Preparing for your pet’s surgical procedure can be a stressful time. In addition to the natural concern that comes with knowing your beloved pet will be undergoing anesthesia, there are a number of steps that need to be accomplished prior to surgery to assure the best outcome. As an owner, you play a very important role in this process.
Keeping in mind that there are specific actions needed in some but not all procedures, we’ll discuss the most common preparatory steps for most routine surgeries.
Some surgeries are more invasive than others and may require more complex preparation and a longer recovery time. Common types of pet surgeries include:
It’s normal to feel hesitant about disrupting a pet’s routine, and some care instructions may seem excessive or overly restrictive, especially those regarding withholding food or limiting movement. Just remember, the restrictions are temporary and are in place to keep your pet safe and healthy.
Before surgery, you’ll meet with us for a consultation. This is a great time to ask questions and air concerns. Some common questions include:
You should leave the consultation understanding precisely what will be done to their animal companions during surgery. Asking questions and keeping the lines of communication open with our clinic is vital.
We may need to do some testing before surgery. For example, to safely administer anesthesia, we may need to do bloodwork and take urine samples, sometimes multiple times.
Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans may also be necessary to help us diagnose the problem as well as plan for the correct surgical technique for your pet.
Depending on the type of surgery, your pet may require significant changes in its routine. Typical changes include:
Follow all instructions carefully and thoroughly. While temporarily disruptive, these changes help keep pets safe during surgery and improve their postoperative outcomes.
Getting a pet physically ready for surgery is only the first step. Ballantyne pet owners will also need to change the home environment to support recovery.
Pets recovering from surgery need a safe, quiet place to regain strength. Choose an enclosed area, free from stairs and other hazards they may be tempted to jump or climb on. If your pet is crate trained, these are ideal. A gated-off small area of the house or a bathroom can also be used.
Ensure the recovery area is well-stocked with clean bedding, toilet facilities, and easily accessible food and water.
Before bringing your pet home from surgery, you should also ensure you have all the medical supplies needed to care for them as they recover. Antibiotics, pain management, and nutritional supplements may all be part of your pet’s care plan during recovery, as well as specific tools to help pets with their mobility after orthopedic surgery.
We require surgical patients to arrive at 8 am unless other prior arrangements are made. We need this time to examine your pet, perform any final diagnostics, give nausea and pain/sedation medications, and place an intravenous (IV) catheter.
Drop-off is the last chance to ask questions before surgery occurs. If you have any last-minute concerns or lingering questions about the surgery or its potential outcomes, address them before you leave. You are welcome to call during the morning if you realize you forgot to tell us something or ask a question but understand we may not get back to you immediately.
Be sure to provide or double-check the contact information we have on file. After leaving the office, stay close to your phone. It’s essential to be available if we need to get in touch.
The real work of recovery begins after surgery. Healing may take significant time and supportive care. Review the care instructions with your veterinary team before going home and ask questions. At Ballantyne Veterinary Clinic, we will happily provide detailed, written care instructions.
Common aspects of post-surgical pet care include:
All surgeries and all pets are different, which means that every pet’s surgical journey involves unique challenges. Preparing your pet, home, and yourself for a procedure can overwhelm even experienced pet owners.
Just remember, we’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out with concerns or questions. Surgery isn’t comfortable, but its goal is to decrease pain that we can’t effectively treat in other ways.
If you live in South Charlotte and have a pet that needs surgery, contact Ballantyne Veterinary Clinic to schedule an appointment today.