What Happens When My Pet Is In Surgery?

Surgery can be a necessary part of providing the best life for your pet. We know that having any member of your family in surgery can be scary, which is why we are here for you and wanting to provide additional information to hopefully make it a little easier. This blog outlines what happens when your pet is in surgery. 

Preparing for Surgery 

• The surgical staff will scrub, cap, mask, gown, and glove prior to entering the surgical suite.  
• All of the surgical equipment is sterilized.  
• The pet’s skin and fur are prepped, which involves removing fur in the area and cleaning it. 
• An IV (intravenous) catheter is placed prior to surgery. This allows us immediate access to any medications and fluids required to support your pet throughout their surgery. A small portion of your pet’s leg will be shaved and cleaned for catheter placement. 

Anesthesia 

Anesthesia protocols are tailored to your pet’s individual needs. All precautions are taken to minimize risk for your loved one. Isoflurane gas anesthesia is used, which is an extremely safe anesthetic. 

Keeping Your Pet Nice and Warm 

While under anesthesia, it is very common for pets to lose body heat. A lowered body temperature can slow recovery times and result in complications. This is why we place all surgical patients on heated circulating water blankets to maintain normal body temperature. 

Monitoring 

Before, during, and after the surgery your pet will be constantly monitored by a certified veterinary technician who is diligently watching things like: 

• heart rate  
• continuous ECG (electrocardiogram) tracing 
• respiratory rate 
• blood pressure 
• body temperature 
• pulse 
• oxygen saturation  

Pain Relief 

All surgical patients receive appropriate pain control before and after surgery to minimize discomfort and optimize healing.

These pain control methods include our post-surgical pain laser, which reduces inflammation and pain in the incision area as well as pain medication sent home at dismissal.

Post-Surgical Care 

A surgical technician will discuss any home care instructions with you during a special discharge appointment and will also send home written instructions. 

If your loved one is going into surgery, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns that you might have.