FOLLOW YOUR HEART Animal Hospital

Surgery is an invasion into the body and always has a risk for complications. Anesthesia facilitates surgical treatment for your pet. Anesthesia is not as risky as it used to be, but there is still always a small risk of complications. Many steps can be taken to minimize these risks. Proper planning is vital for success.

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Pre-surgical laboratory evaluation is the standard of care in veterinary practice and is required in our practice for all animals undergoing general anesthesia. Even in a young and seemingly healthy pet, pre-surgical blood tests will help to minimize risk. Should any factors related to illness or disease be detected, we will inform you and take the appropriate steps to treat your pet prior to surgery or anesthesia.

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Further preoperative evaluation may be necessary in some instances. For dogs undergoing surgery for cancer or for older pets, it may be necessary for your pet to receive a chest X-ray prior to a surgical procedure or a dental prophylaxis. Like pre-anesthetic laboratory evaluation, X-rays can help rule out disease, monitor a known disease, or simply help us to plan anesthesia and surgical procedures.

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IV Fluids are administered to every pet undergoing general anesthesia. IV fluids given during surgery will help maintain your pet’s circulation and blood pressure. Intravenous access also allows for easier treatment in the unlikely event of an emergency.

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After your pets surgery, they will be continually monitored by our veterinarian and our experienced, compassionate veterinary technicians. We will monitor your pet’s vital signs, administer analgesic medications, antibiotics, and provided any other necessary post-op care specific to your pet’s health needs, and ensure that they are comfortable and stable following their surgical procedure. 

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