Surgery: What to Expect for Your Pet

Not all surgical teams are created equal. We make use of recent advances to approach your pet's surgery in the safest way possible. We realize that every pet owner wants the best for their pet. Since surgical and anesthetic procedures are probably the most important procedures your pet will ever undergo, we put your pet's safety and comfort ahead of everything else.  At Southtown Veterinary Hospital, your pet will receive the following on his/her surgery day.

• A thorough examination by our Veterinarian before surgery
• A treatment plan that is tailored to your pet's specific health status, age, and breed
• Pre-operative blood testing screens are recommended for every surgical procedure
• Intravenous catheter placement which allows for IV medications in emergency situations
• Intravenous fluids to support your pet's kidneys, heart, blood pressure and electrolyte balance
• Drugs that are chosen using the shortest-acting effect possible for the procedure
• Mandatory pain management before, during, and after painful surgical procedures
• Endotracheal intubation to allow oxygen supplementation and a clear airway
• Warming grids to maintain your pet's body temperature during surgery
• Isoflorane Gas Anesthesia provides a great saftey margin and rapid recovery
• Vitals are monitored with EKG, oxygen, pulse and blood pressure monitors
• Sterile drapes and instruments are used for each and every procedure
• After-surgery care and heat (or cooling) to support a rapid and comfortable recovery
• Owners will have a meeting with a trained technician to explain home care after surgery
• Recommendation and ability to purchase (or borrow) an ecollar to discourage licking
• RE-check appointments as needed to check healing and remove any sutures