About Us : Surgical FAQ's

What You Need to Know Before Your Pets'  Surgery



Many people have questions about various aspects of their pet's surgery, and we hope this information will help. 

It also explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet's upcoming surgery.

 

Is the anaesthetic safe?

Today's modern anaesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past.  Here at Zillmere Veterinary Surgery, we do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anaesthetics, to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem.  We also adjust the amount and type of anaesthetic used depending on the health of your pet. 

Preanaesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anaesthesia.  Every pet needs blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anaesthetic.  Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing.  If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anaesthetic or surgical complications.    If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.

We take a blood sample for basic preanaesthetic testing from ALL pets having an anaesthetic procedure at Zillmere Veterinary Surgery at no additional cost to the pet owner.   For older or ill pets, a more comprehensive blood screen will be needed. More information on this will be in your pre-surgical booking envelope and will also be explained by your in-patient nurse at the time of admission for surgery. Comprehensive blood screens are optional for young, healthy pets, your nurse will explain the benefits at your admission appointment.

Intravenous fluids are important for all pets undergoing anaesthesia. Healthy pets with routine procedures will have an intravenous drip running for the duration of  their surgery at no additional cost while older or ill pets, or pets having more complicated procedures, will need extended intravenous fluids.

It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia.  You will need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery.  Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery.

 

Will my pet have stitches?

For most surgeries your pet will have sutures in the skin which will need to be removed 10 days after their operation. You will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge.  Most dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, but this is an occasional problem you will also need to watch for.  You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time and no baths are allowed for the first 10 days after surgery.

 

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals.  Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it.  Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed.  Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations.

Pain is best stopped before it begins, therefore we will give a strong pain reliever as part of your pet's premedication before their procedure. For minor procedures an injection giving 24 hours of pain relief will be given in the post operative period. Pain relief for major procedures will be tailored for each individual pet and may include pain medications in your pet's drip, injections, and pain medication for you to give your pet at home after their operation.

What other decisions do I need to make?

While your pet is under anaesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as nail trimming or implanting an identification microchip. 

When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need 5 to 10 minutes of your time to fill out paperwork and make decisions on  blood testing and other options available. Your inpatient nurse will phone you after your pet is in recovery to update you on their procedure and to make a discharge appointment.   At your discharge appointment, your nurse will go over your pet's home care needs. Your pet's inpatient nurse will also call you 2 - 3 days after their surgery to check on their progress and to answer any questions.

We will call you the day before your scheduled surgery appointment, to confirm your admission appointment and to answer any questions you might have.  In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call us with any questions about your pets' health or surgery.