Is the anesthetic safe?
Today’s modern anesthetic techniques and monitoring equipment have made surgery much safer than in the past. At Topaz Veterinary Clinic, we perform a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthesia to ensure there are no underlying issues, such as a fever or illness, that could complicate the procedure. We also tailor the anesthetic dosage and type based on your pet’s health, ensuring the safest experience possible.
Why do you recommend pre-anesthetic blood testing?
Pre-anesthetic blood tests are a critical step in reducing the risks associated with anesthesia. These tests assess your pet’s liver and kidney function to ensure they can properly process the anesthetic. Even pets that appear healthy can have underlying issues that might not be detected without this testing. If any abnormalities are found, it’s much safer to address them before surgery begins. For older pets or those with existing health concerns, additional tests like x-rays may be recommended.
How do I prepare my pet for the day of surgery?
To minimize the risk of complications during anesthesia, it is essential that your pet’s stomach is empty. Please withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before the surgery. You may leave water available up until the morning of the procedure.
Will my pet have stitches?
Many of our surgeries use absorbable sutures placed beneath the skin, which dissolve on their own and don’t need removal. For other types of surgery, we may use skin stitches, which will require removal 10 to 14 days post-surgery. Regardless of the suture type, it’s important to monitor the incision site for any swelling or discharge. Some pets may attempt to lick or chew at the area, so please keep an eye out for this. To help promote healing, your pet will need to rest and avoid bathing for at least 10 days after surgery.
Will my pet be in pain?
While pets may not express pain the way humans do, it’s important to recognize that they do feel discomfort. Pain management depends on the type of surgery your pet undergoes. Major procedures require stronger pain relief, while minor issues, like small cuts or lacerations, may need less. For dogs, we often recommend anti-inflammatory medications to minimize post-surgical pain and swelling. For cats, we provide a special topical medication before surgery to prevent pain, or we offer oral medications as needed for recovery. We use the latest medications that are less likely to cause stomach upset or other side effects.
What other decisions do I need to make?
While your pet is under anesthesia, it can be an ideal time to perform additional minor procedures such as dental cleanings, ear cleaning, or even implanting an identification microchip. If you're interested in any of these services, please let us know in advance so we can provide you with an estimate.
When you bring your pet in for surgery, please allow 10-15 minutes to complete any necessary paperwork and discuss the available options, including blood testing. If someone other than the owner is bringing the pet in, they must be an authorized agent—able to sign necessary medical and financial documents and make decisions regarding your pet’s care. Please notify us in advance if this will be the case.
At the time of pick-up, we'll also need a few minutes to go over your pet’s home care instructions.
To help ensure everything goes smoothly, we will call you the evening before the scheduled surgery to confirm the drop-off time and answer any last-minute questions you may have. In the meantime, feel free to contact us with any concerns.
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EMERGENCIES