Like you, our greatest concern is the well being of your pet. Prior to anesthetizing your pet, our doctors will perform a complete physical examination. In addition, the following measures are taken for every surgical patient.
Surgical Requirements:
An intravenous (IV) catheter is required for all anesthetized patients. Catheter placement enables us to administer IV fluids during the surgical procedure, helping prevent low blood pressure and dehydration in your pet. It also allows for the administration of any pain medications, antibiotics, or emergency drugs if necessary.
Anesthetic monitoring is performed by our trained staff, using the best technology available. Heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, core body temperature, pulse oximetry, end tidal CO2, and respiratory rate are some of the specific parameters we monitor. These vital signs are continuously assessed to help create the safest anesthetic environment possible.
The control of pain is a very important aspect of the surgical procedure. Our goal is to minimize the inherent discomfort associated with all surgical procedures. A pain free animal requires a lower level of anesthesia, increasing the safety for your pet and helping to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Our pain management protocol is required in all surgical patients. The medications used and length of treatment will vary based upon the procedure performed and the degree of pain involved. If needed, further out-patient medications will be prescribed for your pet to continue at home ($16 - 35). Fees for intravenous catheterization/fluids ($72), anesthetic monitoring ($47), and pain management ($48) will be added to all anesthetic procedures.
Surgical Options - please select choices below:
Blood testing (Complete Blood Count (CBC), Chemistry Panel, Electrolytes: Blood testing is advised on all pets prior to anesthesia. Many conditions, including disorders of the liver or kidneys, low grade infections, or electrolyte abnormalities can only be detected through blood testing and examination, especially before your pet shows clinical signs of illness. Detection of these conditions prior to surgery will decrease the risks associated with anesthesia. In many cases, such as geriatric or sick patients, the doctor may require blood testing prior to anesthesia. Our in-house laboratory is equipped with the latest technology to perform blood screening tests. If a problem is detected during the physical exam or on the blood work, a doctor will contact you to discuss any recommended course of action prior to surgery. Surgery will be postponed if it is deemed to be in the best interest of your pet.
Microchip implantation (HomeAgain Microchip): Microchipping is available and can easily be placed into your pet by injection. The chip is the size of a grain of rice and will permanently identify your pet in case they are ever lost. A handheld scanner identifies the number which, after registration, is permanently traceable to the owner. We will also register your pet with HomeAgain, a service which is included in the price of the implantation.
Therapy Laser: We also offer our therapy laser as a post-op service to help provide immediate pain and swelling relief at the surgical site. This quick, pain-free procedure desensitizes nerve endings and promotes faster healing of the tissues involved. This modality is used at the doctor’s discretion, as laser therapy is not advised around the eyes or in situations with suspected cancer.