What do I need to know before my dog has any surgeries?
Dog surgery can be intimidating. It's crucial to discuss any questions or concerns you might have with your vet and their staff. Surgery can encompass a broad range of procedures, from skin and abdominal surgeries to spays, neuters, and toe amputations. Understanding exactly what type of surgery your pet needs can help you feel more comfortable about the process.
Dr. Noel Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Will my dog need lab work done before surgeries?
Yes, ideally, any dog going under general anesthesia should have a basic CBC and a chemistry panel. These tests allow us to assess their red blood cells, platelets, and core organ function to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure.
Does my dog need to see a specialist for their surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery your dog needs. For larger orthopedic procedures, like TPLOs (a type of knee surgery), you may need to see a specialist. However, many procedures can be performed at a small animal veterinary hospital, including various soft tissue surgeries.
What will my veterinarians be looking for in any kind of pre-surgery lab work?
Pre-surgical lab work aims to ensure that your pet's organ functions are normal, and they have good platelet and red blood cell counts. Any abnormalities identified will be assessed for their clinical significance and whether they need to be addressed in a follow-up visit.
Who monitors my dog while they're under anesthesia?
At our AHAA accredited hospital, licensed pet nurses trained in general anesthesia monitoring oversee your pet. The practicing clinician also helps monitor your pet. Additionally, we use electronic monitoring to track ECG, pulse ox (SP02), temperature, and blood pressure while your dog is under anesthesia.
How long will it take for my dog to recover after surgery?
Most surgical patients typically recover within a week. This time allows for the skin incised during the procedure to heal properly. However, recovery time can vary depending on your dog's age and the type of procedure they've undergone.
How can I help my dog recover at home after surgery or is that even possible?
Assisting your dog's recovery at home after surgery is crucial. As the pet parent, you're responsible for providing the comfort they need. Create a quiet, comfortable space for them to recover and keep food and water nearby. Adjust where they go for elimination to be closer to their recovery area. Your vet can provide more specific guidance on how to aid your pet's recovery at home based on the type of surgery they've had.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Surgery - FAQs 1
Dr. Noel Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
What can I expect for my dog's upcoming surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery your dog is going to have. We will ask you to give your dog some calming medications and maybe some anti-nausea medication at home to prepare them for the surgery. Once they're here at the hospital, we will go through some check-in forms, answer all your questions, and then transition them to getting an IV catheter in. We will give them more premedication and sedation to calm them even more and then we will place them under general anesthesia in preparation for their surgery.
What kind of questions should I ask my veterinarian about the surgery?
You should ask about the length of time your dog will be under general anesthesia, how long the surgery will take, where their surgical site will be, and what aftercare will be required. Each procedure has different requirements. There should be a lot of conversation with your doctor regarding your pet's general anesthesia and surgery.
Will my dog be intubated?
Yes, if your dog is going under general anesthesia for surgery, they will be intubated. The only exception is if we're doing a minor skin procedure, in which case, we might just use a sedative and a local nerve block.
How will my vet communicate with me during my dog's surgery?
Here at Blue Oasis, we are very open and transparent about our care. You are invited to come and stay and you can actually watch your dog have surgery. However, if you prefer not to, we will keep you updated. When preparing your pet for surgery, giving them a nice bath before they come in can be helpful. We will usually clip a lot of hair so don't be surprised if your dog has a fresh haircut. The surgical site might be closed with skin glue, stitches, or staples.
Will my dog be in pain during and after the surgery?
As veterinary professionals, we do everything we can to minimize pain before it starts. We give narcotic pain relievers prior to surgery, use nerve blocks to stop the pain before it starts, and incorporate anti-inflammatories in the perioperative and postoperative time.
How effective are dog surgeries?
Dog surgeries are very effective in solving a problem. For example, spaying or neutering prevents reproduction, removing urinary stones relieves discomfort and allows normal urination, and removing cancerous growths can potentially cure cancers. Sometimes, even if we can't cure the whole problem, like a bleeding tumor, we can help with palliative care and improve the dog's quality of life.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Surgery - FAQs 2
Dr. Noel Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
What are the associated risks with dog surgeries?
Associated risks with dog surgery include general anesthesia. We are going to take that pet dog from being conscious to unconscious, and there's always a risk that we can't always control everything that's going to happen under general anesthesia. We make a lot of attempts to have really high standards and make it as safe as we can and individual and customized to that individual dog that we're going to take under anesthesia and do surgery on. One of the other big risks or concerns is the potential complications of that surgery.
Are there certain dog breeds that have higher risk factors when they go into surgery?
Yes, there are definitely breeds that are known to be a little bit more delicate when it comes to putting them under general anesthesia. One of the dog categories that we treat a little bit differently would be our brachiocephalic dog breeds, like our Frenchies, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus. These little guys have really long, soft palates and smaller tracheas and just a lot more airway constriction. This class of dogs is treated a bit more specially when it comes to anesthesia.
How do you minimize dog surgery risks?
Minimizing risks really starts with having a well-prepared veterinary team. Good trained team, good protocols in place, having a calm pet come into the hospital, doing calming meds at home, reducing their fear, anxiety, and stress when they come in, lowering their adrenaline, and ensuring good surgical technique, and sterility in the surgical field. These things will minimize the risk of general anesthesia and surgery.
Is anesthesia always necessary?
Not always. Most of our surgical procedures are performed under general anesthesia. But it just depends on the procedure that's being performed. For instance, if your pet has just some masses or little lumps and bumps on the skin, that doesn't always require general anesthesia. We can give them a sedative injection and numb up those areas with a local nerve block, and we can usually remove those without any general anesthesia and no discomfort to your pet. So it really depends on the procedure that we're going to perform for your dog in the surgical sense.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Surgery - FAQs 3
Dr. Noel Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
How can I get my dog ready for surgery at home?
Ensuring that you stay calm on the day of the surgery is crucial. It’s often necessary to get up a bit earlier to give your dog some calming medication. The preparation usually starts the night before surgery, which includes giving your dog anti-nausea medication to ease their trip to the hospital and their pre-medication and anesthesia time. Preemptive pain medications might also be required. It's important to remove their food the night before. They can have dinner but should not have breakfast on the day of surgery. However, they can have access to water at all times.
When can my dog come home after surgery?
The return time depends on the surgery. For instance, after a neuter, they might recover within an hour or two. Generally, once the dog is able to walk steadily, they are allowed to go home. This usually ranges from two to four hours post-op.
What do I need to know about taking care of my pet after surgery?
Usually, dogs are allowed to have a small meal after surgery as long as they're walking around well. Specific care instructions in regard to food will be provided by your doctor and nurses. It's important to keep the house quiet and provide a soft bedding area for them. A comfortable temperature should also be maintained based on the weather. Considering the entire environment where they're going after surgery can help your dog transition home more gently.
What should I know about post-surgery pain medication for dogs?
Pain medication is typically prescribed for your dog post-operatively. This often includes an anti-inflammatory and the type of medication depends on the surgery. Additional pain relievers might also be prescribed. Clear instructions about what to give your dog and when will be provided to maximize their post-operative comfort. It's encouraged to ask your veterinarian and their team any questions you have regarding this matter.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram