Dear Client,
Your pet has been scheduled for an upcoming surgery in the near future. In our attempt to assist clients, we
have put together this packet to make surgery day as easy and stress-free as possible.
In addition to this letter, you will find that the following information has been enclosed:
- Pre-Anesthetic Blood Testing Information Form (Bring in the day of surgery.)
- Surgical Information Form (Bring in the day of surgery.)
Please read carefully all the enclosed information. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us. On
your pet’s surgery day, we require you to review and sign a Surgery Consent Form and an Estimate Form,
which allows you to choose optional services.
We require a phone number(s) where you can be reached surgery day. Failure to be reached on the day of
the procedure may result in postponement of the surgery.
The night before your pet’s surgery . . .
- Withhold all food and treats after 9:00pm.
- Water may be left down after this time period.
- If you are currently administering any oral or injectable medications, whether OTC or
prescribed, please discuss with the doctor whether to give these medications on the morning of
the surgery.
Please make arrangements for your pet to be dropped off on the morning of the scheduled surgery, unless
other arrangements have been made in advance. At the time of drop off, our team will be happy to answer any
questions or concerns and collect the completed consent forms.
Our veterinary nurse will escort your pet to the surgical prepping area to wait for their surgery. If you have
elected any of the recommended blood tests, our nurse will collect all blood samples and tests prior to surgery.
If any questions arise, the doctor may contact you at the number on the Surgery Consent form.
We hope surgery day will be a pleasant experience. Remember, our team knows surgery can be an anxious
time, and we are available to answer any and all questions concerning the upcoming procedure.
We look forward to serving you and your pet on the upcoming surgery day and for years to come.
Anesthetic Procedures and Risks
We use a combination of pre-anesthetic medications/injectable and/or inhalant anesthetics to achieve optimum
levels of anesthesia that are safe for your pet.
For most procedures, your pet is anesthetized and then intubated (insertion of a tube into the trachea or wind
pipe). This will ensure that your pet is able to receive oxygen at all times and prevents aspiration of any fluids
into the lungs.
For procedures that require minimum sedation, an injectable anesthetic is given that produces a good level
of sedation with a quick recovery. Anesthesia is maintained with a gas anesthetic, Isoflurane, which is very
safe and is not metabolized by the body. This allows us to have more control over anesthetic depth, and it is
less irritating to the airways. It is a quick induction using a mask versus using injectable anesthetics that
require metabolism by the body.
Monitoring and Pain Management
Monitoring of patients during anesthesia is done in two ways. First, a veterinary assistant is with your pet
continuously from the beginning of anesthesia to recovery. Second, we have a computerized monitor that
records heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen levels, respiration, ECG, core and rectal temperature.
Our clinic strongly believes in compassionate, quality, medical care for our patients. As a result, all surgery
patients will receive pain management before, during and after surgery. Additionally, pain medication may be
prescribed to be given to the pet at home. Additional information will be given at discharge. We hope this
program will reduce any discomfort experienced and aid in a quicker recovery.
Intravenous Catheterization and Fluids
We highly recommend the placement of an IV catheter and use of IV fluids during all anesthetic procedures for
senior pets and for longer procedures. This allows us to have quick, available access to the circulatory system
(blood) in case of an unforeseen emergency. The fluids help provide support to the circulatory system and
prevent dehydration, as well as aid in a quicker recovery from anesthesia.
Potential Surgical Complications
- Canine and Feline Spay - bleeding, infection, recurrent heat, urinary incontinence, weight gain (if food
intake is not adjusted), and suture reactions
- Canine and Feline Neuter - bleeding, infection, scrotal swelling, suture reaction
- Feline Declaw - bleeding, infection, limping/lameness
- Puppy Dewclaw Removal - bleeding, infection, limping/lameness, regrowth of nail
- Tumor/Lump Removal - bleeding, infection, swelling and drainage, suture reaction
It is important for you to understand that there is always a risk of anesthetic and surgical
complications anytime these procedures are performed. We strive to take the highest quality care of
your pet and take all the added precautions you allow to avoid potential problems. Thank you for
entrusting your pet to us.