Surgical Preparation Instructions:
Your pet will need to be fasted. No food or snacks after 10pm the night before their procedure. This includes no breakfast the morning of the procedure. Your pet may have water overnight, but first thing in the morning, take the water away.
Surgical FAQs
1) Can my pet have food or water?
2) What do I need to bring the morning of my appointment?
3) What time do I need to be there in the morning?
4) Will my pet need bloodwork?
5) Will my pet be monitored during surgery?
6) What pain medications are used?
7) Will my pet have an IV catheter?
8) When should I plan on picking my pet up?
9) Will I have to give my pet pain medication?
10) Can my pet eat after surgery?
11) Will my pet need to come back for recheck or stitch removal?
12) Do I need to clean the incision site?
13) Do I have to restrict exercise after surgery?
14) Do pets gain weight after a spay or neuter?
For further information, read our article on Anesthesia Safety and Factors to Consider When Comparing the Price of Spays and Neuters.
1) Can my pet have food or water?
No, your pet must be fasted. No food or snacks starting at 10pm the night prior to their procedure. Water is OK overnight, but needs to be taken away when you wake up the morning of the procedure.
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2) What do I need to bring the morning of my appointment?
a. Pre-Surgical History Form (put link on this)
b. Dogs must be on a leash
c. Cats must be in a carrier
d. If you are a new client or have a new pet, bring in vaccination history
e. If your cat is getting declawed, bring their food. Your cat will be staying overnight with us.
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3) What time do I need to be there in the morning?
Typical time for surgery admission is 8 am. Please call or e-mail us for the exact time of your admission appointment. Please allow 15 minutes for the appointment. If you are a new client or have a new pet, the Doctor will do an annual exam (if not already performed) the morning of the surgery. You will need to stay for this.
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4) Will my pet need bloodwork?
It is good medical practice to perform pre-operative blood work to assess major organ function and check for other blood abnormalities. If your pet is over the age of 8, your pet will need bloodwork. If a problem is noted on the bloodwork, we are able to change our protocol to better suit your pet or your pet’s procedure may be postponed. If your pet is under the age of 8, bloodwork is not mandatory. A physical exam will be performed on your pet prior to the procedure, but this may not identify all internal problems.
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5) Will my pet be monitored during surgery?
Yes, all pets who are put under general anesthesia are hooked up to a machine similar to the ones seen in human hospitals. Our trained staff monitor your pet’s EKG, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, temperature, and exhaled carbon dioxide levels.
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6) What pain medications are used?
We use Schedule II narcotics, which are the most potent drugs available for the control of acute pain. As part of our protocol we use a multi-modal approach to pain relief. It has been shown that using combinations of different pain drugs is more effective than just using one.
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7) Will my pet have an IV catheter?
Yes, no anesthesia is without risk and if problems arise it is important to be able to give rescue drugs immediately without having to search for a vein. Your pet will also be placed on IV fluids which is vital in maintaining blood pressure during surgery.
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8) When should I plan on picking my pet up?
Typical pick up is between 4 pm and 6 pm. When you admit your pet to our hospital, we will schedule an exact time for you to pick up your pet.
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9) Will I have to give my pet pain medication?
No, we will give your pet a long-lasting pain medication before your take your pet home. This will last them through the night. However, if you feel like your pet is painful the next morning, please call us right away!
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10) Can my pet eat after surgery?
Some pets will feel a little bit nauseous after surgery and may not want to eat. You can offer your pet a small amount of their regular food, however, if your pet vomits after eating, do not feed them until the next morning. They should return to their normal eating habits by the next morning.
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11) Will my pet need to come back for recheck or stitch removal?
If your pet is spayed, she will need to return for a recheck in 7 – 10 days.
If your pet was neutered, he will not need to return for a recheck unless you are concerned. Surgery rechecks are free.
If your pet was declawed, they will not need to return for a recheck unless you are concerned. Surgery recheck are free.
If your pet has any external stitches, they will need to return for a recheck in 7-14 days.
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12) Do I need to clean the incision site?
No, do not clean the incision site!
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13) Do I have to restrict exercise after surgery?
Yes, restrict their exercise as much as possible during the healing time (7 – 10 days). Do not encourage play or running around.
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14) Do pets gain weight after a spay or neuter?
Your pet’s metabolism will slow down after getting spayed. It is important to monitor your pet’s body condition on a regular basis. You should always be able to feel your pet’s ribs (with minimal fat layer) but never see them. When you look at your pet from above, there should be an ͞inward tuck͟ or waistline behind the ribs. The amount of food given should be measured (rather than just filling the bowl) so that adjustments can be made if needed. If you have any questions about your pet’s ideal body weight or how much to feed, do not hesitate to ask us.
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