What To Know When Surgery Has Been Recommended
At Hallett Veterinary Hospital, we understand that it can be frightening to receive the news that a surgery is being recommended. It is important to understand that it is a recommendation that our veterinarians do not take lightly. If one of our veterinarians is recommending a surgical procedure, rest assured that it is with the best interest of your dog in mind. It is important to us that you understand the reasons as to why a surgical procedure is being recommended and are able to comfortably make the right decisions regarding your dog's health.
Although the decision to have your dog undergo surgery is ultimately up to you, our veterinary team will present you with all the facts and possible outcomes to help you make an informed, ethical and compassionate decision that is in the best interest of both you and your loyal canine friend.
Surgical procedures fall into two categories, elective procedures and those that are urgently necessary.
The Most Common Elective Surgery Procedures Include:
- Spay
- Neuter
- Dentistry
- Benign growth removals of the skin
Some Common Urgent Care Surgical Procedures Include:
- Skin lacerations or wound repair
- Intestinal obstruction from a foreign body Internal bleeding
- Malignant skin tumors
- Bladder stones/urethral blockages
- Pyometra
- Cesarian section
Most Surgeries Are Considered To Be Low Risk
Elective surgeries are performed when your animal is considered healthy, thus greatly reducing possible complications. Today, even urgent surgeries carry significantly lower risks due to improvements in modern medicine and vast improvements in the standards of veterinary care. This includes an extensive list of pre-surgical procedures including an examination, screening labwork, premedication, intravenous fluids and pain control; as well as improved protocols during surgery including high-level monitoring of vital signs such as body temperature, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, carbon dioxide and oxygen levels.
We Follow The Highest Standards Of Veterinary Care
At Hallett Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to the highest standards of excellence in veterinary medicine. This commitment to excellent care is why we are an American Animal Hospital Association Accredited veterinary clinic. This accreditation is awarded to only the top 12% of veterinary hospitals in the nation. Surgical protocols at AAHA-accredited clinics include:
- Pre-surgical assessments. Prior to surgery, the veterinary team verifies the specifics of the procedure, completes a physical exam and ensures blood tests have been completed. Among other things, these precautions help determine if your pet is at risk for complications while under general anesthesia.
- Dedicated surgical suites. To prevent post-surgical infections and cross-contamination, surgeries are performed in a room used only for sterile surgical procedures.
- Surgical attire. Staff must wear disposable caps and masks when entering the surgical suite. Anyone involved in the procedure itself must also wear sterile gowns and single-use sterile gloves.
- Sterile packs and equipment. Surgical instruments are carefully cleaned, sterilized, and wrapped prior to each procedure to help prevent infections.
Post Surgical Care
Surgical recovery protocols and care vary depending on the type of procedure performed. Upon discharge, we will provide you with a set of instructions tailored to your animal’s specific procedure to be used as a guideline for postoperative care. Most animals will be sent home with an Elizabethan Collar to ensure they do not lick at their incision or chew out the sutures. Some of these instructions may include:
- The administering of medication, food, and water
- The changing of bandages, cleaning of stitches, etc.
- Assisted care tips
- Follow up appointment scheduling
- Monitoring of the incision for possible signs of infection which will include redness or swelling
Continue to follow your dog's recovery program until told to alter or discontinue it by your veterinarian.
Contact Us To Schedule Surgery For Your Pet
If you need to discuss surgical options or schedule surgery for your pet, reach out to us today. Our veterinary staff are happy to help ease the stress and fear associated with surgery for you and your canine or feline friend alike.
New Policy:
We now have a cancellation policy with our surgical procedures. We will charge $150 for any procedures that are cancelled within 24 hours of their scheduled time. This is to help reduce unexpected open surgery days for our doctors and gives us time to potentially fill that open spot on the schedule. We appreciate your cooperation.