What You Need to Know Before Your Pet's Upcoming Surgery

Many people have questions about various aspects of their pet's surgery, and we hope this information will help.  It also explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet's upcoming surgery.

Is the anesthetic safe?

Surgery today is safer than in the past. We do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics, to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem.  

In certain cats, Preanesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic or surgical complications.  For geriatric or ill pets, additional tests may be required before surgery as well. If irregularities are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.

It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia.  You will need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery.  Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery.

Will my pet have stitches? 

Some surgeries do require skin sutures. You will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge.  Most cats do not lick excessively or bite at the incision, but this is an occasional problem you will also need to watch for.  If there are skin sutures, these will usually be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery.  You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time and keep them in a clean environment for the first week after surgery.

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed.  Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations.

Because cats do not tolerate standard pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol, we are limited in what we can give them.  Recent advances in pain medications have allowed for better pain control in cats than ever before.  We practice pain management with all surgeries.  Any animal that appears painful will receive additional pain medication post surgery.

When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need  5 to 10 minutes of time to fill out paperwork and make decisions on any other options available.  When you pick up your pet after surgery you can also plan to spend about 10 minutes to go over your pet's home care needs.

Please don't hesitate to call us with any questions about your pet's health or surgery.