What You Need to Know Before Your Pet’s Upcoming Surgery

Many people have questions about various aspects of their pet’s upcoming surgery, and we hope this information will help. It also explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet’s surgery.

Is the anesthetic safe?
Will my pet have stitches?
Will my pet be in pain?
What other decisions do I need to make?

Is the anesthetic safe?

Today’s modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. Here at Livermore Veterinary Hospital, we do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics, to ensure that a fever or other illness won’t be a problem. We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet.

Pre-anesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. We recommend that every pet have blood testing performed before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic. Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic or surgical complications.

We offer in-house blood testing before surgery, which we will go over with you when you bring your pet in. On occasion, we will recommend that blood work be sent out to the lab prior to surgery. Our doctors prefer the more comprehensive screen because it gives them the most information to ensure the safety of your pet. For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, or x-rays may be required before surgery as well.

IV fluids are also recommended for all animals under anesthesia. The catheter provides immediate IV access in case of emergency. The fluids help to maintain hydration which is vital since these animals have not been drinking for several hours, have ongoing insensible fluid losses, and there may be fluid loss with blood loss. Fluids also help to support organ perfusion, which is important for the kidneys and gut and other abdominal organs. IV fluids can also help to support blood pressure, which is vital for all organs.

It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You will need to withhold food overnight before surgery. Do not give any food after 10pm the night before surgery. Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery.

Will my pet have stitches?

Most surgeries do require skin stitches. For most surgeries, we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin. These will dissolve on their own, and do not need to be removed later. With either type of suture, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge. Most dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, but this is an occasional problem you will need to watch for so it can be prevented. If your pet does chew or lick at the sutures, you will need to pick up a collar to prevent this. If there are any skin sutures, these will usually need to be removed 10-14 days after surgery. You will also need to limit your pet’s activity for several days after surgery. No running, jumping or rough housing during this time. No bathing until the sutures get removed.

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do and they don’t usually whine or cry but you can be sure they feel it. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed. Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations.

Because cats do not tolerate many pain medications, we are limited in what we can give them. However, recent advances in pain medications have allowed for better pain control in cats than ever before. Pain medication is given prior to surgery, and as needed during and after. Any animal that appears painful will receive additional pain medication.

For dogs, we have recommended an oral anti-inflammatory the day after surgery and several days after to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling. We use newer medications, which are less likely to cause stomach upset and can be given even the morning of surgery. Pain medications are given prior to surgery, and as needed during and after surgery. Additional pain medications will be sent home when appropriate.

We use narcotic patches for some surgeries in dogs as well. Injectable pain medications may also be used after surgery on both dogs and cats. Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is as humane and caring thing to do for your pet.

What other decisions do I need to make?

While your pet is under anesthesia, it may be appropriate to perform other minor procedures, such as ear cleaning or implanting an identification microchip. We will provide you with an estimate outlining procedures to be done that day for your pet. This is especially important if the person dropping the pet off for surgery is not the primary decision maker for the pet’s care.

When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need you to fill out a surgery authorization form. This form allows you to make decisions on the blood testing and other options available. It is extremely important that we have a phone number where you can be reached at any time while your pet is in our care. At this time, we will examine your pet and answer any questions or concerns that you have regarding the procedure. When you pick up your pet after surgery we will go over at home instructions, and again answer questions you may have.