Recommendations To Increase Surgical Safety
Although we have only a few requirements for surgery, we feel very strongly that a few of the recommendations below are crucial for the safety and
health of your beloved pet both during and after anesthesia. Please consider them carefully and if you have any questions, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to discuss them with you.
Surgery recommendations are as follows:
Pre-Anesthetic Blood work
Depending on the age of your pet, our recommendations may vary.
Pre-Anesthetic Blood work
Depending on the age of your pet, our recommendations may vary.
For all pets (of any age) we highly recommend running a brief profile to ensure that your pet does not have any undetected conditions. For any pet over 7 years of age, this may be a
requirement. We also offer our wellness profile - which is a test we send out prior to surgery. Our wellness testing is a discounted bloodwork package.
What are we testing for?
Since your pet cannot tell us how they are feeling, or may not necessarily present with any signs of illness outwardly, here are some of the things that we can do to find out how your dogs body is functioning.
CBC (complete blood count): A CBC checks platelets, which will tell us if your pet's blood can clot during/after surgery, checks for anemia-low number of red blood cells, checks for your pets ability to fight infection, and checks the oxygen carrying capabilities of the cells.
Kidneys-BUN, CREAT, PHOS: BUN- Blood Urea Nitrogen is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. CREAT-Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism and in excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels of both of these indicate kidney disease, dehydration, and urinary obstruction. Low levels of BUN can also be indicative of liver disease. PHOS-Phosphorus, elevated levels may indicate kidney disease.
Liver-ALKP, ALT, ALB, TBIL: ALKP-Alkaline Phosphate in an enzyme found in the liver and bone. Elevated levels can indicate liver disease or Cushing's disease. ALT-Alanine Aminotransferase-becomes elevated with liver cell injury. ALB-Albumin-Reduced levels of this protein can point to chronic liver, kidney, and inflammatory or intestinal disease. TBIL-Total Bilirubin is a break down product product of hemoglobin and a component of bile. This indicates liver disease and helps determine certain types of anemia.
Pancreas-AMYL: AMYL-Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that aids in digestion. Increased levels of this can indicate pancreatic disease.
Blood Glucose-GLU: High levels can indicate diabetes. Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection, or certain tumors.
Calcium-CA: Increased levels can be seen with parathyroid gland and kidney disease, or as an indicator of certain tumors.
Cholesterol-CHOL: Elevated levels can be seen with hypothyroidism, liver disease, and kidney disease.
Total Protein-TP: This level can indicate many conditions, including dehydration, inflammation, and diseases of the liver, kidney, or intestine.
*WELLNESS PROFILE includes a CBC, a 25 panel organ profile - including advanced kidney testing, and thyroid testing.
Supportive Care During Surgery
Although your pet will already be closely monitored during and after their surgery, there are other things that can be done to be sure that your pet has as close to a flawless recovery as possible.
Subcutaneous Fluids, also known as "Sub Q" fluids, helps the liver and kidneys to filter out the anesthetics after surgery. These fluids go just under the skin and would be given after your pet is under anesthesia before their surgery is performed.
Intravenous Fluids, also known as "IV" fluids, also help the liver and kidneys to filter out the anesthetics after surgery. IV fluids also help to maintain blood pressure and provide instant access to the venous system in an emergency situation.
Pain Medication
Although pain medication is not a requirement for surgery, it is VERY highly recommended. Having an organ/tumor, or any other part incised, or removed, can be extremely painful. Giving them pain medication will help your pet to recover from their surgery by greatly decreasing their discomfort, allowing them to rest easier.
Other Procedures
While your pet is staying with us, we would be happy to update them on any needed vaccines, heartworm and fecal testing, or for cats, feline leukemia and immunodeficiency testing. We can also do ear cleanings, anal gland expressions, micro-chipping, and DNA testing.
We do understand that this can be a lot of information to take in. If you are having a hard time making the decision about what you feel is best for your pet, feel free to call us and we will be happy to help you make your decision.
Supportive Care During Surgery
Although your pet will already be closely monitored during and after their surgery, there are other things that can be done to be sure that your pet has as close to a flawless recovery as possible.
Subcutaneous Fluids, also known as "Sub Q" fluids, helps the liver and kidneys to filter out the anesthetics after surgery. These fluids go just under the skin and would be given after your pet is under anesthesia before their surgery is performed.
Intravenous Fluids, also known as "IV" fluids, also help the liver and kidneys to filter out the anesthetics after surgery. IV fluids also help to maintain blood pressure and provide instant access to the venous system in an emergency situation.
Pain Medication
Although pain medication is not a requirement for surgery, it is VERY highly recommended. Having an organ/tumor, or any other part incised, or removed, can be extremely painful. Giving them pain medication will help your pet to recover from their surgery by greatly decreasing their discomfort, allowing them to rest easier.
Other Procedures
While your pet is staying with us, we would be happy to update them on any needed vaccines, heartworm and fecal testing, or for cats, feline leukemia and immunodeficiency testing. We can also do ear cleanings, anal gland expressions, micro-chipping, and DNA testing.
We do understand that this can be a lot of information to take in. If you are having a hard time making the decision about what you feel is best for your pet, feel free to call us and we will be happy to help you make your decision.
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