Dear Client,

Your pet has been scheduled for an upcoming anesthetic procedure in the near future. In our attempt to assist clients, we have put together this packet to make the procedure day as easy and stress-free as possible. In addition to this letter, you will find that the following information has been enclosed:

 

• Surgery Consent Form (To Be Initialed Day of Procedure)
• Surgical Information Form (To Be Initialed Day of Procedure)

 

Please read all of the enclosed information carefully. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us.

 

On your pets’ procedure day, we will require you to review and sign an Estimate Form, Surgery Consent Form, and Surgical Information Form. These forms are included in this packet and will save time during admission if you arrive with them already completed. If you will not be present at the time of drop-off we require that anyone authorized by you must be at least 18 years of age and you must notify the clinic in advance. We require a phone number(s) where you can be reached while your pet is here. Failure to be reached on the day of the procedure may result in the postponement of all or part of the surgery.

 

 

The night before your pet’s procedure:

 

In general, we ask that you withhold all food and treats after midnight for healthy adults. Please see the attached chart for specific recommendations and other conditions.

Water is ok for them to have and should not be withheld.

If you are currently administering any medications, vitamins and/or injections, please refer to the attached chart and consult with the Doctor prior to your procedure.

Please make arrangements for your pet to be dropped off between 7:45 am-8 am on the morning of scheduled procedure unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

 

At time of drop off, our team will be happy to answer any questions/concerns and collect the enclosed/completed information forms below. A veterinary technician will escort your pet to the treatment room to be prepped for their procedure. If any questions arise, the doctor may contact you at the number on the Surgery Consent Form. If an issue arises during the day and we cannot contact you via the number you provide, all or part of your pet’s procedure may be postponed at the discretion of the attending veterinarian.

 

You are welcome to check up on your pet’s status, however, we request that you allow the full day for your pet’s procedure and recovery to be completed. Pick up time, in general, is between 5PM-5:30PM. We will contact you when your pet is recovered from their procedure and confirm pick up details. When you arrive to take your pet home, the receptionist will collect payment and a veterinary technician or doctor will review all post-op care instructions verbally and give you a written copy. If you do not understand any instructions, please do not hesitate to ask them to go over it one more time.

 

We hope you and your pet will have a pleasant experience. Remember, our team knows anesthesia can be an anxious time and we are always available to answer any and all questions concerning the upcoming procedure. We look forward to serving you and your pet on the upcoming day and for years to come.

Anesthetic Procedure: We use a combination of pre-anesthetic medications, injectables and/or inhalant anesthetics to achieve optimum levels of anesthesia and pain control that are safe for your pet. For short procedures, an injectable anesthetic is given alone that produces a good plane of anesthesia with a quick recovery. For most procedures, your pet is anesthetized and then intubated (insertion of a tube into the trachea or wind pipe). This will ensure that your pet is able to receive oxygen at all times and prevents aspiration of any fluids into the lungs. Anesthesia is maintained with a gas anesthetic, Isoflurane, which is very safe. Our experienced veterinary technicians will adjust the anesthesia as directed by the veterinarian. Only a licensed veterinarian is allowed to perform surgery.

 

 

Monitoring & Pain Management: Throughout their procedure and stay, your pet will be closely monitored by an experienced technician who will utilize our state of the art monitors to record heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen levels, CO2 levels, respiration rate, ECG, blood pressure, and core body temperature. They will assist and alert the veterinarian of any issues before, during, or after the procedure. We strongly believe in compassionate, quality, medical care for our patients. As a result, all surgery patients will receive pain management before, during, and after surgery as needed. Additionally, pain medication may be prescribed to go home. Additional information will be given at discharge. We hope this protocol will reduce any discomfort experienced and aid in a quicker recovery.

 

 

Intravenous Catheterization & Fluids: For most procedures, an intravenous catheter and fluid therapy will be administered to help support blood pressure, hydration, aid in anesthetic recovery, and allow quick access to the circulatory system in case of an unforeseen emergency. We will have to shave a small patch of fur on your pet’s leg to do so.

 

 

Potential Risks/Complications for Common Surgeries

 

Spay: Bleeding, Infection, Suture Material Reaction, Recurrent Heat, Urinary Incontinence, Weight Gain

Neuter: Bleeding, Infection, Scrotal Swelling, Suture Material Reaction, Weight Gain

Tumor/Lump Removal: Bleeding, Infection, Swelling and Drainage, Tumor Re-growth, Suture Material Reaction

 

It is important for you to understand that there is always a risk of anesthetic and surgical complications anytime these procedures are performed. We strive to take the highest quality care of your pet and take all the added precautions you allow to avoid potential problems. Thank you for entrusting your pet’s care to us.