Is spaying and neutering a major surgery?

 

Yes; anytime we place your pet under anesthesia, can be considered a “major surgery”. We understand your concern with your loved one going under anesthesia, so please, call our office, so we can discuss the precautions.

 

Why is pre-anesthetic blood work required?

 

Pre-anesthetic blood work helps to check that your pet’s kidney and liver are working properly. The liver and kidneys help break down and remove the anesthetics. If they aren't working well, then anesthesia may be more of a risk.

 

Will my pet spend the night after the operation?

 

If you animal is only spayed or castrated, they will be able to go home with you the same day. We schedule release appointments after 3 p.m. The only time a cat stays over night is when a cat is de-clawed with the spay or castration procedure. The cat will stay at the hospital for two days, with personalized nursing care.

 

How long will the procedure take?

 

The actually surgery will only take about 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the animal, however, expect your pet to be at our office for almost the entire day. We like to take the best care of your pet, and we need the time to do so. We ask for you to drop your pet off at the clinic, between 7:15a and 8:00a.

 

What can I expect?

 

Your pet cannot eat any food on the day of the surgery. Please do not feed your pet after 10:00p the night before the surgery. Just like in humans, anesthesia can cause nausea, which can lead to vomiting. You are able to give your pet water until he or she arrives in our office. If you have further questions regarding this topic, please don’t hesitate to call our office.

 

We want them early, so the technicians and doctors have time for a full pre-surgical exam and blood work. This exam and blood work insures your pet is healthy to undergo the spay or castration. All procedures start between 9:00a and 10:00a. Once the procedure is finished, a technician will give you a call and briefly discuss how your furry friend did. At that time, the technician will also set up a release appointment.  These appointments are generally after 3:00p. We want to make sure that your pet is fully awake from the anesthesia and ready to go home when you arrive in our office. Once you arrive in our office for the release appointment, one of our receptionists will escort you to our consultation room. In the room, a technician will address the release instructions and answer any questions that you may have. You will then revisit the front desk, where you will be checked out, and your beloved pet will be happy to go home with you.

 

What if I need to give my pet medication in the morning?

 

Please call our office so we can check with the doctor.