Pre-Surgical Jitters?
What You Need to Know Before Your
Pet's Upcoming Surgery
The following is an explanation, to help you better understand the services that your pet will receive while in our care.
To help ensure safe anesthesia for your pet, we will run a combination of the following tests:
ECG (Electro Cardio Gram) - The ECG detects heart rate and electrical rhythm. Certain abnormal rhythms and heart rates can be harmful to animals undergoing anesthesia.
Propofol, Telazol, Ketamine and Midazolam - These are pre-anesthetics given to help your pet relax right before surgery.
Isoflorane - This is the anesthetic gas used to keep your pet sedated during the procedure. It is very safe and is eliminated quickly after surgery to ensure faster wake up.
Cefazolin, Baytril (Antibiotic) - This injection is to help reduce the risk of infection after surgery.
Torbugesic, Buprenex, Carprofen, Tramadol, Metacam and Onsior - These are pain relieving medications. Most surgeries require one injection before or right at surgery time, to help your pet be in less pain immediately after surgery. Other medications are given for a couple days after surgery to ensure your pet remains pain free.
At South Trail Animal Hospital, we stay with each pet until they are fully recovered from anesthesia. The technician will take as much time as needed to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable after surgery. Smaller pets are wrapped in blankets, along with pet warmers and held in the technicians arms during recovery. Larger pets are also wrapped in blankets along with pet warmers, and pillows surround the area while the technician remains with them. Meanwhile, the technician monitors your pet's condition, watching for pale gums, hypothermia (cold temperature), respiratory distress, and heart rate. At NO point during the surgical procedure and recovery is your pet left unattended.