Surgery & Anesthesia
pet safety during surgery and procedures
Anesthesia for Pets
Modern anesthesia is very safe. In fact, the risk of losing a pet under anesthesia is less than 1%.
The risk of an adverse event while undergoing a spay, neuter, dental, or other non-emergency surgery is extremely low, but this risk can be affected by the anesthetic drugs used and how well the patient is monitored during and after anesthesia.
Because surgery and anesthesia occur behind the scenes, owners find judging the hospital’s expertise difficult.
It often comes down to trust.
Can you imagine an anesthesiologist in a human hospital using ether or chloroform in the 21st century?
Of course not. Surprisingly, there are no standards of care for veterinary anesthesia or surgery and some clinics are still using out-of-date techniques and medications for anesthesia.
Safe anesthesia for your pets
The following are just a few of the steps we follow for each surgery or dental procedure
This list is a good guideline to use to ask questions about surgical procedures when considering any hospital for your pet:
• Complete physical exam by a doctor before every surgery
• Blood work is best on all patients but required on those over seven years of age.
• Intravenous fluids used throughout every surgery and dental procedure to maintain normal blood pressure
• Multiple forms of pain control
• Every pet is intubated to protect the airway
Most importantly, a personal anesthesia nurse should be present throughout surgery and recovery. They should never leave your pet’s side until the pet is completely awake.
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or more explanation for any of the items listed, such as intubation, IV fluids or monitoring parameters. We are happy to answer questions!
We take safety seriously. There is a difference between how hospitals treat anesthesia. Ask careful questions before making your choice.
The following minimum parameters monitored throughout surgery and aftercare:
- Heart rate
- EKG
- Respiratory rate
- Carbon dioxide levels in the blood
- Oxygen levels in the blood
- Blood Pressure
- Safe warming devices used during surgery (no heating pads!)
- Both pain and anti-inflammatory medications sent home after surgery
- Printed take home and recovery instructions with questions answered by the doctor before the pet is released
Pre and Post Surgery Information – Click to View & Save
Pre-Anesthesia owner information
We have several tips for owners to help minimize their pets fear since they do not understand what is happening during prep for surgery.
After surgery incision care
Caring for your pet after surgery is an important part of their healing. Here are things to look for and how to help your pet’s incision heal properly.
after dental care for owners
Animals react in a variety of ways after dental cleanings or extractions. Use these tips to help your pet after dental care.
