Pet surgery can be daunting for a pet owner, prompting worries and stress. Learning more about your pet’s condition and the reasons for surgery can help alleviate your fears. At Northwood Veterinary Hospital, we have ample experience performing pet surgical procedures. If your pet needs surgery, we’ll explain the procedure to you and answer your questions so you’ll know what to expect. Here are some basic facts you should know about pet surgery.
Pre-Surgical Blood Tests
Before scheduling your pet for surgery, your Northwood veterinarian will have bloodwork done on your pet to confirm he’s in good health. If your pet has hidden health issues, they will show up in these tests. Health problems can affect how your pet reacts to the anesthesia and how he recovers from surgery. In the event of a major health issue, we may postpone surgery until your pet is well.
Preparing Your Pet
If your dog hasn’t bathed in a while, it’d be good to give him a bath a day before the procedure. He won’t be able to bathe again until his sutures have healed. Your pet should have nothing to eat at least 12 hours before surgery to avoid complications with the anesthesia. Keep your pet as calm as possible before bringing him in.
Pre-Med Injection/IV/Anesthesia
Your Northwood veterinarian will give your pet an injection containing a sedative and pain medicine to prepare him for anesthesia. This helps calm and stabilize your pet. We’ll also place an IV on your pet to give him fluids throughout the surgery so he doesn’t get dehydrated.
We use general anesthesia for most of our surgical procedures which will be administered by a professional vet. We’ll monitor your pet’s vital signs throughout the entire surgery to ensure he’s doing okay. You can trust our veterinary team to take excellent care of your pet.
Post-Surgery Care
For common pet surgeries, such as spay or neuter procedures, pets can usually go home the same day. For more complex surgeries, we may keep your kit or pup overnight for observation.
Before taking your pet home, we’ll provide you with a list of instructions for his post-op care. We’ll also provide you with medication to help alleviate pain.
Anesthesia can sometimes affect a pet’s behavior for a few days. Some pets act disoriented, like they don’t recognize their home or family. Others may show signs of aggression. It’s best not to leave your pet alone with your children until he’s back to his old self.
See Your Northwood Veterinarian for Pet Surgery
For more information about pet surgeries or to schedule a surgical procedure for your kit or pup, contact Northwood Veterinary Hospital at (603) 942-8368. We look forward to treating your pet.
