We require that all pets have pre-anesthetic bloodwork for almost all surgeries performed. This will allow us to ensure that your pet is as healthy on the inside as they look on the outside. This early bloodwork often allows us to screen for some underlying genetic abnormalities such as abnormal liver or kidney functions. Early detection allows us to address the issues sooner and improving treatment. The liver and kidneys are also responsible for metabolizing many of the anesthetic drugs. Unknown dysfunction could lead to complications under anesthesia.

Our pets cannot tell us that they are uncomfortable, nor can they make the decision to undergo painful procedures or forgo medications. We believe that aggressive pain prevention is integral in your pet’s recovery and experience in the hospital. Our pain-management protocols are tailored to each pet. Each pet is pre-medicated with a cocktail of pain-management drugs to help prevent pain before it exists, and also help relax them so that we can use lower doses of anesthesia and lower the risks of complications. Your pet will also go home with oral pain control for several days after the procedure.

Throughout the entire procedure your pet will have a dedicated nurse assigned to them who will be at their side every second from intubation to recovery. Each pet will have an IV catheter that allows us to give fluids or emergency drugs instantly if the need arises. Every patient will be intubated (a tube placed through the mouth into the throat) allowing us to both monitor and control their breathing. We use pure oxygen and inhalable anesthetics during the procedure to keep your pet unconscious and pain free. Throughout the procedure your pet’s nurse will monitoring their heartrate, respiratory rate, ECG, and the oxygen saturation of their blood. This allows us to detect problems immediately, intervene, and prevent complications.

Your pet’s surgery will occur with the similar procedures and standards practiced by human surgeons. Surgery will be performed in a clean, dedicated operating room that is closed off from the rest of the hospital keeping dust and contamination to a minimum. Staff in the room are outfitted with clean scrubs as well as a cap and mask. The doctor will aseptically scrub his hands immediately prior to surgery, wear a sterile gown and sterile gloves. All instruments and equipment have been sterilized in a high-pressure, high-heat autoclave to further protect your pet and are opened at the start of your pet’s procedure.