Pre-surgical Instructions:

For your pet's protection and safety:

·       A physical exam is required before any anesthetic administration or surgical procedure.

·       Baseline / pre-anesthetic bloodwork is required before any anesthetic is administered, in order to make certain your precious pet is able to undergo any anesthetic. This is also to ensure your pet has healthy internal support to recover from the anesthetic.

·       Before bringing your pet in for the scheduled procedure, make sure all food and water is taken away after 7p.m. the night before. Food left undigested in your pet's stomach can increase the chance of your pet becoming ill while under anesthetic, and due to the relaxed state of your pet while under anesthetic, this can present a very dangerous situation.

·       Checking your pet in for the procedure will take 5-10 minutes and require the completion of some paperwork. We will also request an emergency contact number, should we have any questions or concerns. This is also the time to ask any questions you may have regarding the procedure. Depending on the procedure, your pet may need to stay overnight.

 

Post-surgical Instructions:

·       There will be a shaved area on your pet's leg. This is where the IV anesthetic and medication was given.

·       If feet are swollen or seem sore, CALL US.

·       Your pet may seem tired and may not move as fast as usual for the next day or two. This is the effect of the sedative / anesthetic used and this is normal. Should your pet continue to be lethargic longer than a day or two, CALL US IMMEDIATELY!

·       Give food or water in small amounts in the evening after surgery. It may even be best to wait until the following morning and give small amounts then. Regular feeding schedules can usually be resumed in 2 days.

·       Start any medications the same night. Sometimes we will suggest giving the medication with food.

·       When giving a liquid mediation to a cat, your cat may start to salivate and blow bubbles. You may think your pet is choking, but most likely your pet is not. This is a normal reaction to the medication and is usually not dangerous.

·       Look at any incision daily. If necessary, it can be cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide. If it is draining or being licked at, CALL US. It should look and be dry at all times.

·       If you do notice your pet licking at the incision, use your Elizabethan collar or a pair of pants or shirt that fits comfortably over the area and will prevent your pet from licking.

·       Sutures usually need to be removed in 7-10 days, so please schedule a suture removal appointment before your bring your pet home.

·       No stairs, jumping, or rough-housing until sutures are removed.

 

Some Go-Home Directions may include:

·       Gum Disease was severe. An antibiotic injection was given to control this. Do not start medication until tomorrow morning.

·       Feed only a liquid diet. (Add water to your pet's food for a few days.)

·       If your pet refuses to eat or has a bad odor coming from his mouth, CALL US.

·       Change bandage in _____ days.

·       Remove bandage in _____ days.

 

If you have any questions at ANY time, do not hesitate to call us at: 262-886-3337.