery, including tips to help you feel prepared and confident about the care your pet will receive.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
A smooth surgery begins with preparation. Here’s how we start the process at The Vet On Main.
Consultation and Examination
Before surgery, you and your pet will meet with our veterinary team for a full consultation. We use this time to explain the procedure, answer your questions, and perform a physical exam to confirm your pet is healthy enough for surgery. For some procedures, diagnostic tests like blood work, X-rays, or ultrasounds will be required to check for underlying conditions.
Why it matters: These steps ensure that your pet is ready for surgery and allow us to minimize risks.
Fasting Instructions
For the safety of your pet, you’ll need to withhold food and water for a specific period before surgery.
- Dogs/Cats: Typically, remove food 8 to 12 hours before anesthesia, but water can often remain available up until 2 to 3 hours before.
- Why fast? Doing so prevents potential aspiration (inhaling stomach contents), which could lead to serious complications during anesthesia.
Our team will provide customized fasting instructions based on your pet’s individual needs.
What to Bring
On surgery day, bring the essentials to make the process seamless:
- Your pet’s medical records (if not already provided).
- A favorite blanket or toy to comfort them.
- Any prescribed medications your pet might be taking.
Day of Surgery
On the big day, our team strives to create a supportive and stress-free experience for both you and your pet.
Arrival and Check-In
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by one of our team members who will walk you through the check-in process.
- Paperwork: You’ll complete a consent form and verify your pet’s medical history.
- Final Questions: This is your moment to ask the veterinary team any last-minute questions.
- Goodbyes: While it’s hard to part, rest assured your pet is in safe hands.
Anesthesia and Monitoring
Once your pet is prepped, our experts administer anesthesia tailored to your pet’s size, age, and health. State-of-the-art monitoring equipment tracks their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and body temperature to ensure safety throughout the procedure.
Rest easy: Our team takes every precaution to minimize any risks associated with anesthesia.
The Surgical Procedure
Each surgery, whether a routine spay/neuter or a more complex procedure, is conducted by experienced veterinarians with support from skilled technicians.
- Careful precision: Every step is executed with meticulous attention to detail.
- Sterile environments: We follow strict protocols to maintain sterility and reduce infection risk.
Post-Surgery Care
Once the procedure is complete, your pet’s recovery will be closely monitored by our veterinary team.
Recovery Period at The Vet On Main
- Post-Anesthesia Monitoring: After surgery, your pet will wake up in a quiet, comfortable recovery area while our staff keeps a close eye on their vital signs.
- Pain Management: We provide pain relief tailored to your pet’s individual needs to keep them as comfortable as possible.
Our team will notify you as soon as your pet is ready for pick-up and provide a detailed overview of their condition.
At-Home Care Instructions
Caring for your pet at home is crucial for a smooth recovery. Before you leave, we’ll provide a care sheet that includes:
- Medication instructions to manage pain or prevent infection.
- Wound care guidelines to prevent complications.
- Activity restrictions to limit jumping, running, or other strenuous activities.
Tip: Create a quiet, cozy space for your pet to rest while they heal.
Spotting Potential Complications
While complications are rare, it’s important to keep an eye out for potential warning signs such as:
- Excessive swelling, redness, or discharge from the surgical site.
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating.
- Lethargy or unexpected behavioral changes.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call us at The Vet On Main. Your peace of mind and your pet’s well-being are our top priorities.
Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up visits are essential for ensuring a healthy recovery.
Importance of Follow-Up Visits
During follow-up appointments, we check the surgical site to ensure it’s healing properly and remove any sutures if necessary. Our veterinarians will also evaluate your pet’s progress and address any questions you might have.
Monitoring Long-Term Recovery
Some surgical procedures may require additional visits to track your pet’s well-being over time. We’ll work with you to customize a plan that ensures your pet can return to their normal activities without any complications.
We’re Here for You Every Step of the Way
At The Vet On Main, we know how much your furry companion means to you, and we are dedicated to providing exceptional care at every stage of their surgery. From preparation to recovery, our team is here to answer your questions, ease your worries, and support your pet’s health.
If you have additional questions or want to schedule a consultation, call us or use the PetDesk app to book an appointment today.
