Surgery Time For Your Pet?

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, are medications that provide pain relief and decrease inflammation at the same time. After a surgery, your veterinarian may prescribe NSAIDs to help keep your pet free from pain.

As with all medications, side effects can occur. If you suspect your pet is having problems with a medication, STOP the medication and CONTACT your veterinarian.

The most commonly seen side effect of NSAID use is a mild softening of your pet’s stools. Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, or bleeding into the digestive tract may occasionally be observed. Other problems can occur but are rare.

To ensure a good outcome for your pet, it is vital to attend all scheduled revisits so that a member of the veterinary team can examine the wound and make sure that it is healing normally. If any abnormality is detected, further treatment may be prescribed early, helping to minimise complications.

A revisit is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions about surgical wound care and also about the ongoing health of your pet.

These few simple points prior to surgery can ensure your animal is prepared.

BEFORE SURGERY, REMEMBER TO:

• Always stick to your vet’s fasting instructions prior to any procedure. This may include sedation, general anaesthetic or surgery.
• Discuss any queries you may have about your pet’s procedure with your veterinarian prior to the procedure.
• Discuss any concerns about your pet’s current or previous illness and how it may affect the anaesthetic or surgery with your veterinarian.
• The veterinarian may require a blood test to be completed to gain more information about the current health of your pet.
• Discuss with your veterinarian any additional procedures which may occur while your pet is anaesthetised:
  • Nail clipping 
  • Grooming
• Prepare a quiet, confined environment for your pet to come home to.

Surgery is often an important component of your vet’s health management plan for your pet. It is a significant decision to undertake any procedure under a general anaesthetic. Completing procedures under anaesthetic allow veterinarians to treat pets safely, calmly and pain free.

Before any medication is given, an examination will occur to ensure that your animal is healthy and fit for an anaesthetic. Medication will be given prior to surgery, this may include sedation and pain relief. This allows your pet to feel calm, making the experience more comfortable.

Anaesthesia is begun by a veterinarian, this requires an injection of a second medication. There is often hair removed on the forearm for this injection to be given into the vein. If your pet is having sterile surgery, the area involved will have the hair removed and be cleaned ready for surgery. This is one method how your vet will minimise the risk of surgery being complicated by infection.

During surgery, your pet will have continuous medication to maintain anaesthesia. This may be through a tube placed into the windpipe. Sometimes this may result in a slight cough due to irritation, this should settle over 48 hours. Your pet will be monitored during the procedure to ensure the anaesthetic is proceeding safely.

After surgery is finished, your pet will be placed in a warm bed in a quiet area to recover. If skin sutures have been required, you will be advised upon their care. Any requirements for revisit examinations or post-operative care will be discussed.

The knowledge and training of both veterinarians and veterinary nurses ensure that your pet’s experience is relaxed and comfortable. Rest easy knowing the veterinary team will care for your pet every step of the way.

After the veterinarian has completed the surgery, there are a few basic things you must do to ensure a good outcome.

AFTER SURGERY, REMEMBER TO:

• Feed only small amounts the night of the anaesthetic.
• Confine your pet in a safe, comfortable and clean environment.
• Prevent your pet from licking or scratching at the wound. An Elizabethan collar can help prevent licking.
• Monitor the wound site.
• A little redness, swelling, and even a small amount of discharge can be expected following surgery.
• Give all medications as prescribed by your vet. Attend all scheduled revisits.
• Most importantly, call your vet if you have any concerns!

Your veterinarian is the trusted professional to meet your pet’s needs. If you and your veterinarian have made the decision for your pet to have an anaesthetic or a surgical procedure, this leaflet contains important information.

Surgery can be a crucial part of maintaining your pet’s health. There are many reasons for your pet to require surgery, the decision is always important. We trust the information contained will help you work with your vet to achieve the best outcome for your pet’s surgery.

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