What happens when your pet needs an operation?
It can be a very stressful time when your pet needs an operation. Here at Conway Animal Clinic we strive to minimize any anxiety or stress you may have. Unlike some, we consider your pet’s operation to be just as important as a child’s operation.
We have put together the safest protocols possible and would like to give you an insight. By knowing the safety and comfort procedures, we hope you will feel more comfortable and confident about the modern techniques available and what happens when your pet requires surgery.
We have a full surgery and hospitalization facility with trained veterinary professionals to treat your pet with the most up-to-date treatments. Our goal is to make your pet feel comfortable and keep them safe.
What is done prior to surgery for my pets safety?
The night before the operation we need you to fast your pet with no food or water after 9pm. The fasting process insures your pet will have an empty stomach. This keeps your pet from vomiting while under anesthesia and reduces nausea.
You will be able to admit your pet to the hospital between 7:30 and 8:00am. If you are unable to come in at that time, special arrangements can be made.
Pre-anesthetic blood tests are performed after the examination. We check 17 different blood values to evaluate all the major organ functions. Unfortunately, 10-20% have abnormalities that could compromise the safety of the surgery. If abnormalities are detected that would compromise the pet, we cancel the surgery and contact you immediately.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is performed prior to anesthesia to detect any heart abnormalities. We also use ECG during surgery to closely monitor the patient while under anesthesia.
IV Catheter and IV Fluids are used during the operation to maintain a healthy blood pressure and it gives us a way to give medications or emergency drugs if needed.
How is anesthesia performed?
Pre-medication with a pain killer and tranquilizer is given 15 minutes prior to surgery. This relaxes the pet and begins pain control before surgery has begun.
IV Anesthesia is used to relax the pet enough to intubate. Intubation is when a small tube is placed in the airway to insure proper breathing.
Isoflurane is a gas anesthesia used during the surgery to insure it is painless. Isoflurane is the safest gas anesthesia available.
How is surgery performed?
Sterile preparation of the surgery site. The pet will be shaved in the area of the surgery site and the skin will be sterilized. This minimizes infection.
Sterile surgery room is used solely for surgical procedures. After the patient is prepped for surgery, they are rolled into the surgery room. The room is equipped with emergency equipment, medications, and monitors to maintain your pet’s safety. A warm heating pad is used under the patient to provide a soft warm bed during surgery.
Surgeons cap, mask, scrub, gown and glove just as your surgeon would to insure sterility. The surgeon does this with each surgery to prevent disease transfer from one surgery to another.
Sterilized instrument pack is used. Each patient has their own sterile instrument pack. We do not use instruments on multiple patients.
Trained professionals monitoring your pet during the surgery. Every patient has a trained nurse that assists the surgeon with monitoring the patient.
What happens after the surgery?
Intensive Care Unit is used for patient recovery. Blankets are used to provide a warm soft recovery bed. Recovery is monitored closely is case more pain medication is needed. We use morphine and other pain relievers to provide the most painless recovery possible.
Depending on the surgery, pets will be hospitalized overnight to monitor and make sure they remain pain free. Most pets go home the day after certain surgeries. Instructions for home care will be explained by a trained nurse.
Pain medications are sent home for your pet to receive during their home recovery.
We welcome you to compare us with other hospitals
Questions to ask when comparing services:
1. Do you do a complete physical exam on the morning of the surgery? Yes, we do.
2. Do you do a 17-test blood profile prior to surgery? Yes, we do.
3. Do you do an EKG screen before and during the surgery? Yes, we do.
4. Do you pre-medicate surgeries with pain medication and tranquilizers? Yes, we do.
5. Do you intubate and use Isoflurane gas on all surgeries? Yes, we do.
6. Do you put in an IV catheter and give IV fluids during surgery? Yes, we do.
7. Do you perform surgery in a room only used for surgery? Yes, we do.
8. Does the surgeon cap, mask, scrub, glove and use a sterile gown for each patient? Yes, we do.
9. Do you use a sterilized individual instrument pack for each procedure? Yes, we do.
10. Do surgeries recover in a room designed for constant observation? Yes, ours do.
11. Do all your surgeries go home with pain medications? Yes, ours do.
We welcome you to take a tour of our facilities so that you can see where your pet will be staying and having surgery. Please feel free to call if you have any further questions or concerns.
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