We perform many surgeries on dogs and cats at Sandia Animal Clinic and hear many questions from concerned owners. Here we answer some of the most common questions about surgery asked in our clinic and across the veterinary healthcare industry.
Why is presurgical bloodwork necessary?
Before we anesthetize patients and perform surgery, we must assess their state of health. We look at overall health, organ function, possible underlying disease, and other risk factors that we need to know about before we operate.
We use findings from preanesthetic bloodwork to determine if pets are healthy enough for surgery, which anesthetic protocols are appropriate for patients, and whether we need to adjust treatment plans or postpone.
Even young, seemingly healthy pets can be developing disease or organ dysfunction without any outward signs. We want to make sure the liver and kidneys are strong enough to handle anesthesia before we administer it.
Is anesthesia safe?
Anesthesia carries some risk, as does any medical procedure. However, the risk is minimal.
Most healthy pets have no problem with anesthesia. This includes senior pets.
Professional veterinary staff, strict protocol, close monitoring, and thorough preanesthetic testing all help ensure the best outcome.
What are some ways to reduce the risk of complications?
There are several ways to reduce risk—some beginning well before surgery and some occurring after.
Keeping pets in good health is important. Do this with wellness exams, maintaining a healthy weight, staying current on vaccinations and preventives, and by following veterinary recommendations.
Always follow pre- and post-surgery instructions. Ask about any that are unclear. Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your pet takes before surgery. Tell your veterinarian about any known reactions to medications, sedation, or anesthesia. Provide records from other clinics you’ve visited.
What if my pet is not healthy enough for surgery?
This is case dependent. When surgery or anesthesia is high-risk for patients, we have a conversation with clients about the risks versus the benefits. We discuss possible treatment avenues and provide all information so clients can make informed decisions about their pet’s healthcare.
In life-threatening situations, the risk of anesthesia may still be less than that of not performing surgery.
Why are some patients referred to other veterinarians for surgical procedures?
Veterinary medicine, surgery included, is a diverse field. Different types of surgeries require different skillsets, just like in human medicine. Some veterinarians and clinics only specialize in soft tissue surgery while others specialize in musculoskeletal surgery. Veterinarians often recommend clients to other trusted veterinarians and hospitals to get the best care for their patients.
Why can’t my pet eat before a procedure?
Withholding food from your pet can be difficult; however, fasting before surgery is necessary for your pet’s safety.
Anesthesia can cause pets with food in their stomach to vomit during surgery.
Anesthesia relaxes the throat muscles and alters the body’s natural reflexes. When an anesthetized pet vomits, this can cause aspiration—inhalation of stomach contents.
This is a serious complication that can lead to aspiration pneumonia or death. So, while it can feel bad to let your pet miss a meal, it’s a temporary, essential discomfort.
We instruct our clients to give no food past 10:00 p.m. before the procedure and no food the morning of the procedure. Pets may have water up to the time of drop-off.
Why am I asked to arrive so early?
We ask for early arrivals so we have adequate time to prepare your pet for surgery. Also, some surgeries may run faster than expected, and we want to ensure pets are prepared and ready when it’s time for their surgery.
During preparation, we perform a physical exam, perform any additional tests or radiographs that may be necessary, place catheters, and calculate anesthesia.
Why do you need to know what supplements and vitamins I give my pet?
It’s not just prescription medication we need to know about. Certain supplements—including vitamins, herbs, and CBD products—can lead to dangerous complications during and after surgery.
These products can change how your pet’s body reacts to anesthesia—causing deeper sedation, irregular heart rhythm, and slower recovery.
They can increase risk of hemorrhaging during surgery. They can skew lab results, which we use when prescribing medication and determining dosages. They may also interact negatively with other medications we may give. They can even increase risk of post-surgery infection.
How long will my pet stay in the clinic after surgery?
This varies and depends on the clinic, the procedure, and the pet. We give specific information at drop-off. Often, we expect pets to remain in the clinic for one to two hours after surgery.
We want to make sure your pet is safe and ready before sending them home. During recovery, we monitor your pet’s vitals and make sure they are within normal limits before releasing them.
When you collect your pet, we will go over post-surgery instructions for continued recovery at home.
What will aftercare include?
This also depends on the procedure. We will discuss the details with you and answer questions before you take your pet home. Aftercare can include administering medication for pain relief or infection prevention, monitoring the incision site for signs of infection or complications, and restricting activity and movement among other things depending on the procedure.
It’s always essential to provide pets with a comfortable, clean, and safe space for rest and recovery.
Anything else?
When making decisions about your pet’s care, it’s best to have all information available and understand why we do what we do. If you have any questions about your pet’s health needs, or if there is anything that isn’t completely clear, ask. If you have a concern, let us know.