Pre- and Post-Surgical Info

Often times preparing your pet for surgery has as much to do with you as it does your pet. Always make certain you understand what is being done and why. Know that “pre-surgical” or “pre-operative” means before surgery and “post surgical” or “post-operative” means after surgery. Your pet may have specific pre-surgical instructions or may need certain pre-surgical tests or therapies. Post-surgical recovery is often times in your hands. Our doctors and staff are here to help you. No question or concern is taken lightly. Please know we are always here for you when you need us.

Here are a few things to know and remember when your pet is having surgery:

  • Try to be relaxed the morning of surgery. Your relaxed state will often calm your pet.
  • Make certain you have proper directions to the hospital or if you know us well, please give yourself enough time to calmly deal with morning traffic and congestion
  • Please call days before with any questions you may have and we will always try to call you the day before surgery just to check
  • Follow your personal pre-surgical instructions carefully. We will list some general “pre-operative” and “post-operative” instructions below for your convenience

Pre-Operative Instructions

  • The morning of surgery be sure you walk your pet or try to get them to use the litter pan. We want them to go to the bathroom.
  • The morning of surgery, have your pet at the hospital for admission between 8am and 9am.
  • Pets that weigh between 1 and 15 pounds should be fasted for twelve hours. This means no food or water after 8pm the night before surgery. That meal the day before surgery should be smaller than usual.
  • Pets 16 pounds and up can have a breakfast meal the day BEFORE surgery and then no food from that point on. They may have water up to 8pm the night before surgery. After 8pm take away the water.
  • Older pets (small breeds around 8 years old) (large breeds around 6 years old) must be fasted for 12 hours before surgery…. no food or water after 8pm the night before surgery. Please make the meal the day before surgery smaller than usual.
  • If you have a pet with any medical problems please let the staff know before or on the morning before surgery. This is especially important for new clients.
  • A pre-operative blood chemistry panel will be run on most surgical patients before surgery and before administering anesthesia. We have the ability to do this the morning of surgery for your convenience. These stat results will help us formulate the safest anesthesia protocol for your pet. These results also will help us choose the optimum safest pre and post-operative pain management drugs for your pet.
  • An IV (intravenous) catheter will be placed pre-operatively and an electrolyte solution (fluids) will be administered before and during surgery all the way through recovery

YOU WILL BE asked to sign our Surgical Consent Form during the admission process of your pet. Please read this carefully. Your signature gives us permission to perform the surgery on your pet, and if needed, add or change your pets therapy needs during surgery through recovery. It is important you fully understand the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. Although we encourage pre-surgical blood chemistry tests and supportive fluid therapy for all of our surgical patients, if you do not wish your pet to have this you may initial the “Disapprove” box on the Surgical Consent Form. Please know there are some specific surgeries where this is not an option.

Post-Operative Instructions

Your pet’s successful recovery from surgery is often times in your hands. Please understand your pets’ specific instructions clearly. Make sure you go over the instructions with a technician or a doctor before you see or pick up your pet after surgery. Make certain you focus and concentrate on the information given at this time. You can always call us with any questions you might have, but recovery starts immediately and you must be ready.

Here are a few helpful general instructions for a safe, healthy recovery:

  • Most pets can go home after 4pm the day of surgery, but call ahead to make certain your pet is ready.
  • Your pet may not fully recover from anesthesia for a couple days. It is very important they are kept safe and comfortable, and activity is kept to a minimum.
  • During the first 24-hour period after surgery, do not let your pet over eat or drink. Ice cubes are great for the first 12 hours. Give small meals two to three times a day for the first five days.
  • After surgery, keep your pet in a secure area where activity is kept to a minimum. No running or jumping. Avoid stairs and furniture (especially the couch and your bed).
  • Keep your pet in an environment where they will not become too warm or too cold
  • REST for 7-14 days.
  • Most surgeries will require pain medication for 5 days or more depending on the procedure. Make certain you know how to administer these important medications.
  • If suture removal is necessary, we will let you know. This can usually be done around 14 days after surgery.

Special procedures and major surgeries will have specific post-op instructions and often times special circumstances. If this is the case, you will be given specific instructions for your pets’ recovery. We cannot overstate how important it is to follow these instructions down to the letter. Please remember your pet does not have the ability to follow instructions on his or her own. Their successful recovery is totally in your hands. This often requires real perseverance and focus on your part. One quick burst into a run, or a jump off a bed during the night can ruin everything. Most times major surgeries require rest for 4-8 weeks. Whatever the case, it will be a real test of your will during this critical time. Please discuss this recovery protocol in detail with your doctor.

Important Forms

Anesthesia/Surgery Release Form

Orthopedic Surgery Post-Operative Instructions

Post-Operative Instructions

Pre-Operative Instructions