Thanks to advances in pre-surgery testing, anesthesia, and veterinary surgical techniques, pet surgery is a lot safer than it was a few decades ago. If your pet needs surgery, you are sure to have a lot of questions. At Lancaster Animal Clinic in Lancaster, OH, we’ll answer your questions about pet surgery.
Is It a Good Idea to Ask about the Vet’s Experience in This Kind of Surgery?
If you own exotic pets, small pets, or pocket pets, you know all too well that many vets do not have experience operating on such species. Some species have special needs, like guinea pigs, who are allergic to penicillin.
What Tests Will My Pet Need?
Unless it’s an emergency, most pets need to undergo extensive tests before undergoing surgery, depending on what kind of surgery needs to be done. For example, dogs needing cataract surgery usually need an optical ultrasound to determine if the retina has detached. If it has, then surgery will be useless. Types of tests done include X-rays, blood tests, and urinalysis.
What Steps Do I Need to Take before My Pet’s Surgery?
Make sure your pets are up to date on their vaccines. If this is an elective surgery and your pet is overweight, your veterinarian may want your pet to lose weight before undergoing anesthesia. If your pet is taking any medication, ask our vet if the medication needs to be withheld before surgery. Pets also need to fast before surgery so that they will not vomit when under anesthesia and choke.
Does My Pet Need to Stay Overnight?
Staff may not be available to watch pets overnight for some kinds of surgery. In these cases, your vet will refer you to a veterinarian that does. It’s important for pets to be constantly monitored after surgery.
How Much Will This Cost?
Even if you have pet insurance, the chances are that you will foot the bill for your pet’s surgery, unless it is a routine surgery like spaying or neutering. It’s a good idea to find out about costs beforehand. Talk to our vet’s office staff about what methods of payment we accept.
What Will I Need to Do after the Surgery?
Pets may need special post-operative care when you get them back home. It’s good to plan this in advance. Pets will also need a warm, quiet place to recuperate. Small pets in particular, such as guinea pigs, may need to be isolated for a time away from any other cage mates.
Still Have Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about pet surgery and live in the Lancaster, OH, area, contact Lancaster Animal Clinic at (740) 687-1591 to make an appointment today. We provide care not only for dogs and cats, but pocket pets and exotic pets, too.