Surgery FAQ
We ask that most patients not be fed (treats, etc.) after midnight the day before surgery. However, you will receive detailed instructions regarding your pet's care before surgery.
Most pets experience some form of discomfort after surgery. However, we take pain management very seriously! Proper pain control before, during, and after surgical procedures helps reduce the amount of anesthetic used during surgery, the amount of medications used during the recovery period, and speeds healing time.
Absolutely! Your pet is too important to us not to provide the BEST care while in our hands. Blood analysis provides us with useful knowledge regarding your pet's safety under anesthesia.
Preoperative bloodwork may include but is not limited to the following: a complete blood count (CBC) and a serum biochemistry panel (Profile).
The CBC gives detailed information about your pet's white blood cell count (WBCs), red blood cell count (RBCs), hemoglobin, hematocrit, pack cell volume, platelets and other cells (eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes) that are derived from your pet's bone marrow.
The Profile gives detailed information about your pet's blood glucose level, kidney values (BUN, Creatinine, phosphorous), liver values (ALT, AST, Alkaline phosphatase, Bilirubin, GGT, serum proteins such as Albumin, Globulin and Total Proteins), pancreatic values (Amylase and Lipase) and electrolyte panel (Calcium, Phosphorous, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, etc).
A thyroid level in your senior or geriatric cat is important to diagnose hyperthyroidism, a common disease that can interfere with your pet's cardiovascular and metabolic systems.
A complete thyroid panel is necessary to diagnose hypothyroidism in your dog. Hypothyroidism can also compromise your dog's cardiovascular and metabolic systems, as well as impact many other organ systems.
A CBC/Profile is drawn at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the scheduled surgery and is considered accurate for a maximum of fourteen (14) days.
Our practice performs a complete CBC and Profile on patients with a known or suspected history of illness or pre-existing condition, is older than the age of five years, has a genetic condition or a specific breed predilection of concern, or will be anesthetized longer than thirty minutes. This labwork is also recommended for any patient per our doctors' discretion.
In most cases....yes. However, sometimes the sutures will not be removed. A staff member will inform you if your pet needs to return for suture removal.
In most cases a fast (withholding food) for 12 hours will need to be done, but here are a few tips:
- Thyroid Screen- Fasted for 12 hours and bring your pet in 4-6 hours after the last pill
- NSAID Panel- Fasted for 12 hours
- Glucose Curve- Call for details involving this test
- Phenobarbital Level- Fasted for 12 hours and bring your pet in 4-6 hours after the last pill
- Cardiac Medications- Call for details involving this test
Most urinalysis for chronic conditions can be collected at home and then presented for evaluation within 30 minutes of collection. However, urinary tract infections require a cystocentesis. If you suspect a urinary tract infection please do not allow your pet to void urine for the 3 hours preceding your schedule appointment time. As always, call with any questions regarding this test.
