Surgical Information

Pre-Operative Care

• Fasting: Withhold food and water from your pet starting at 12:00 midnight on the day of surgery.

• Medications: Administer any prescribed pre-operative medications as directed by your veterinarian. If you have any questions, please contact the clinic immediately.

Post-Operative Care

• Rest and Activity Restriction:

○ Provide a quiet and comfortable environment for your pet to rest.

○ Confine your pet to a restricted area as directed.

○ Avoid vigorous play, jumping, and excessive excitement.

• Pain Management:

○ Administer pain medications as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if your pet appears comfortable.

○ Pain can hinder healing and increase discomfort.

• Wound Care:

○ Confinement: Utilize an Elizabethan collar (cone) or an alternative restraint

device as directed to prevent your pet from licking, chewing, or disturbing the

surgical site.

○ Keep the wound clean and dry.

○ Avoid bathing your pet for two weeks following surgery, unless otherwise

instructed.

• Monitoring for Complications:

○ Monitor your pet closely for any signs of complications, including:

■ Excessive licking or chewing at the incision

■ Excessive bleeding or discharge from the incision

■ Swelling or redness around the incision

■ Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea

■ Difficulty urinating or defecating

■ Changes in behavior or mental status

○ Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of these signs.

Offer small amounts of food and water initially. Resume normal feeding and watering habits the following day, unless otherwise instructed.

• Follow-up Care:

○ Schedule and attend all follow-up appointments as directed.

 

General Information

• These instructions are a general guide.
• For specific instructions tailored to your pet’s surgery, please refer to the detailed instructions provided by your veterinarian.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic. [Argo Animal Clinic (205) 655-5350]

 

Pre-anesthetic testing: Before the procedure, blood work and sometimes other tests (like X-rays or ECG) are done to assess the pet’s overall health and identify any potential risks.

Types of anesthesia: There are different types of anesthesia, including general anesthesia (for procedures where the pet is unconscious), sedation (for minor procedures or to calm anxious animals), and local anesthesia (numbing a specific area). The vet will recommend the most appropriate type for the pet and procedure.

The procedure: The vet will explain the steps involved in the anesthesia process, including administering the anesthetic, monitoring the pet’s vital signs, and recovering from anesthesia.

Risks: While anesthesia is generally safe, there are always some risks involved. These can include allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and cardiac complications. The vet will discuss these risks with the client and take steps to minimize them.

Recovery: After the procedure, the pet will need time to recover from anesthesia. The vet will provide instructions on how to care for the pet at home during this time.

Vet techs play a crucial role in monitoring the pet’s vital signs during anesthesia. They use a variety of tools and techniques to track the pet’s:

• Heart rate and rhythm: An ECG (electrocardiogram) is used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart and detect any abnormalities.

• Breathing: The vet tech will monitor the pet’s respiratory rate and depth, as well as the oxygen levels in their blood (using a pulse oximeter).

• Blood pressure: A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the pet’s blood pressure, which is important for ensuring adequate blood flow to the organs.

• Temperature: Body temperature can drop during anesthesia, so the vet tech will monitor it closely and take steps to keep the pet warm.

• Anesthetic depth: The vet tech will assess the pet’s level of consciousness and muscle relaxation to ensure they are at the appropriate depth of anesthesia.

Additional points to emphasize:

• Continuous monitoring: The vet tech will continuously monitor the pet’s vital signs throughout the procedure and recovery period.

• Early detection of problems: By closely monitoring the pet’s values, the vet tech can detect any potential problems early on and alert the vet.

The doctor’s role:

Overall responsibility: The doctor is ultimately responsible for the safety of your pet while under anesthesia and the surgery as a whole.

Expertise and decision making: The veterinarian has the expertise to choose the right anesthetic protocol, interpret the monitoring data, and make critical decisions about your pet’s care.

Collaboration: the veterinarian works closely with the vet tech to ensure that your pet is monitored closely and that any potential problems are addressed promptly