How to Properly Prepare Your Pet for Surgery

Surgical procedures are often scary and stressful, especially when you do not understand the procedure or the expected outcome. In pet surgery, your pet is in a better position because it does not know what will happen.

Your pet will only have to deal with the discomfort that may be there in recovery, but you will have to bear the stress of the pre-procedure. However, you can significantly reduce it by taking several steps to prepare well.

Before Surgery

A Week Before

Pet surgery is often planned well to allow for the best preparation for you and your pet. In the week before, the vet may need to get diagnostic tests to assess your pet's health. The tests may include blood work, ultrasounds, and X-rays to give detailed insight into the pet's overall health.

The vet may require that you update your vet's vaccinations if they are not fully vaccinated. However, some vets may recommend proceeding without vaccinations depending on your pet's condition.

Day of the Surgery

Understanding the Procedure

When the vet sets up a surgical procedure, they will usually provide you will detailed instructions to prepare for it. After they give you the instructions, ensure that you ask questions about the procedure that you may have.

Also, ask for any other information specific to your pet, like a medical condition that can affect the preparation. Some medical conditions may require that your pet eats something before the surgery instead of fasting.

General Anesthesia

During the procedure, there will be a veterinary technician or an assistant to track your pet's vitals. They are essential because they ensure that your pet is safe while unconscious.

Your pet must receive general anesthesia, especially in complex procedures like neutering, spaying, and other surgeries. The doctor will typically ask for a blood screen to ensure your pet is healthy to administer anesthesia.

Your pet will have an IV to keep them constantly hydrated by dripping water into their system. The IV also ensures that the surgeon can administer necessary medication in an emergency.

Local Anesthesia

If the procedure is not major, your pet will only need local anesthesia to be applied to the area that needs treatment. Fasting before a procedure that requires local anesthesia may or may not be necessary.

Dropping Off Your Pet

If you must drop your pet off, ask all your questions about the procedure and where your pet will be while it waits for you after the procedure. You must also sign a consent form to show that you understand all the risks and approve the vet performing the procedure.

After Surgery

After the surgery, you may need to let your pet stay at the clinic overnight for observation. Other times, you can pick your pet up on the same day, and your pet will look almost normal. Over the next few days, they should recover their vigor completely as they heal.

For more on properly preparing your pet for surgery, visit Van Lue Veterinary Surgical at our office in Oviedo, Florida. Call (321) 348-6300 to book an appointment today.