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Elective Surgery

 

Elective Surgery

Welcome to Poquoson Veterinary Hospital's operating room. Our surgery area is the most heavily equipped area in the hospital. There are patient monitors, warming blankets, fluid pumps, anesthesia machines and radio-surgery equipment not to mention the hundreds of surgical instruments. We employ three licensed technicians to keep a close watch on our surgical patients. A thoughtful design and a lot of hard work have gone in to setting up our operating area so that your pet will receive top-notch care.

A typical day in surgery:

• Our surgery patients typically are admitted by 8:00 am. Consent forms are completed and your pet is given a comfortable place to stay in our treatment room. Our technicians and assistants will get any pre-surgical lab work underway.
• Prior to anesthesia, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination. This exam is done to be certain your pet is healthy prior to having surgery. Following the exam we may administer sedatives, pain relievers and other drugs that help your pet remain calm and comfortable before and after anesthesia.
• A licensed technician prepares the surgery suite and the patient for its procedure. Our licensed technicians use EKG's, pulse oximeters, breathing monitors and other equipment to assist their monitoring of the anesthesia. Anesthetic safety is a priority for all patients.
• Our surgery table is padded and uses a warm water blanket to keep our patients warm during their procedure.
• Surgery is performed in accord with the high standards established by the American Animal Hospital Association. Our veterinarians wear caps, masks, sterile gowns and sterile gloves to keep your pet safe.
• Following surgery, patients are closely monitored to ensure a smooth recovery. Pain evaluations and additional pain medications may be given if necessary.
• At discharge time, the veterinarian will meet with our patient's family to discuss the surgical procedure and review instructions for care at home after surgery.

Pre-surgical Checklist (for healthy cats and dogs):

• Ask us for an estimate for your pet's procedure if you have not already received one. Our estimates give you an idea of what procedures are to be done as well as their costs.

• You will need to fill out an anesthesia/surgery consent form. We recommend bloodwork, an IV catheter and IV fluids for all procedures to make anesthesia as safe as possible. Our anesthesia form explains the importance of these items. If you have questions about your choices ask us to assist you.

• It is best to do any labwork a few days prior to the procedure.

• DO NOT FEED your pet after 10:00 p.m. the night before surgery. Do not withhold water.

• Patients are admitted to the hospital either the night before their procedure or between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. the day of surgery.

• On the day of surgery, we will call you (usually after 2:00 p.m.) to update you on your pet's condition.

• Please leave one or more telephone numbers where you can be reached on the day of surgery. If there is a problem during or after the surgery, you will be contacted immediately.

• Most patients will be discharged after 4:30 pm on the day of their surgery.

Why should I have my pet Spayed or Neutered?

• Spayed or neutered pets live longer and healthier lives
• Behavioral problems such as aggression and inappropriate urination are more likely in pets that have not been spayed or neutered.
• It is a responsible thing to do. Our shelters are filled with unwanted cats and dogs who can not find good homes.
• The risk of serious cancer of the uterus, ovaries, testicles and breast tissue is reduced or eliminated by spaying or neutering your pet
• Rabbits, Rats and other Exotic pets also benefit greatly from spaying or neutering