Whether it’s a routine dental cleaning, spay/neuter, or something more complex like tumor removal or exploratory surgery, there are some steps you can take to better prepare yourself and your animal companion for the big day.
Surgery in any sense can be difficult, whether it’s on your pet, yourself, or another person, and can cause a lot of stress. To help alleviate some of that stress, here are a few things to discuss with your vet prior to deciding on surgery:
Once you’ve gone through all of these items and you have a good idea of what to expect with this surgery, you will have to do some preparation with your pet prior to the surgery.
Anytime an animal is scheduled for anesthesia, fasting is required. Why? Like in humans, if a groggy pet vomits, they can aspirate, which can be fatal. Depending on the age and health of your furry companion, your vet will give you specific instructions on how much and when to feed and water for the 24 hours leading up to surgery.
Some dogs and cats require special medications, food, etc. and your vet will need to have those things handy so your pet is kept as comfortable as possible while in their care.
Your cat or dog will likely also require some sort of confinement post-surgery; whether it be to a cage, a small room, possibly with little to no activity. Get prepared with the proper accommodations before bringing your pet home.
You’ll likely be asked to have your pet in the office early even if their surgery isn’t scheduled until later in the day. This gives the vet the opportunity to run any physical exams or bloodwork, place a catheter, administer fluids, take x-rays, etc.
You’ll be required to complete some paperwork on your fur family member’s behalf, including consent forms and medical estimates. Make sure the vet has the best contact number to reach you at any time the day of surgery.
There are a few additional steps you can take to make sure your pet’s recovery is as easy on them (and you!) as possible.