If you pet is having surgery, remember to take away food the night before surgery at 8pm. You can leave water down until the morning. Please drop your pet off between 8:00 and 9:00am.

Surgeries frequently performed:

GROWTH REMOVALS

DOG NEUTER

DOG SPAY

CAT NEUTER

CAT SPAY

1. What is the risk of anesthesia?

All anesthesia has a risk. Our goal is to minimize this risk. We do this in several ways:


Labwork:  Before every anesthesic episode, we recommend a PreOp lab work panel. The lab work  will allow us to screen for signs of infection, anemia, and  indications of coagulation problems. The chemistry is mainly used to screen for liver and kidney problems, which are the organs that metabolize and excrete the anesthesia. Other health problems can be detected, as well.

Intravenous Catheter: We prefer an IV catheter be in place for all surgeries. This allows easy administration of drugs to induce anesthesia, administration of fluids during surgery, and access to a vein to give emergency drugs quickly, should a problem arise during surgery.

Monitoring during anesthesia: Detecting a problem early is the best way to prevent more serious problems. Our advanced anesthesia monitoring devices will monitor your pet's vital signs, including heart and respiration rates, and pulse ox, during surgery. A trained surgical assistant will be also be present to subjectively monitor your pet's anesthesia level.

2. Will my pet be in pain?

Pain management is a highly recommended for all surgeries performed at Lassiter Animal Hospital. Pain is best managed if pain medications are given before the pain starts. Therefore, your pet will receive an injection for pain prior to surgery, and you will be sent home with a prescription of pain medication.

DO NOT give over-the counter pain medication without first contacting your veterinarian. While some can be given, some human medications can be fatal to our pets. Some human medications cannot be mixed with medication we commonly give to our pets.

3. What is the follow-up care?

For most procedures, the after care will consist of restricted activity or confinement for 10-14 days following surgery. This means no running, jumping, or playing. Leash walks, to go outside to the bathroom, is allowed for dogs. Baths should not be given. You will need to monitor the incision for redness, drainage, and swelling which could be an indication of infection. Some redness and swelling will be normal with healing. If your pet vomits, has diarrhea, or is not eating, please contact our office. If you notice your pet licking at the incision, your pet will need to wear an e-collar. If you do not have one, pick one up immediately. If your pet has stiches in the skin, you will need to return to our office to have them removed 10-14 days after surgery.