Preparing Your Pet For Surgery

Preparing your pet for surgery is stressful, whether it’s orthopedic or something more involved, like abdominal surgery. Although you were emailed written instructions from our Patient Care Coordinator, the process can still feel overwhelming. We’ve broken down the basics to help you plan ahead as much as possible.

The Week Prior

While one week before your pet’s surgery may seem early to start thinking about preparation, the surgeon or anesthesiologist may want to perform additional tests before your pet’s general anesthesia. Bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound, and other diagnostics are vital to the success of your pet’s surgery, as well as his or her overall health. Please make sure to ask ahead of time if you need to complete any of these tests prior to the surgery date.

It is also a good time to determine how you will transport your pet to and from the hospital. We recommend that your pet be transported in a crate or lying down on the seat or floor while an adult parent holds onto it. We don’t want a recovering pet standing up or moving around.

This is also the time to prepare your home for recovery. Getting your dog’s crate or gates set up, moving dishes closer to their bedding, buying his favourite treats so medications are easier to give, are all good preparation steps. You might also want to wash your dog’s bedding to lower the risk of infection.

The squishiest bed may not be the right one for your pet. Fluffy beds make it more difficult for your pet to get in and out. Memory foam covered with a washable blanket provides comfort as well as warmth. You might also want to have an extra blanket handy if you pet likes to be covered.

The Night Before

Write out a list of your pet’s medications and supplements to share with our veterinary team.
Follow a regular exercise routine.

Fasting
In order to minimize the chance of regurgitating undigested food and liquids, your pet needs to have an empty stomach for most procedures. During anesthesia, normal reflexes are suspended, so your pet’s defenses aren’t working. For example, the lungs usually have protection against undigested food, but when your pet is anesthetized, the protective properties don’t work.

For your pet’s safety you may be told to fast (no food or liquids) him/her before surgery.
It is critical that you follow these instructions carefully about fasting and medications; if not, it may be necessary to postpone surgery.

Fasting guidelines:

• Up to 8 hours prior to the scheduled start of your pet’s anesthetic/procedure, your pet may consume any type of meal.
  • For puppies & kittens 8 weeks and younger any type of meal can be offered up to 2 hours prior to the scheduled start of the anesthetic/procedure.
• Up to 1 hour prior to the scheduled start of the anesthetic/procedure your pet may be given free access to water.
• Up to 4 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time oral medications may be administered. They can be given with a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of wet food or pills coated in an edible paste.
• Please contact us for specific instructions if your pet weighs less than 2kg
• Please contact us for specific instructions if your pet has a history of, or is at risk of, regurgitation.

The Morning Of

The most important thing you can do the morning of your dog’s surgery is make sure they do not have access to food. Eating could cause your dog to aspirate during anesthesia, which is potentially life-threatening.

Medications:
Some medications may need to be stopped before surgery. List all medications your pet is taking when you fill out the New Patient Information Form. It is extremely important to discuss all medications your pet is taking with the surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to surgery. The following are general guidelines for some common medications administration prior to anesthesia.

The following medications should be continued as scheduled

• Thyroid medication: thyroid supplement or Methimazole
• Behavioral and pain medications (examples: Carprofen, Meloxicam, Tramadol, Codeine)
• Anti-anxiety medication such as  Trazodone, and Gabapentin
• Cardiac medications: Pimobendan, Furosemide
• Antibiotics
• Steroids
• Gastrointestinal medications (Metoclopramide, Cisapride, Cerenia, Zofran/Ondansetron)

These medications should not be given the day of surgery unless otherwise instructed:

• Antihypertensive medications, especially ACE inhibitors: Enalapril, Benazepril
• Anticoagulants (Examples: Aspirin, Clopidogrel)
• Dietary Supplements (Examples:: Minerals, Vitamins, Herbal and Holistic Supplements)
• CBD and marijuana-based medications

Please plan to arrive on time for your appointment. We ask that you confirm with our team that they have the correct phone number for you. This will enable us to reach you in case we have any updates or questions. We will also use this number to let you know when it is time to pick up your pet.
Stay calm and relaxed while dropping off your pet. You can rest assured that our nurses will take excellent care of your pet until he or she is ready to be discharged from our hospital.

Your pet is housed in a warm, safe area with snugly blankets. The lights are lowered and noise kept to a minimum.

• Always use an E-collar or Lick Sleeve to prevent your pet from damaging the incision and causing infection. E-collars typically must be worn for a full 2 weeks.
• Minimize discomfort by giving pain medication as directed by the surgeon. To avoid nausea, do not give these medicines on an empty stomach. Use small treats or paste-like foods to help.
• Our team will provide written discharge instructions with additional guidance.

I Still Have Questions – Now What?

Should you have questions, do not hesitate to call or email our team for more information.