SURGICAL CARE
Q. Why do you require pre-anesthetic blood work before all procedures?
We require pre-anesthetic blood work because even though we use the safest anesthesia possible, it still needs to be processed through the liver and the kidneys. If these organs are not functioning properly, anesthesia can be very dangerous for your pet. Even young pets that look healthy on the outside can be born with birth defects of the liver or kidneys. Our pre-anesthetic panel also checks your pet for diabetes, dehydration, and anemia which may not be apparent on a physical exam.
Q. Why do you put an intrevenous (IV) catheter in every patient?
We require an IV catheter for every patient becuase this gives us quick access to your pet's vein in case they have a respiratory or cardiovascular emergency. The vein is the fastest way for the body to receive any medications or fluids. Even in perfectly healthy people and pets there is always a small risk while undergoing anesthesia. If a patient under anesthesia encounters a heart or respiratory complication we may only ahve seconds to react before it is too late. Without an IV catheter it can be extremely difficult and time consuming to find a vein in a life threatening crisis. By being prepared in advance, we could potentially save your pet's life.
Q. Why should my pet be on IV fluids during surgery?
All pets are placed on IV fluids regardless of what type of surgery or how long the surgery will take. Having your pet on IV fluids is important because it helps:
• Keep your pet's blood pressure stable
• Keeps the liver and kidneys functioning to their full potential
• Prevents dehydration during anesthesia
Thus, your pet is more likely to be able to go home the same day of their procedure rather than staying overnight at the clinic.
Q. How will my pet be monitored?
While your pet is under anesthesia, a nurse will monitor them closely from start to finish. The nurse will be responsible for monitoring your pet's:
• Temperature
• Respiratory rate
• Heart Rate
• Blood Pressure
• Blood Oxygen Levels
• ECG (heart rhythm)
• Pet's comfort level
Q. Will my pet be in any pain?
We make every effort to alleviate your pet's pain. Pain control starts even before surgery does. We give each patient a pre-operative injection to help them relax and to control any discomfort they may have during their surgery. Post-operative, we follow up with these same medications if necessary. We also give an anti-inflammatory medication to help with inflammation and pain. Using multiple methods for pain control is very effective. Further, pets are sent home with oral pain medication to keep them comfortable while healing.
Q. What type of anesthesia do you use?
We use Sevoflurane gas anesthesia on all procedures. This gas is used in human hospitals for geriatric and pediatric patients. It is considered by many anesthesiologists to be the safest anesthetic gas. Sevoflurane provides a smoother, quicker recovery than other anesthetic gases. So, we can send patients home at the end of the day rather than keep them overnight because they need to sleep off the anesthesia. Our clients love it!
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Among the surgical procedures we provide are:
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• Ovariohysterectomy (spay) for female pets
• Neutering for male pets
• Tumor and Growth biopsy or removal
• Laceration and Abscess treatment and repair
• Abdominal Exploratory
• Gastric and Intestinal foreign body removal
• Oral Surgery
• Minor eyelid corrections
• An array of exotic animal procedures
• Other procedures
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