Dog and Cat Surgery: Preparing for Your Pet's Procedure
To ensure your pet's procedure goes as safely and smoothly as possible. Here are some things you need to know before, during, and after surgery at Town and Country Animal Hospital.
The Night Before Your Pet's Surgery
The night before surgery, it's very important that your pet does not eat after midnight. An empty stomach helps prevent complications under anesthesia. Water is okay until 6:00 a.m. If your pet's doctor prescribed any pre-visit pharmaceuticals, be sure to give them as directed. These help reduce stress and keep your pet comfortable before their procedure. If blood work hasn't been done recently, we'll perform pre-operative testing to ensure your pet is healthy for surgery.
For your pet's safety, we place an IV catheter. This is how we administer fluids and medications as necessary. It is also essential in case of an emergency.
During Your Pet's Surgery
During surgery, we will monitor your pet closely to ensure their safety every step of the way.
After Your Pet's Surgery
Once your pet is in recovery, the doctor will call you after 5:00 p.m. to schedule their discharge. At pickup, our team will go over discharge instructions with you, including medication details and post-op care to ensure a smooth recovery.
If your pet is sent home with an e-collar, it is crucial they wear it at all times until the doctor says it's safe to remove. This prevents licking or chewing at the incision, which could lead to complications and additional visits.
- When your pet comes home, ensure they have a calm, stress-free environment.
- Keep them comfortable, limit activity, and follow all medication instructions.
- Your pet should be leash-walked only. No running, jumping, or rough play until cleared by the doctor.
This helps prevent injury and allows for proper healing. Sutures or staples will need to be removed in about 14 days. To schedule suture removal, simply call, text, or email us, and we'll find a convenient time for you to come in. Our team is here for you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to call, text, or email us if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for trusting us with your pet's care.
At Town and Country Animal Hospital, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (703) 273-2110, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!